I Didn’t Want to Live 

I broke my neck in 1979, i was 17. Wow it is been 45 years ago. I still have moments when i can't help but wonder what my life would have been without my injury. Looking back on all that i have accomplished since my injury and all the wonderful moments i have experienced I find it hard to believe that i could have done more even though had to do it with a body that made everything more difficult. I too was an athlete and i miss waxing my buddies on the basketball floor or running down a beach in my bare feet in the sand. Ultimately i have learned these are not the experiences that define us. They simply enhance this life experience. Your bravery and courage is off the charts. You have made me a little ashamed of myself because i could never do what you do. I could never film my struggles and share it with the world. In fact i never talk about it except with my closes friends. When you are in your 60's and you are looking back on your life and your babies have babies and you think about all the wonderful things you have experienced and accomplished in your life you will see that these things you mourn over Ultimately just were not that important. You will be an amazing father and a wonderful example of what a real man really is. You will pass your courage and strength to your children and they too will be amazing. I wish i could meet them. YOU ARE A MONSTER MY FRIEND YOU ARE HUGE AND YOUR INJURY WILL NEVER CHANGE THAT. BE BLESSED !! Charisma you are a beautiful and charming he is lucky to have you. my girl is a planner as well it is a wonderful quality..

Cole was an active athlete and very young when he became a quadriplegic. His anger and depression is understandable. His outlook on life is very inspirational. This was so emotionally raw but his message so heartfelt and honest.

Cole showing his raw emotion over the mourning of life before the injury is such an eye opener and for anyone it shows you it’s an on going journey. Thank you for being so brave to share it.

I don't think you realize how much you are helping people when you discuss these things on this level. Bless you both and your incredible journey.

Grief has no expiration date. Thank you Cole for openly showing that & explaining how your mind & life changes, but your grief is still there, it changed as you changed.

Man, this is probably one of the most real and vulnerable videos I’ve ever watched and I have to say I think a lot of people will benefit greatly from this. I was born disabled and I even go through situations like you described even to this day. Seeing this video has really helped me to see that it’s ok to have these feelings. I can’t thank you guys enough for opening up so much and sharing this with us.

The way Cole was looking at Carisma, when she was talking about getting to know Cole when they first met was so beautiful. 💗 You two are so sweet. Thank you for sharing.

Geez I cried when I saw Cole being so emotional talking about his former self before his accident. Horrible accident that changed his life . But you have a beautiful outlook on life and wife who loves you for you. Your determination is inspirational to many.

Its ok. Not to be ok.. we all have our struggles 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Love this so much. Made me cry. So many real truths in this video. When Dan was in the hospital after his injury, he searched online for ANYTHING to give him hope and found nothing. So so so thankful that so many of us are getting positivity out there for people to cling to in their darkest days… like you said, WHEN THEY’RE READY! We love you guys. ❤❤❤

I think my biggest take away from this video is to never assume what someone needs. Thank you for sharing! You guys are such a lovely couple 🫶🏼

I went through a similar situation with my sci injury. It hurts to sit in a chair for more than 5 min, so I lay in bed instead of sitting. Some days I just don't want to get up. But I watch these videos, and it motivates me to get out of bed and be productive.

Thank you both for being honest! Grief never goes away, no matter what we're grieving. It's learning to live with that grief and how to live a new way.

I don't have a physical disability but more mentally, after losing my son but you're helping me and I'm so grateful you are sharing your life. You have done more in life with your disability than I've done in my years on earth.

It's okay to cry Cole. You've also gained everything back- your life, your wife, your family, your faith, your subscribers, and your acting career. I sometimes feel this way while fighting and winning depression but the important fact still stands- WE'RE WINNING!

Feel what ever you need to feel Cole whenever you need too. You are walking in your shoes. Walk in them your way on your terms.

They are so in love it is palatable. The adoration and respect they have for each other is obvious.

Love and respect to Charisma for letting Cole 'ride' his mourning' moment without interfering or interjecting but by just offering if he needed more time. This shows how much she loves and understands Cole. This was a vulnerable but powerful and wonderful moment. A very informative video. Love and God's blessings to you both ❣️.

