Marine Paralyzed In Iraq Walks Again After 15 Years In Wheelchair

Dec 06, 2019 by apost team

Our veterans served in the most difficult circumstances. Many came home with serious injuries. These disabilities sometimes become the source of inspiration for thousands of people around the nation. 

James Crosby is one veteran who fought a personal battle at home following his service in Iraq. His success story serves as a reminder to us all. Overcoming these kinds of obstacles in life takes great effort, and there are no guarantees. This makes Crosby's story all the more amazing.

The year was 2004. Crosby was serving in Iraq when three rockets hit his position. He was lucky to survive.

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According to Lowell Sun, the injuries he sustained left him paralyzed. Living in a wheelchair presented Crosby with challenges and opportunities. With determination and perseverance, Crosby found help in Senator John Rockefeller. They created a bill that became law in 2015. It provides financial support for veterans who need help recovering from the devastating wounds they experience as servicemen and servicewomen. Crosby had made huge gains in building support for vets like himself, but he wasn't finished.

Adaptive Training Foundation, or AFT, is a specialized rehabilitation facility. Here, people work through the physical and mental blocks that prevent them from achieving deeper healing. Crosby attended their program.

During that time, he balanced on exercise balls and practiced using his legs in an anti-gravity treadmill. He experienced intense support from professionals who knew how to bring out the best in him. At the end of the program, Crosby walked with the help of a walker to the podium. He celebrated his graduation and shared some words. It had been fifteen years since he had last walked.

Crosby listened to his friends praise his strength, courage, and authenticity. When it was his turn to speak, the first thing he mentioned was love. Love is the "biggest thing" that matters, Crosby said. It is the most powerful force that you will ever feel. He also told his listeners that we have more control over our lives than we realize.

You can learn more about James Crosby's story here. Listen to his powerful words, and reflect on how they apply to your life. Let us know how love inspires you.