Learning to Triumph

Brock Abeln’s memoir My Journey: Learning to Triumph: How Living with a Spinal Cord Injury Taught Me That Nothing Is Impossible is now available at Novel Ideas, Lori’s Pharmacy in Groton, and on Amazon.

“It’s an interesting story,” he said. “I wanted to let people know that no matter how bad things get, it could be worse. It helps people stay positive and that perseverance can make dreams come true.”

Abeln grew up in a small town and developed a love for the great outdoors. In 2003, he was injured in a work-related accident. A tree that he had cut twisted when he fell and struck the back of his neck, which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. His book explores other hardships that he has overcome thanks to the help of his community and caregivers.

“We have limited time on Earth, and things can happen fast,” Abeln said. He hopes that his story can inspire others to live their lives to the fullest.

Abeln started writing his book last year.

“I was on the computer one day and heard God’s voice,” he said. “It felt like he was in the room. I’ve felt anything like that before.”

He pursued that feeling and continued to write. He completed the manuscript in about six months. Some of his former teachers helped him during the editing process, and he self-published his book on Amazon.

Abeln said that he’s been able to have an active life as a quadriplegic. He continued to enjoy his outdoor hobbies. He has a hunting rifle that was modified so he could use it while in his wheelchair, and his friends and family helped modify an ATV so his chair could fit in the seat.

“People need to know how powerful their minds are, and that there is no limit to the human spirit. Sometimes the thing that stops us is ourselves,” he said.

Abeln also said that his book was a way to give back to the people that helped him.

“When my accident happened, the Groton community helped me,” he said. “Lots of donations came in from all over the place. The community really came together to help me and my family.”