May, 2008 - Shawn's Journey - A Long Road Back

Some of you may have noticed a handsome young man who recently joined our group classes.  His name is Shawn Morrison, he is 23 years old.  What you may not know is that Shawn was a stunt motorcycle rider prior to an auto accident that left him clinging to life by a thread for many months.         Stuntman Shawn Shawn's life has obviously changed dramatically since the accident. The following is an excerpt from a recent interview with Shawn. How has life changed for you since your accident? I have so much more patience now. I care more about other people; I consider other people's needs more now then I ever did.  I use to think of myself as a good person but I realize now that I wasn't so good.  I did whatever I wanted to do.  I did not care about anyone or anything else. What do you find to be the most difficult as well as the most comforting thing for yourself now? The most difficult for me now is doing any activity, like getting up to get a drink of water.  I took it for granted before, the 20 seconds it took to perform that task.  Now any task is a major production.  I never would have ever thought about this before. The most comforting thing is  the accident has brought me much closer to my dad.  We use to talk prior to the accident but our relationship has become so much closer now. My dad "stepped up" and has asked me to come live with him.  We talk so much more now, he is there for me in ways I never imagined he could be.  He is truly my best friend. Shawn and his dad, Paul How did you feel when Clarke Inghram approved you to be the recipient of Geisha and donated her to you for Service Dog training at no cost to you? Honestly, I could not believe it.  In the past if I did not have bad luck I would have had no luck at all.  There was a period in my recovery when I was very depressed.  I did not see any point in living anymore.  I feel differently now.  It seems as though my life has done a 180 degree turn for the better.  It took only 5 minutes with Geisha to know that she was the one for me.  I've been working with Geisha for a few weeks.  Geisha motivates me to get up and walk, and do the work that I need to do to move forward with my life.  We have a long way to go. I am ready & willing to do the necessary work.   Shawn and Geisha If you would like to help Sit N Stay to help Shawn with his journey please consider contributing monetarily to defray the costs of obtaining the necessary licenses and equipment  for Shawn and Geisha. Please see Shalli or one of the trainers for additional information. Thank you.