Rock On

With all the movie award shows that take place this time of year, I always get the itch to go see a good movie. For the first time in ten years, I can sit anywhere in the entire theater and although this makes me very happy, there is nothing like enjoying a movie in the comforts of home with good friends. Recently I watched the movie 127 Hours with my fiance and his roommates.

If you've never seen this movie, I highly suggest it. It's the true story of Aron Ralston, who becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering in Utah. Aron spends 127 Hours with his right arm pinned against a canyon wall, which is completely crushed underneath a boulder. ***SPOILER ALERT*** After five days of trying to survive off a limited water supply and assuming he was going to die, Aron makes the decision to amputate his forearm in order free himself from the boulders' entrapment. The story moved me to tears - no surprise there. It wasn't just Aron's struggle that was so unbelievable. What really hit me was his resolution that in order to obtain freedom and live his life, Aron had to let go of a damaged part of his body. Loosing your rectum, colon, and large intestine is nothing compared to loosing your arm. What I've lost is hidden beneath my skin.  I'm so fortunate that I've only got my stoma, ostomy pouch and minimal scars to remind me of this. However, coming to the decision to let these damaged organs go and accept the loss was not easy. In fact there are still moments when I struggle to accept it. 

After I watched the movie 127 Hours, I felt so inspired. If Aron had the strength to let go and keep climbing despite an incredible loss, then so could I. This Crohn's disease was the boulder in my life and left me exhausted and defeated.  Like Aron, I  had to focus on the vision of  what my life could be and what I could have if I just let this part of myself go. What's ironic is that on 12/7 of last year, I left the hospital a new woman. Free of all pain and on my way to a new life.

Aron Ralston is a hero in my book and his story has moved me to keep striving towards a better life and be grateful for the body and health I now have.