Patient Turns Therapeutic Writings Into Book
This book is a collection of blog posts written by Jasper T. Matthews, Jr. while living at Special Tree: NeuroCare Center. "I would like to share some of my opinions and experiences with you. I pray that in this book something that I say will not only encourage you, but strengthen you and empower you to go further in your life." - Jasper
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first published on October 4, 2011. Jasper M. later passed away in 2021. Jasper’s inspiring writings have now been published into a book, God Knows Jasper: Words to Encourage and Empower, which you can find on Amazon. Recreational Therapist Kristin Claerhout recalls how Jasper first began writing, “When he first got to Special Tree, he didn’t have many leisure interests. Amy, one of our or TR’s, started these journaling activities with him for a Therapeutic Recreation session and he really took to it. Later, TR Courtney took over working with him.”
Over time, it evolved into this book that he wanted to write…and eventually did! When he went into Hospice, his caregivers at the time helped him to write what would be his last entry to complete his book. After he passed, his friends and former therapists were able to make Jasper’s dream come true. They never altered his writings, so they are all in his words.
All of the proceeds of the book go to Jasper’s family.
October 4, 2011:
Many thanks to our client Jasper who shared this inspiring post from his personal blog.
My name is Jasper and although I'm a quad I attended my high school reunion. It was a beautiful day and also it was a beautiful reunion, getting to see people I hadn't seen in years. My daughters were there along with my grandchildren and it just made for a beautiful family day. I really want to send out this message that if you're disabled, or you are going through some type of rehab and you're thinking that your life is over because you can't do the things you used to do - think again. Life is too short to cut yourself out just because you have a set back. And that's all that is, a set back, because with the technology they have today you can still live a full life but there are some things you have to do. First of all, take an attitude check. Make sure you have a positive, uplifting attitude about yourself, and then surround yourself with positive people, doing positive things. The worst thing you could do is be around a bunch of negative, stand still people, never doing anything different. I had a wonderful time at that reunion and two weeks before that I went to a church picnic and I had a wonderful time there and I have no control over my body, but I have tons of support. These are the things you have to do if you can't do things for yourself. You can still live a joyful life. Put yourself in the hands of God and go on living your life. He'll make a way for you. So don't be discouraged. It's not the end of the world, not yet. Put a big smile on your face, take an attitude check and live your life.