Having encountered drastic health changes and decline the last few years, and while being so young, it really hit home when you said you mourn your able bodied self. It’s something I have found people can find hard to understand but my goodness did you make so much sense to me. It helps to hear that it isn’t an abnormal process to go through. Thank you so much for this video ❤

So many prayers for you both!

Cole, I do not have adequate words for how you make people feel. You make us feel lighter, more free to live in our truths. Thank you for telling us how we can truly help others. You are a light.

As I listened to you share your experiences I felt paraIlels with losing my husband Mike to cancer almost seven years ago. People, with good intentions, tried to use religion or activities, etc.in order to help me to "move on" or to "move forward". I didn't want to hear ANY of it! I was too filled with unbelievable grief, anger and the loss of the life I thought we should have had together to listen to them. You and Charisma have built a wonderful life and have found joy, as I have, but the grief is always going to be there and ambush you now and again, like it did in this video. The important thing is to try, every day, to take steps to move forward with positivity. I work on that each and every day, as I'm sure you do. Wishing you an abundant life filled with love and more happy days than sad ones. ♥

Your video brought me to tears I’m a quad myself, and your very lucky the support u have I have a big family and no one ever helped me or offered a helping hand they kinda just forgot about me , my wife was left with dealing with making me ramps and remodeling the room with watever skills she had She’s my biggest support and I love her for it. I’m grateful for her. All I ever got was stay strong aswell and you will be ok and I didn’t wanna hear it I wish they would offer to help my wife with revocations or just anything . I feel u cole I’m a c7 quad just 1 year in. Love your content your AWSOME

Cole you are spot on when you said it’s up to the individual when they are ready to open up about their disability! It’s been hard for me to go from being an able bodied person to now disabled! I’m still learning what I can and cannot do! My family has been my biggest supporters! I will keep praying for you and I ❤❤❤❤

Show those emotions my friends 💛 We're here for the journey y'all are on..the good and the bad!! Much love to you both... Cole I loveeee the way you look at Charisma every single video I watch ❤️‍🔥 BEAUTIFUL...

Cole, I’ve not been injured, but I’ve been disabled with spina bifida since birth. I feel every emotion you talked about, and absolutely agree with everything you and Charisma said. It’s a REAL struggle some days to keep going. Just want to thank you both for this, and for your honesty.

As a caregiver, this first hand experience really helps me to be more compassionate and hopefully a better person. Love these videos, love y'all's love. 💕

As a quad that has been in a chair for 29 yrs in less than two more months... I still remember about who I was before I was injured and who I am today..... It still hurts to think of where I might have been or where I could have gone before I got hurt but.. I go and watch rodeos & watch football and other sports and yes it hurts to know I cannot do those sports anymore..... But I DID them & those memories make me smile & those memories can NEVER be taken for you... Being in a chair is a kinda like a steps process... we go through different stages along the way... Do I miss who I was before I got hurt? Yes... Do I wish I could go back & be able bodied and having that life back?? Honestly No I do not.. I have come a long ways since that horrific day but It made me the man I am now.... I would NEVER change that for anything in the world

My nephew was hurt playing football in high school. He is now a Quad as well. It took a while for him to get his drive back but he is now a driving force to kids coming behind him. You are such an inspiration not only for quads but for those of us who have loved ones that have had Sci's as well. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have not suffered near what you guys have so you encourage me as well.. Stay encouraged both of you and continue your positive journey.... Oh and P. S. I love your love. You guys are simply adorably beautiful.

You are such a positive person. Thank you for being so authentic. You are truly helping so many. The life you have built with your wife, you are showing the world that things do not have to be perfect. You can live happily ever after. You are a teacher and a guide. You are a lightworker. You are a true gift to so many. Thank you for your guidance. You are right, you don't need help, you are a guide. What a gift. Perfect Match!

I remember when you 2 started dating and how as a man you learned how to let Charisma help you. You guys were so cute and it was great watching you grow up, start dating, getting married I love you guys.

