Paul “Bear” Bryant, born on September 11, 1913, once said, “It’s not the will to win that matters; everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” September 11, 2001, will forever be remembered as one of our country’s worst tragedies; however, on September 11, 1983, I experienced my own tragedy. On that day, I suffered a spinal cord injury during a football game. I dislocated three vertebrae in my neck, and was told I would never walk again and could be permanently paralyzed from the neck down. Today, twenty-two years later, I am confined to a wheelchair.

I wasn’t a Christian at that time. I knew there was a God but had difficulty trusting in Him. However, after years of depression and meditating on my losses, I started concentrating on the blessings I have and focusing on my future. I now believe God had a good purpose for my injury, which was to bring me close to Him. I don’t understand everything, but I see the big picture. I came to know and have a personal relationship with Christ. I have since discovered several reasons for my ability to overcome this obstacle in my life. Before I was born, God knew what I would face and prepared me for it. Coaches must have perseverance and a positive attitude in order to succeed, and my tragedy has enabled both. I thank God for His presence in my life, and for His provision of my family and close friends.