Madigan Army Hospital, one of the oldest and largest hospital systems in the military sits proudly inside the gates of JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord). This place evokes a lot of different emotions for me. I spent 4 and a half years on Fort Lewis in Washington, probably driving by Madigan ten thousand times. There wereContinueContinue reading “Choose Compassion”
Author Archives: Josh Keller
No Place Like Home Town
I had some trouble sleeping last night so I got to thinking… no crazy artwork today, just some reflecting…Soon after I was shot, my hometown of Hudson NH started a fundraising campaign called “Joshua Strong”. I remember coming out of my coma to my mom showing me these pictures of the girls basketball team wearingContinueContinue reading “No Place Like Home Town”
Alive-versary Year 5
Sheesh, half a decade! Honestly the winter months become sort of a fog for me. I love the holidays and the family time but there’s always that lingering fog. Three of my Army friends were killed throughout these months; one on November, one in December, and another one in January. That brings us to February…ContinueContinue reading “Alive-versary Year 5”
When You Feel Your Worst, Dress Your Best
We’ve all been there. Joining the sweatsuit mafia… especially during Covid lockdown, where pants are always optional. Being paralyzed and sitting constantly causes a lot of strain on my skin. Keeping my bum healthy has been a main priority since day one in the hospital. I don’t talk about it often but I actually developed aContinueContinue reading “When You Feel Your Worst, Dress Your Best”
Life in Increments
The number 4 is such a lame number. Does this number have any meaning to you? As a teenager it represented the number of years I counted up to while in high school. As a soldier it represented the annual countdown on my Army contract. Now it represents my entire existence. I remember it likeContinueContinue reading “Life in Increments”
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
There are two quotes that you hear constantly with Spinal Cord Injury…“It’s a marathon, not a sprint” & “no news is good news”Every September is my annual SCI check up at the VA Clinic. It’s just a day full of appointments to track any health changes. It starts with blood work & labs. A Uro-DynamicContinueContinue reading “It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint”
Don’t Sweat It
Raise your hand if you’ve ever overheated… Okay, now drink some water you hot mess. My motto in the Army on the weekends was always “hydrate with beer”. Well, it’s time to hold myself accountable… last Sunday I was almost a heat casualty.I should know better. I was trained to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.ContinueContinue reading “Don’t Sweat It”
Afghanistan: History Repeating | Humanity in Conflict
Part 1: History Repeating This quadriplegics thoughts about Afghanistan The Taliban retaking the country is a travesty This happening was predictable but is tragic nonetheless. I enjoyed my small piece in helping with training the Afghan Army & it is sad to see them losing the fight on their own. Afghanistan is a mess ofContinueContinue reading “Afghanistan: History Repeating | Humanity in Conflict”
Go Go Go
When did life get so crazy? Honestly. I feel like life has become nothing but the hustle & bustle. It’s weird feeling this way after a stagnant day of artwork in my wheelchair. In the comfort of my own home. Next to my sleeping dog and fiancé. But here we are, looking back to whatContinueContinue reading “Go Go Go”
Disability Pride
I feel like every month there is a new hashtag on social media. A new calendar of dedicated themes. One that is currently going around in the disability community is #disabilitypridemonth . Seems strange to me, especially following huge celebrations & displays like pride month for the LGBTQ community. I’ll admit that I think youContinueContinue reading “Disability Pride”