Right on Cole... grieving is important. My mobility has changed and I have CP and it's really difficult to accept. I've lost a lot of Independence. I'm trying to find someone new to help me with personal things that used to be able to do. thanks for validating the grieving process. This is a great video. also about the dating when I've been on speed-dating things everybody always focuses on my chair. Cole, I'm actually a licensed therapist I'm trying to find ways I can use my skills and not feel like I'm under major pressure because I process things slower and differently. When I got my license I didn't know how difficult it was going to be to use it in the way that I want to.

These videos are so important. It’s easy for able bodied people to say “be positive” “it will work out”. Us able bodied people need to read the situation and not just dismiss our loved ones emotions to make us feel better just because it hurts us to see them go through it. ❤

Evolve in a dramatic way, what a powerful statement!

You two are a blessing I've been sad and depressed almost all day, you guys cheered me up! I would love to love like yours ❤️ no matter the person everyone deserve to be wanted respected and Loved , my children's father was a quadriplegic he lived for 11 years I understand!!

Dear Cole, you are amazing!!! Its ok.... tears You are very strong, we love YOU!!!!!!!!!

Cole it’s ok to cry, I’ve been injured 36 yrs and I still do at times. Sometimes I feel you do get over your injury you just become able to deal with it!

Cole and Charisma I’m so glad that you talked about this subject. Many people don’t understand how to deal with it. You both are rockstars. You both are such amazing people. Keep up the great work god bless

Cole is the most real person I have ever seen Simply love these two

Sending you Cole my warmest hug. You are one of the bravest people I know. Watching you thrive under the circumstances has made me get out of my depression and try to live each day to the fullest. My battle is colon cancer, many a times I wanted to give up n didn’t see the point of living with all the unknowns. You have been one of those people whom I admire and grateful for. N having someone like Charisma is more than a blessing. Because there are many people who do not have anybody there to cheer them on. I wish both of you the best in life and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🤗

I love the man you are today Cole, so wise and present always!

Gosh, I cry when you cry Cole. I don't even know you 2 but I feel like you're my family. God bless 🙌 🙏

Thank you Cole for letting people know how the person feels. I woke from a coma and could only move my head. My husband asked me did I want visitors in the ICU and I said no because I didn't want to entain people, or have a dog and pony show. Just t0o damn tired. I went to rehab at Sheltering arms and people don't realize how tiring and hard it was to work out 3 hours a day. You hit the point when you said you are in survival mode , making small goals for yourself. I had PTSD big time when I went home and was able to do things again. Suddenly the whole trauma came crashing down because your are NOT now in survival mode. It was similar to soldier coming home after surviving a war. Also I suddenly realized like you said it's not just you but the whole family that went through the event, rehab, took care of you etc. My husband can not talk of that time even 5 years later.

Thank you both for 'going there.' Thank you for giving me the words to say when i want to help so that I can be a blessing and not a burden. We appreciate you both. ❤️

I’ve had to watch this twice, because I felt it for Cole and couldn’t help but cry too. Your strength Cole is your honesty and yes you have the right to feel emotional given what you went through and still going through it. But wow, I admire your tenacity, humanity and your strength in living your life to the fullest. Charisma is remarkable as your support, your wife, friend, confidante etc, etc. Keep smiling, because it’s so infectious when you do. ❤

Loss, of any kind, is not a journey with an end. It is a never ending path with twists and turns. Sometimes we need to guide people along the path, sometimes we need to follow people on their path and sometimes we need to carry people along the path. Bless those who walk the journey with those suffering loss, for we all will be there some day.

I totally get this. I’ve had health problems and because they’re “invisible” I’ve had struggles from internalizing people telling me “You don’t look sick…” and so for a while, I refused to admit that my body and brain were doing different things. Seeing you guys live life is so encouraging and seeing the ups and downs let’s me know that that is a part of life and new chapters. You’re appreciated!!! Cyber ((((HUGS))))❤

I feel your pain and I’m crying with you. 30 years ago, my mom was driving to work and got in the middle of a police chase. The drunk driver hit her and she lived as a C5 paraplegic for 15 years. She had total nursing care, she was paralyzed from the neck down. Cole, you are blessed, you can get around and Charisma assists you when needed. My mom died in 2004 of pneumonia, she drowned, the nurses couldn’t help her clear her lungs, she request DNR. I like to watch how you transport yourself and you have the best support to reach higher levels. I’m soo happy for you and Charisma.

