Glen Steen knows about adversity. The former rugby player is familiar with pain, enduring long  physical games of contact.

When injuries sidelined his rugby playing, he took up triathlon. Triathlon? Not just triathlon but Ironman. After a serious neck injury derailed his swimming, he kept cycling, and took up karate.

Karate? Sensei Steen began teaching karate, pursued his passion for long distance cycling, while working full time as a Health Unit Inspector.

His life took a dramatic turn while cycling in 2011. Thrown from his bike after hitting an obstacle, Glen suffered a spinal cord injury leaving him in a quadriplegic state. With incredible drive, Glen has begun to achieve the nearly impossible. He can now stand, take steps and cycle on a trike.

                        Photo from Glen’s blog glensroadtorecovery.com

Years ago I was asked to get my affairs in order.  “I have seen thousands of CT scans, and none like this.” He said. “You may not survive the surgery on top of that, if the tumor ruptured it could be fatal”.

Lying in wait for surgery I considered tactfully begging for my life. My family needs me, I have more paintings to paint, more love to give, I would say.

Yet,I realized the staff had other patients to attend to, families to go home to…. a life.

If it was my last act, did I want it to be begging..  or kindness.

I thanked the team by name, for showing up. ‘Thank you for being here, for doing your best to fix me, whatever the outcome, know that I am grateful,’ I said.

A scar runs from the centre of my chest to above my right hip.

             London Marathon -6 months after surgery.

 Extensive repair among many areas, included my diaphragm. I faced permanent nerve damage in some areas, walking, running/biking with a partly numb leg/ foot.Several metal clips are scattered inside me.

I understand now, how vulnerable our bodies can be.  Gratitude permeates.

New” Sunshine” 24×30 Oil

I am thankful for the incredible medical team that saved my life, the ones that followed with rehab care,  supportive family and friends. The experience has made me a better person, better artist, and helped me be of service to those who fight their own battles.

I asked  Glen where he believes his resilience stems. Personality? history participating in sport? We agreed sport teaches dedication, and dealing with pain. He says’ you just have to make the best of the situation and never ever give up”. It  boils down to attitude. In fact, the latest research says THE Key to resilience is attitude.

We’ve been discussing his return to painting. Glen approaches art in typical fashion despite  physical challenges : gather knowledge, create and execute a plan. If you have to re-adjust, do so. Because tackling the next goal is what he does. That, and never giving up.