A Blending of Technology and the Human Spirit
Technology enables us to do some pretty amazing things. The human spirit can as well.
When there is the will, and determination, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.
Such is the story of these 4 young athletes.
Just consider, if you can even imagine, what you see before you!!
I suspect we all take our mobility for granted. We can walk, or run, wherever we want. We can hike through beautiful forests or up the sides of mountains, take leisurely strolls with a loved one along the beach in the sunset.
We go shopping, out for dinner, on art walks, to fairs and festivals. We play yard games with our friends and family. We take a child to school, walk a daughter down the aisle.
Imagine, if it's possible, all this we take for granted, and give little thought to, ripped from our lives by some horrible accident or disease.
Imagine a major part of your body, your anchor to the earth, your ability to go wherever you want and whenever you wish, gone forever.
These 4 young athletes have lived through just that.
They no longer have to imagine what it would be like, but live it everyday, the mobile lives they gave little thought to, altered forever. And perhaps as athletes, the loss of that mobility was even more devastating.
Thanks to amazing technology, and the will to overcome life's challenges, these 4 athletes can again run walk, ride bicycles, ski, swim, and so much more. They are anchored to the earth again, by technology and human spirit.
The story behind this photo is this - the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), holds an annual event, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, in La Jolla. The event is open to all, physically challenged and able boded, to raise funds to support CAF. I attended this event a couple of years ago, not as participant, but as observer and supporter. It is through CAF that athletes such as these can again have what we all give no thought to, as well as live their dream of athletic competition.
I wish I could truly convey what seeing this event, and athletes such as those you see before you, meant to me, and what it says about the human spirit in the face of significant challenge.
Perhaps the photo says it all.
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Wow, I will never complain again when I am exercising! It is truly amazing what people can do when they put their mind to it
Spectacular story Jeff. And a true testament to perseverance and determination that these 4 athletes surely possess.
Good Morning Jeff, A true inspirational story of overcoming one of Life's most difficult challenges. It furthers the truism that all things are possible if you can believe they are. Wonderful Photo Story Jeff!
Jeff,
That is a great article. The photo, on my screen, showed their upper bodies so, when I scrolled down, I was really surprised and it really got your point across.
That's amazing, Jeff. A few short years ago these young athletes would have been confined to wheelchairs.
Jeff ~ The Photo Does say it all ~ How spectacular technolgy is ~
Jeff, A great photo you shared. An inspiration.
What an inspiration those kids are. Wish them well
Jeff it is amazing the heart and determination that these athletes show, and what they are able to accomplish.
Bob - I had the same reaction. We cannot even begin to comprehend.
Craig - indeed. I was incredibly impressed.
William - It means aklot to share this story, too. I was so moved by what I saw, and there are so many who are in this situation. And, sadly, so many who have not been able to take advantage of some of the prosthetic equipment out there.
Jeff
These atheletes are amazing. I was using a laptop and like Steven, didn't see the prosthetics at first. Its amazing what can be done these days. The differences between the prosthetics is quite something as well - which is probably a story in and of itself.
Jeff - You have chosen a great topic and have captured a wonderful photo to illustrate an inspiring story.
Jeff, the human spirit can't be broken. These people may have been down, but not out. They are a true testament to the power of survival and positive thinking. Thanks for sharing this story.
Hi Jeff...Why does it not surprise me one bit that you're story would be so powerful. Life is wonderful and these four young athletes know it and live it.
Thank you.
Kate
Jeff - that is a great picture showing how they overcome the disability. With technology these day, we can achieve what once was a dream.
Steven - well that was not intended, of course, but interesting how it worked out.
Cynthia - and sadly there are many who do not have the access to these devices.
Frank and Karen - and it was pretty amazing to see it in action.
Nona - it was a momentous day for me to see all these challenged athletes in action.
Jeff
Inspring picture and story Jeff. These young people are amazing - to live through the heartache of losing limbs and then to find the strength to set new goals and acheive them makes me think I'm spoiled. I needed this picture, to remind me to take time to appreciate the little things I take for granted. Thank you.
Amazing! If I ever lose my legs (and I hope not to) I'm totally going to get some of those and keep active. Love their spirit! Great shot! Thanks!
Jeff, this pulled at my heart strings. How wonderful that our technology allows the ability to achieve greatness with such odds against them. Awesome photoblog.
What a very thoughtful post to accompany a profound image of beating all odds and overcoming their disabilities. When I see such an inspiriing photo and story ...I am humbled and thrust all my complaints aside.
Jeff- Such an inspirational story and photo, it reminders me that my "problems" for the most part are of the luxury varity and I should be much more greatful for all the blessings in my life. We all can learn a lesson from these extraordinary people who have risen to the occasion and met life on life's terms and persevered. Thanks for sharing their inspiring story!