Charism, you are so thoughtful, smart, deep thinking, beautiful, and so supportive! Cole is a lucky man to have found you! I admire and respect you both so much!!! Thank you for sharing this. You never know when life may turn, and this is a strong foundation for many many people to think about and try to understand even well before they may need it!

Your raw emotion and transparency are a blessing to me. Thank you for allowing your story to bless others!

what a gift you have provided in this video. C&C, thank you for your words of wisdom, tears of emotion, and sharing your life long experience. I am the lead board certified trauma chaplain at a level 1 trauma center (In fact, I did my training at VCU). i work with trauma patients and families and witness everything you are sharing here. I am so glad you talked about your grief and the distress you felt just after the trauma. My trauma patients will have families and friends who come to the hospital and say "you're going to be great. don't think about it. no reason to grieve. you'll be great!" They are not allowing the grief to have it's time. And, as far as how to help, what poignant words and counsel you provided. I encourage families to write down what they need done, from cleaning to laundry to lawn, to pet sit, etc...and have that list ready for each person who says, "Let me know what I can do for you." Patients and families have a hard time accepting help as well. The information you provided in this video will make a world of difference! Cole and Charisma, if you're open to it, I would love to have additional conversation with you on what worked best for you and your family during your hospitalization from the emotional/spiritual perspective. As the chaplain who provides the emotional and spiritual support/services for trauma patients and families, you have already helped me by sharing this video. thank you!! Linda moore

You brought up things I haven't realized... wanting to be supportive and helpful but not having the knowledge to know how. Learning how to be helpful is important. Most of us don't learn before hand. You brought to light how to in a much better way. Thankyou

Wow! Cole, I think you are amazing person. Stay strong!

I sat in the parking lot of a medical center yesterday, after my bazionth test saying I just want to be normal. I want the prior me back. It’s not going to ever happen, which deeply saddens me at times. I’ve learned to let it all out, even scream in a pillow, then attempt to shake it off, and try to accept what is normal for me these days. It ain’t easy! Thank you for sharing your journey.

Hi guys............Parham here....THANK YOU Cole.....Thank you for FINALLY letting ME CRY. I've been "with you" guys since day one and I love you & admire you both very much. But since the beginning, there were so many moments that I FELT like crying, but I did not, could not, because you both were being so STRONG & so...I stayed strong with you; that was the plan so I went with it also. But I cried when you cried, and it surprised me....I didnt see it coming either, but it was something I held back since the first video. So thank you & now thats out of the way so, keep it movin', keep brightening up my days & start working on your new house!! Congratulations!!

This is one of your BEST videos. Not only were you sharing about both of your journeys but gave us SO much to think about… not only in terms of reaching out to people with disabilities but to all people needing our help and respect. I loved your raw honesty.

This is my favourite video from Cole and charisma this might make me watch their content on a regular basis. They seem much more real and relatable in this video. A big thing for me is they admit that you can't always stay positive through every situation, personally I hope they reduce the amount of times they say in the phrase stay positive in their videos. I like how they are giving and taking in this video instead of trying to overpower each other in conversation. They also do not see over happy like they do for the majority of their videos I just find them easier to relate to and to connect with when they're discussing stuff calmly like this.

Thanks so much for posting this. I lost my legs in an accident 8 years ago now (was 27 at the time) and I still mourn every day. And I've definitely benefited from learning not to overstretch myself into what I can do now that I'm not just a bilateral amputee, but also somebody who lives with the way the trauma of the incident and surgeries has affected me, so people being gentle with their encouragement and desire to see me push forward to great things they've seen other amps do is totally important, as you say. Love how you emphasise that the importance of communication between you both might be more pronounced because of being inter-abled but it not being a transferable value to other couples, too.

