“I don’t know if you will ever walk again, Lynn”

​ Five years ago these were the words I heard. I was paralyzed from head to toe, placed in a medically induced coma and ventilated. After coming out of ICU for the second time and being weaned off life support I didn’t want to hear this grim statement.

My physiotherapists were as determined as I was, probably more.  They worked with me through the painful rehabilitation process. I have so much respect and gratitude for them!  I progressed from sitting to standing, and then from the wheelchair to the walker. And finally walking!

After an extensive hospital stay I was ready to be transitioned home. My husband took me to physio, family and friends came for short visits and offered words of encouragement. Even my massage therapist came to help ease my pain and work on my flexibility. She was a God send.

​When I could walk independently I moved back to our farm. I could drive now and take myself to physio and doctor appointments. For the next 2 years I worked very hard to recuperate everything I could, challenging myself to relearn to ride a horse again, swim and bike.

​​Last year my daughter Emily, said “Mom, why don’t we do the Rocky Mountain Soap Race?”  I had not relearned to run yet, but responded with “well, why not?!” My trainer had me running and improving my time before I knew it. Emily, Erin, (another daughter) and I entered our first ever Rocky Mountain Soap Race!

What happened to me was devastating, but with the help of family, friends and faith I got through it. I live with residual problems but strive to maintain what I recovered. I will never take a moment of joy for granted or miss an opportunity to achieve something new.

My hope is to encourage you to work hard to conquer your goals-even if they seem too hard! You can do it!
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I look forward to this year’s Rocky Mountain Soap Race with yet another daughter, Carla. I am so blessed to get to do this amazing race with all my girls! See you in May!

- Lynn Steeves

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