Team Never Quit…. I wanted to reach out to you, to thank you for the guidance I was lacking in rebuilding my life. TNQ has been the branch I needed to grab, to get out of the hellish flood I’ve been living in for the past 10 years. Just to let you know a little about myself, I am 40 years old, been married for 11 years, and have a 3 year old son that is on the autism spectrum. My son “Ray” is my hero. Besides the autism issues, he was also born with a tethered spinal cord. It required surgery on his spine to correct the problem. Ray has faced and overcome every issue that comes his way with a smile on his face, and a look in his eyes that just lets you know he loves life. I want to be the best version of myself for Ray and for my wife. I’ve been battling some horrid demons that nearly cost me everything I love, but through prayer, determination, and the guidance of men like you, I have my soul back, and I can breathe. In 2007 I had just joined my local fire department, and was on the path I had been dreaming of since childhood. Out of 155 candidates, the department accepted 12 of us…. I was winning. I was also playing hockey, and was coming off of a Team Captain, MVP, & Championship season. I’ve played hockey since I was 3 years old, and it was my identity. It was my thing, and I was good at it. I am not saying this to gloat at all, but to just paint the picture of my life being on track, and having a soaring confidence. Well in 2008, I had an accident, and suffered a traumatic brain injury and that’s why I filed multiple injury claims. It was my 4th concussion, and it set my life on a path of depression, addiction, hopelessness. Besides the TBI, I was diagnosed with PTSD, and Post Concussion Syndrome. I was told that I could not play hockey again, and it crushed me. The injury also cost me my duties with the fire department. The 2 things that were the foundation of my soul…. were gone. Due to the injuries, I was put on several pain meds, and it ruined me. Before I knew it, the pain meds started to control my life. I isolated myself from all of my friends and family. I felt so low, and hated myself so much, that I didnt care if I died. I was never suicidal, but I faced life feeling like I deserved to suffer for all of the bad choices I made in life. I was at the bottom of the pit, and the evil one had my soul. THEN….. one night, I said my nightly prayers, then watched the movie Lone Survivor. Somewhere in my heart, a little fire sparked, and I felt myself getting to a knee, with the desire to win this war. I’ve been battling all of the demons (depression, addiction, pity) for years now, and it has been men like yourself… men like Rut, Marcus, The Wiz, Jason Redman, Kris Paranto, and many more. The message that all of you spread to your fellow man…. my spark of regaining my confidence has become a raging fire! I am able to face my demons, give my son everything he needs, and let my wife know how much I love her, on a daily basis. For the first time in 10 years…. I am winning this war. I know its never over, but thanks to you, I’ve solidified the base of my heart and soul, I apologize for rambling, but I felt the need to reach out to you. I love Team Never Quit, and I strive now to help my brothers escape the same hells that I have gone through. To let them know, that spark is always there, and we just need to search within ourselves to ignite that flame. Thank you for all you do, and God Bless! -Scott
By the way…….. Thanks to the amazing messages TNQ has shared, I worked and worked and worked, and passed all of my trauma test requirements…. I am back on the ice, where I belong!