Thank you both for being so transparent. I love listening to your testimony Cole and you just don’t know how your platform has blessed so many people across the world. This is you guys ministry. ❤

As an OT who has been working in hospice for the last 2 years, I share the same message you share with my patients and their families. You're allowed to live in 2 places at once. Grief and Joy. Sorrow and Appreciation. Thanks for your perspective and honesty.

Cole.. one of THE STRONGEST people I know.. God bless you both 💕

I believe Cole is thankful. I believe he is grateful, but we also know he is human. I see his strength also.

I'm also mourning my previous "life" daily and for the past 10yrs since losing more and more of my mobility due to a degenerative spine. It's so great of you to share your feelings!

Cole is such a dope soul !

i just found you and am soooo glad.... i broke my back just above my waist 20 years ago (at age 57)and was paralyzed from my waist down... i spent months in rehab and learned to walk (sort of) and listening to you tonight was so helpful for me.. i too mourn the body i had... as a single mom it was hard not to able to be the mom/ grandma i used to be but my 2 kids have been really great thru all of my journey.. as i age things are going down hill for me and i'm having to ask for help more which is hard for me to do...but i'm learning it's not a bad thing...thank you so much for this video... i'm going to go back and watch all of your older ones

This video has allowed me to feel OK about the continual grieving for my husband...there is no time frame for grief. My heart still breaks from losing my husband of 21yrs..even as I write this I feel a flood of grief envelop me but I know it will pass..thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

This video is great for ANYONE who is going through life’s challenges…. Illness of various types, mental illness, depression, personal loss, etc! Thank God for the strength this couple/family has.

Coles sharing was so heartfelt. I’m sure many will be supported by his words and emotions. God bless you both, you are the best you can be for this part of your journey.

What a beautiful message I love that how yall spoke about how you are feeling about your injury and I totally agree to help the family and thank you again and ,God bless you both and Charisma you are just glowing my dear friend I love you both and stay positive and be bless and have peace ✌️ ❤️ 😊

It must be SO hard to have first experienced life as a fully able bodied person before the rug is pulled out from underneath you and overnight you have to adapt to a WHOLE new different life and a whole new different you ! No doubt this struggle will continue for Cole throughout his life. Accepting these changes doesn't necessarily mean that you have to embrace them. So my advice to Cole is a little different. Grieve for the person you once were, yearn for the future you once dreamed of. That's ok. You're making the best of the here and now ...and that's all anyone can ask of you . It HAS to be enough. Take care...warm thoughts from England. ☺️

Thank you for this, I just love watching you two! My situation is a bit different, I was diagnosed with cancer in April 2021. It's not curable but I'm still here and my life is forever different. I look at old pictures of myself and think "Oh, that was before cancer". I think I'm just starting to go through a mourning of my old life and it's tough! You give me hope. I remember when first diagnosed, somehow the word got out and my phone rang constantly, sometimes from people I hadn't talked to in years. I finally quit answering the phone, everyone had advise - eat this, don't eat that, watch this video, try this supplement, etc. I know they meant well but I was super overwhelmed at first (still am some days). This grief is now part of my daily routine, sounds like it's part of yours too. But we're both living a life worth living. Blessings to you both! Keep rolling...

It is ok to feel like that.

It is ok to be emotional over having to live a new normal and mourning the life you had before the accident. Just know that you are so inspirational and the love and support you both share is beautiful! ❤️❤️

LET THOSE EMOTIONS OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN MY QUADRIPLEGIC BROTHER. I'VE BEEN A QUADRIPLEGIC FOR 25 YEARS NOW AND I STILL GET CHOKED UP FROM TIME TO TIME TELLING MY INJURY TESTIMONY. BLESSINGS TO YOUR MARITAL UNION AND GOOD LUCK ON BECOMING PARENTS.

You guys are two bright lights!!! always enjoy watching you guys keep shining that light!!! love you both

Cole, you are an amazing man, and your journey has blessed me greatly.