Jeff~
You have that eye that reveals what others may fail to see...thank you for the photo and the story.
Simply an amazing and inspirational photo. Congratulations on winning the photo contest.
Congrats Jeff, great entry and wonderful photograph. A true winner on both counts!
Inspiring photo, really needs no words, congrats on 1st place.
Congratulations on your 1st place win Jeff. Here is the first place ribbon that you can place on your entry. It will be featured later today. Save the image on your desk top, edit the post and add the ribbon image so all can it. Congratulations again, well deserved!
Hi Jeff,
Congrats on winning the contest, very deserving, awesome and inspring shot, and people wow.
Jeff ~ Congratulations on your first place win ~ The most touching photo I have ever seen in my life with an even more touching story to share ~
Beauty and inspiration at its best! congrats!
AN amazing photo and an amazing story about AMAZING people! Congratulations on a job WELL DONE!!!
AMazing how people work with these artificial limbs and do so well with them.
Thanks for sharing.
Patricia/Seacoast NH & ME
Jeff, congrats on winning the contest - and, yes, the photo does say it all. Awesome!!!
Hi Jeff! WOW, what a heartwarming story and a great photo also! CONGRATULATIONS on the win--not only a wonderful shot but, something to remind us that tenacity and attitude can help us conquer anything in our way of a sense of accomplishment. As you know, Ray (my husband) is a quadriplegic and what motivates him and others like him is such an admirable, inspiring quality. I always wonder if I possess that same quality should something life-changing like Ray and these young folks do!
Congratulations again, Jeff! WELL-deserved!
What a wonderful event. It must be amazing to see. And, congrats on the contest. Well deserved.
I scrolled down the page, saw the whole pic...it took my breath away! Awsome pic, congratulations!
Jeff.....CONGRATS on the post....you deserve it....great job!
Hope you had a great day!!!---Rob
Hi Jeff- this is a great photo and these atheletes are amazing with their ability to overcome disability with ability. Congrats on the post!
So beautiful. THANK YOU for sharing this amazing pic!
When you begin to wonder just what this world is coming to... just take a look at these guys! Great Pic and story. Congratulations on your First Place win!!!
Wow, That puts everything in to perspective. Congrats on winning the contest and Congrats to these 4 young athletes.
Just thinking about what they accomplished is something else, very impressive and extremely inspirational.
Hi Jeff..A worthy winner!
Kate
The photo does say it all. It actually took longer than usual for it to load on my screen so I saw them from the waist up first for several seconds... I never imagined they were any different from other athletes. Their perseverence and spirit is truly inspiring and does put our own trials into perspective. A great message.
Gretchen
Great story I will share with my friends. Yes a person can win if they do not give up.
Jeff...
The photo really does say it all! Congratulations on winning the contest with this very inspirational post.
Wow! Wonderful picture and story and I see why you won! Congratulations!
Hi Jeff, Wow, tremendously uplifting story. Congrats on the photoblogger contest !
This picture and story is definatily a winner. Great job!
Congratulations on being a true winner. This photo and your words are a true inspiration to all. I am so proud that this entry won first place!! Well deserved!
Margaret
I love these stories of inspiratiion! I try to remember to be thankful everyday for all that I have, including my health. I admire people who have overcome such great challenges and continue to succeed on many levels. Great post, especially as an early morning, start the day kind of read :) Have a great day!
Congrats Jeff.. i missed this one before but it is such a moving post & story...
What a great inspiration!
Congratulations on the contest win, but more importantly...AWESOME picture! Love the spirit that comes through! I was lucky to witness a skiing event of similarly handicapped soldiers from Vietnam back in the 60's. Never ever forgot it. A life changing experience.
Jeff: Incredibly inspirational. A blog/photo like this can help and inspire so many different people, with or without legs! Thank you for this inspiration Jeff.
Congratulations on the photo contest! I really love this photo! It is a great reminder that if we have determination, hope, the right attitude and tools,we can overcome just about any obstacle and succeed!
Thanks for all the compliments. I wrote a long comment before but somehow it disappeared...hmm, another AR gremlin?
This was a powerful, inspiring event and having this photo brings back such amazing memories. I am honored that so many have felt the power and spirit of these young athletes.
Jeff
Yep...I see why you were selected...and no I cannot imagine and yes they are truly inspiring! Thanks for all you share on AR!
Jeff ~ you were right. Your photo said it all. But thanks for the backdrop story.
Congrat's on winning for this...I can see why. Very moving.
Jeff, congrat on your win. What a powerful story that photo tells. It definitely serves to shake us all into appreciating what we have and sends the message "If there is a will, there is a way" out, loud and clear.
Jeff, congratulations on winning this contest and well deserved....the picture says it all.
