I had the humbling opportunity of hunting with some disabled veterans recently. I periodically experience neck and back pain and arm/hand numbness while hunting as a result of being hit by a drunk driver nearly two years ago. Although my pain (especially the tingling) affects my hunts, my ailments can’t compare to the wounds suffered by these Iraq and Afghanistan war vets.
Using these vets as an example, I deal with my injuries without much complaining. I know that the injuries from my car accident will continue to cause me discomfort, but I won’t let a drunk driver ruin my desire to do what I love. These disabled vets have every reason to sit home in front of the television, but instead, they choose to continue their hunting.
Whenever I feel like complaining about my ailments, I think of them and the sacrifices they made for each of us in the United States of America. Quickly, my ailments seem trivial.