Learning to Live with It

Book excerpt: From where I sit today I am forced to look at life from a place I never expected or wanted to be; totally paralyzed from the shoulders down, sitting in a chair that I drive by blowing and sucking in a straw, typing this book one letter at a time with a mouth stick. I never wanted to be here. I never wanted to be in a wheelchair and I never wanted to be a writer. Nevertheless, here I sit typing, because of one seemingly small decision to dive off a boat dock on July 15, 1991, at the age of 19. Shortly after my accident, I would have to make another choice that also altered the course of my life. Do I accept my unwanted circumstances? Acceptance was not a quick, easy process. God used many truths, people and experiences to teach me some big life lessons. The way He used little people was nothing short of miraculous. From a 5th grader named Miranda I learned to look beyond my limitations for things I could do instead of focusing on all the things I could not do. Through a 2nd grader named Alicia I saw that giving what I have to give is more important than what I have to give. Sierra s out of control ride on my wheelchair ended up being the incident God used to teach me the key to trusting Him. While my 3 year old brother s response to a bird pooping on my shoulder, challenged me to not only accept my paralysis, but really learn to live with it. Kevin Olson was born on August 28, 1971. He was raised on a farm just Southwest of Chanute, KS. He was an All-State basketball player who graduated from Chanute High School in the top 10% of his class in 1989. On July 15, 1991, he became paralyzed from the shoulders down as a result of a diving accident. Since 1993 he has devoted his life to kids by tutoring at elementary schools, teaching at the Cherry Street Youth Center in Chanute, traveling around speaking at schools and churches, and serving as a Youth Minister for two churches in Fredonia, KS. After his accident Kevin also obtained his Associates degree and a computer programming certification. Currently he works from home creating websites and is busy promoting his first book, an autobiography titled Learning to Live With It. His life motto is: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are, and don t worry about the rest. ----------------- Kevin is available for speaking engagements, book signings, interviews, and etc. Kevin Olson 620-431-0458 www.kevinolson.net