Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Chad Smith. I’m 46 years old. I have a wife of 20 years and live in Jacksonville Beach.
I began riding bulls when I was 17 and I rode out for 17 years, before being injured during a ride in Kissimmee Florida. (spinal cord injury.)
My dreams of getting to the top of rodeo were over, but so much more love and fulfillment waited, more than I could imagine.
After being paralyzed from the neck down since 2014, I’ve found a lot of peace— and have developed great relationships with people on this journey.
Also, almost out of necessity, I have found a love for poetry along the way.
It’s been a great therapy for some years now. I have a simple style of writing that I think resonates with people. And hopefully encourages them as well.
I appreciate y’all reaching out to me
I’m honored you would share an interest in my story. God bless.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The obstacles Ive faced since my accident are many. After my accident in Kissimmee, I went to Orlando regional for two weeks in intensive care. After they stabilized me, they flew me to Atlanta, the Shepherd Center, and spent two months on a ventilator, doing physical therapy.
Since coming home, my wife has carried most of the burden of taking care of me, feeding, showering, dressing, everything. She also works a full-time job— so in my book, she’s a hero!
Some of the challenges for me are severe nerve pain, and muscle pain and severe low blood pressure. And trying to stay away from UTIs, pressure sores and dealing with the lack of sleep. Not to mention the mental battles that people with spinal cord injuries often have.
I could go on and on about the challenges I face. But I can honestly say I live a life of joy in peace and God provides for us every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write now, but not professionally. I don’t have a full-time job right now, but still do peer mentoring.for Christopher and Dana Reeves foundation and also occasionally At Brooks Rehab, where I have found a new home since my accident
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well I’m an open book, people that know me, pretty much know me well. But I do find that a lot of people are surprised when I tell them that I rode bulls for 17 years.
Rodeo isn’t that common around Florida anymore.