Jeff, congratulations on winning the contest but sharing this awesome heartwarming story. A pretty powerful photo says alot with some well chosen words.
Jeff,
I am really moved by the pictures and the accompanying story. We do tend to take many things for granted and the powerful story and picture like yours make us realize how truly blessed we are and LIFE IS GOOD.
Jeff,
CONGRATULATIONS on the winning photo and story. This is a heartfelt story that won't be forgotten. The judges made the right choice and you truly deserve this recognition! This photo and story has to be just the beginning of more great things to come and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person in the RAIN!
Patricia
Jeff, this photo does say it all. Wow, I'm speechless and can see why you won the contest. What a tribute to the human spirit and so inspirational.
Sharon
Very inspiring and humbling, as well. Yes, your picture tells the story so well - good job!
Hi Jeff...congratulations for Winning the Contest and being Featured! Your story hits a nerve I'm sure with many, I see and hear people says I'm too tired...to go. If they knew what's like to be less a limb the motivation I'm sure would be like these young kids.
Jeff - Congratulations! What a touching story about human perseverance. With the right attitude and tools, we can do anything.
Congratulations on your photo for the photoBlogger contest.
Hi Jeff, Congrats on the PhotoBlogger contest 1st place....very inspiring photo, it should make the average joe inside us all feel like an idiot if we ever complained about getting out of bed in the morning.
Wow Jeff, This is an amazing photo of true survival and thriving in the face of adversity. I am training for a tri and my knees hurt, my back hurts, I can't breathe, I am not where I want to be physically and I have been frustrated. This photo makes me realize I have nothing to complain about. I would love a copy so I can blow it up and look at it every day I feel less than. It will help me to be grateful for all my aches and pains! Congratulations on the well-deserved win.
Maryland Mortgage Mama
When I read blog posts like yours Jeff, I know I really should not complain about anything, and consider my blessing.
Jeff, what an incredible photo! And it does say it all!!! The courage and fortitue they have to keep going and not give up on life and what they love.
Amazing and inspiring! Great picture for all of us to think about.
Jeff-Congratulations on your 1st place prize in the contest. A much deserved victory! Incredible photo and an incredible tale of courage. We can all learn from these young ppl so thank you for sharing!
Congratulations on your well deserved first place Jeff. This photo will forever be a reminder to me to quit whining!! What amazing people.
I am going to show this my kids and tell them next time they feel tired during a game, etc... to picture these brave athletes. This was powerful to me because when I first opened the photo I didn't get it because it only showed the top half. Then I scrolled down- Wow! Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Jeff - You know, that is one of those things that we really never think about unless we see someone that is missing a limb or a portion of a limb. That these young people have mastered the use of their new limbs is an inspiration for all of us! Thank you for sharing this photo and blog post! It shows what determination and a positive attitude can achieve.
Wow says it all. They sure are examples we could all learn from. Thanks.
Very inspiring Jeff! Many people never stops complaining but seeing this photo is one big thing of appreciating every blessing we have and be able to share them. Thank you for sharing this great article!
Inspiring, thank you for sharing :)
Incredible! And... yes... the photo says it all!
Wow you just have to really be in awe of these young people. Great Kodak moment.
Congratulations Jeff!! My father was an amputee, and had those old-fashioned wooden legs. It never stopped him, and he was an avid swimmer. Your photo reminds me of fortitude and the amazing human spirit and what makes up a person's soul!
Jeff -Truly an inspiring photo and certainly the clear cut winner in this contest. Amazing what technology has done for people. Very touching Jeff. You've outdone yourself on this one. Congrats
Inspiring. Makes me want to go out and jog
Thank you for sharing this Jeff. The indomitable human spirit when used nobly and purely is awe inspiring.
Nice. I like to see someone unafraid to post something that may be unconscionable to most.
Good for you. Atta boy.
Great entry Jeff. This photo is awesome and congrats on the feature as well.
Jeff: Beautifully written and illustrated. You deserved to win top honors with this Photoblogger post. Congrats!
Congratulations Jeff. How inspiring it is to see these UNDEFEATED athletes. There are many lessons in this photograph.
Thank you all, again, for the wonderful comments. There is just not enough time to personally write a thank to each of you but know that your thougths are much appreciated. It was a very meaningful event and I am so glad I was able to preserve it with this photo.
Jeff
❦ Jeff, what a beautiful and inspirational story and image! I am thrilled that you won 1st place with this post in the Photobloggers challenge. Very deserving. It just exemplifies the truly giving person that YOU are!
Pamela
Jeff, can't believe what I see! Should this be a picture for 'Wordless Wednesday' or 'Speechless Sunday'? I am wordless and speechless after looking at it!
(And we complain about the shoe size and what not...)
Congratulations on your win, Jeff - and thank you for an inspiring story!