For those of us that have been hit by a disability
we understand the loss of freedom, the loss of independence, the loss of
what we used to do and the reality of what we can do now. For most of us
it causes a depression second to nothing we have ever experienced.
Llano Gorman knows this far too well. Llano had a major accident when he was thirty years old. He was on a ladder, the ladder broke he crashed down breaking his tibia, fibula causing a spiral fracture and blowing out his ankle. Llano at that time had an active family life. Three great kids all below the age of ten and an understanding wife. This accident caused depression not just in him but his whole family. Llano puts it this way "you never think this could ever happen to you, in a split second your life changes. You find out who you are, and what you are made of".
Some of the depression came from having to walk with a cane. Llano was an accomplished athlete, involved in Football, Soccer, Archery, and even Marshal Arts. He wanted his kids to be in that world. This tore him apart. Due to the injury, Llano's right ankle has been fused and he walks the aid of a special support in his boot. He didn't want to use a cane, but his doctor warned him of the consequences.
"My doctor said hip surgery would be next if I didn't start using a cane," Llano recalls. "Walking unaided when a cane is medically warranted can prolong an injury, and in some cases, make the injury worse."
In the mist of all the depression, the pain and the loss, Llano came up with an idea that would help his family and himself. It would even make him feel that he was helping others deal with their injury. Llano hated using his cane because it was so ... Medical. He saw an instant opportunity. He set up a Web site, <http://www.canescanada.com/>CanesCanada.com, and began sourcing, importing and selling a wide variety of canes and walking sticks. And don't simply think of a cane as a wooden stick with a crook for a handle. He has sticks that convert to Fishing Rods, Pool Que, Elegant Silver Canes, Canes with stones. You name it ... he just might have it.
Llano still has his times of depression, however he has regained his life. He is moving forward. His Company is now two years old and he thinks it just might make a profit next year. One of his favourite sayings is "Walk with a Smile, and Walk with Style." His family is growing up and things are moving along. Far better than when he almost took his life.
Depression and disability is a reality, however helping others can help you take your eyes off your disability and your depression and help you regain your dignity and your life.
You can learn about The Cane Man at: www.canescanada.com
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