Cole you have really inspired me God bless you

I think the most wonderful thing to come out of your situation Cole is, well of course life, and secondly Charisma. You are blessed to have each other and I love watching the friendship and growth in your relationship. Stay positive!! 🥰

About that way in which people try to "lift you up", with cliché phrases and life examples such as: "look at this person went through this or that and look how successful he is now" or "look how this person play the piano without hands, and you, what are you waiting for to do the same", pfff obviously they don't understand, those are admirable cases, indeed, but 1) not everyone who has lost their hands "should" or is going to learn to play the piano (or has to develop any virtuous skills to be "successful"), 2) and more important, that doesn't really help, it just makes you feel more miserable, as Charisma said, they don't respect your feelings nor validate your emotions, to the point that at that moment they make you feel worse for not having (at that moment, I repeat) the strength to "be like them", or do what they do, like some "imperative" and 3) every person is a whole different world, case and has a different particular situation, feelings and so on... The best way, as Cole said, please ask first, and don't underestimate or be rude judging the way that person is dealing with his/her issues. If they needs to "grieve" somehow, or need some time to process their actual situation, that's fine, we are human beings and not a "smile machines". And please understand, not everything is "just in our heads" (that hurts so much dudes! that kind of ideas triggers blame on the person who suffers, as if was not enough dealing with his/her situation). I haven't suffered any accident like that, however, due to illness, I understand how it feels, and how good intentions but not very high empathy and/or lack of information can do more harm than good. Good intentions are valued and appreciated, obviously, but more than that is needed: empathy, validating the emotions of those who suffer, really understanding and listening to them if someone wants to be really supportive; and I think that's something so basic (but forgotten) and important to keep in mind. My respects and admiration for you two guys, not only for how you face what you had to face, but for the way you love each other, a way that inspires. Greetings from Bolivia.

Thank you for this honest, helpful and important video ❤️ you are both such beautiful souls

I'm so grateful for all that I've learned and continue to learn from you two, thank you so much for being so vulnerable, it takes a lot of guts!

Speaking from experience when or son was injured the community support was beyond expectations and we are so grateful. All you are saying is exactly what my son has been through and continue to go through. I just wish your videos would be a requirement for ALL able bodied people. Thank you for your continued sharing.

Cole, I have an illness called the suicide disease RSD/ CRPS. 17 plus people end their life daily who have RSD. I write poems to help people believe. Yes, I have endless pain inside me. But the love of beatings is what sets me free. How is it, you can work to not fail... when God has a better tail. How is it, you can move thousands of mountains out of the way...and still be stuck inside the cave. How is it you can work endlessly for relief...and God is telling you "please bend your knees." How is it you can jump over every cushion.. and still be looking for a solution? How is it you can dance for the stance... when God is asking you to please stop your rants. How is it you can patch up every person.... when they are hurting...but you are told by God... you're still learning. How is it you can walk through the fire.... and have lots of desires...and NOW you have all of this power.... but your being devoured. It sometimes doesn't make sense... for how many hours you hang onto the fence. You have peace inside of you... because of the tools that rule in you. You found out the hard living way...that God is bigger... than you every day. You took the stage and made it clear...you are going out,.. to share when life's not fair. You finally cared for what was happening...and helped the people who kept on crashing. You couldn't take the hurt away..but you lean on God each and every day. Obey what you have been given,....so you can help the next person keep on living... when they are tired of the bending. If your blowing.. your own roads...then how can God..help people's souls? You gotta know when to hold them..know when to grow them ..know when to walk away... and know when to run. You gotta count your blessings... when you're sitting at the table... and there'll be time enough for feelings... when the healing comes. Don't allow feelings to control you...allow healing to mold you.

You all are so transparent, thank you. Charisma, you got me with the scarf. I had to rewind to see what happened because I looked down for a few seconds and it was gone. It was cute!

Thank you for being so candid and honest. You are so blessed to have such a supportive wife and family. Your story helps so many people and we can see the love that shines off of you two. You all are such a beautiful couple. We all are learning so much from you too from the advice from Cole's injury to relationship and everything in between. I love your sharing and many blessings.

