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Embracing Setbacks...

Tuesday, 30 October 2018 23:10

By Bonnie Gagnon

“Can I touch it?” I asked my friend Adam. I had never seen a prosthetic leg this up-close and I was genuinely curious as to what it felt like.

“Absolutely,” he beamed.

Then he took off his leg and handed it to me.

I met Adam Warden in 2009 when we were racing triathlons. By 2012 both of us had jetted off in every direction that outdoor activities could take us. Adam has always been passionate about adventure. So passionate that on October 14th he competed in the Paratriathlon Word Cup. He kicks my butt.

The prosthetic leg was lighter than I thought it would be – it was made of carbon fiber and built to last. He also has a Blade for when he runs and races - he pulled it out of his car and let me check it out as well. Crazy impressive technology.

It was almost surreal seeing Adam standing there in my living room. He was fit, smiling ear to ear and exuded a confidence that was deeper than ever. I asked him for his autograph which elicited a hearty laugh and a bear hug. In July of 2016, Adam underwent amputation surgery due to what he calls a tree allergy – “Allergic to having them fall on me!” On June 23, 2013 he had initially undergone surgery after a tree fell on him, breaking his back, several ribs and nearly amputating his left foot. The doctors...

were unsure if they could save his foot, much less if he would be able to use it. After three years of setbacks and surgeries, the decision was made to go for a permanent solution. Determined from the moment he opened his eyes post-surgery to continue to live his life the way he wants to, he still waterskies, fishes, participated in the Wounded Warriors vs NFL Alumni football game, completed countless triathlons, and runs around the country helping other para-athletes delivering the message that no matter what happens to you there is a very bright future waiting for you if you just take hold of it.

“What are your plans for the future, Adam?”

“Continuing racing triathlons with Team USA, finish another Ironman, finish a 100-mile trail race, continue coaching track, swimming and rock climbing and other sports to kids with disabilities.”

“If you had a choice to make – to go back to living your life the way it was before the amputation, or have your life the way it is now – which would you choose?”

He twirled the question around in his mind, searching his thoughts and experiences, mulling over each option.

“I can’t say that I would go back. To be honest, and I know this might sound hard to believe, I am happier now. I wouldn’t go back.”

When I asked Adam what he would like to share with others he said:

“Life is full of things that happen outside of our control. The only thing we have any say in is how we choose to deal with them. Embrace the setbacks in your life as a chance to see things from a different point of view and as a new set of challenges to take on. Also, don’t accept that there is anything you’re not able to do. No one gets to tell you what you can and can’t do except for you. (Except the doctor – they get to weigh in a little bit on things you maybe shouldn’t try.)”

Adam and I went outside, and I watched him easily hoist the kayak I just bought off of him down from the roof of his SUV. He gave me his best kayaking tips and made sure I had a life vest and paddles to complete the ensemble. As I watched him drive away I couldn’t help but feel that my life is enriched by this amazing human being that truly understands what it means to live life to the fullest. Thank you for being all that you are, Adam. You constantly inspire me.