You don't have to be strong all the time. You have all the rights of the world to be sad and miss yourself on your old you. Nobody understands the pains physical and emotional you are going tru. You are so young and so strong even something you don't feel strong and just want to cry and go to bed and feel you!! God bless your beautiful wife and your beautiful soul!

I think for any of us that have a disAbility that came on suddenly or gradually that once lived a "normie" life, grieve for that life where we could do everything we wanted or needed for ourselves. I am grateful for every morning I just wake up but I never know what's going to happen when I try to get up. I might be OK or absolutely not but it changes after I am up for awhile. This is our new normal & to me, the best thing we can do is make peace with it so we can be happy in the here & now. Staying in the present isn't always easy but we have to do it. You are truly helping people learn that but any time you have a little melt down, that's OK! That's being real. No one should beat themselves up for what used to be, even if that was just yesterday. That's where I am now. Just hangin' tough & doing what I can. When I can.

You are human..it's ok to cry.

People are either scared, scared or not sure of what the issues are with dating a disabled person. I think they are also concerned with what others will think about them dating us. In other words they worry about surface stuff😞😞😞

Cole, you're such a beautiful soul. Thank you for being so open about how you feel

You're are entitled Cole to still have those emotions . You have been through a lot . I have been following you and Charisma for 3 years now and you have grown so much in every way possible.

Thank you Cole (and Charisma), truly appreciate this. Much love.

Most helpful and honest video from you guys! Thank you!

Love your openness…those of us with disabilities struggle getting used to “our new normal” and will always grieve our old selves like you said. Loved how Charisma nailed it with friends wanting to help just being more direct and assertive. Helping with chores was a perfect example!

I see your disability as an ability,for you engage in activities people in same condition like you wouldn't engage in. I'm nursing some health challenges that reduced my abilities ,osteoarthritis that affects my vertebrae column both lower and upper back,earlier in my life I engage in preaching the good news ,still do but not as much as I do in my early twenties till early fifties,that can bring me to tears,but when I remember God wants our best that we can give I feel relieved and pray for renewed strength for each day. Your courage to move on and inspire others have boosted my morale more too.And your slang 'Be positive and Remain positive' So never give up nor be too emotional about the wheel chair, but be grateful to the Giver of life and its sustenance, pray for renewed strength ,energy, peace of mind everyday to live each day as it comes.You have a good support in this beautiful woman ,Charisma .God is your strength and succor and hers too Psalm 55:22,Hebrews 13:5-6,these verses are my watch word,see if you can be helped more by it👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹.

You guys have such warming personalities. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.

Thank you so much for the advice! The timing is perfect ! I have a friend she and her husband were traveling in Africa when she fell 12 feet from a bridge coming off a boat. She needed surgery , still has no feeling in feet. It must feel like a long way from home, they live in On Can. 🙏 continue for you and Charisma as you sacrifice a lot of things, however you make the best of it! Blessings!

I could relate so much to the first visitor in the hospital. After my above the knee amputation I had a visitor come in, telling me about her life and I was so visibly upset and didn’t want to hear anything she had to say.

Thank you for being so so vulnerable with us. I feel a sense of pride and gratefulness that you should allow us to see and hear this part of it. I'm honored actually so thank you. I relate to you so much and it's weird because my disability is mental. I developed bulimia when I was 14. I'm now 34 and am still bulimic. I also miss and remember how easy life was before. I remember being so free and not ever thinking or worrying about food. I was never sick and I was always a strong, happy, confident and ambitious girl. But then it hit and it consumed me. Its like the old me died and I became this whole other limited person. Every single meal, every single thing that goes into my mouth is considered and weighed and doubted and planned and calculated and I have to be sick regularly and the thought and need to do it comes after everything I eat. When I do eat 'freely', it's not free, it's a binge, and my mind is out of control and my body is simply following what my crazy mind is making me do. To be constantly consumed is debilitating, especially when people cannot see your disability off the bat. I think what Charisma said is so true, let the person open up in their own time and don't refuse to let them mourn. Time is NOT a healer, active mourning over time is a healer. ❤️

Sooo beautiful 😍 love y’all ♥️ continue to be blessed 🥹