@jdwalker9718

5 months ago

I originally knew of John Cardiel through snowboarding. I'm of a similar age and emulated his style from the limited media I could get in the early 90's. Once I hit my 30's, the ski town hood rat life was over and a few other life setbacks had me in a bad place. A buddy of mine (who was a better skater than snowboarder) knew about my reverence for all things Cardiel and brought me over a burnt DVD copy of this. I knew of John's accident in '04 but nothing of what happened after. My buddy and I split a six pack of beer, a half pack of darts and sat down to watch this on a Sunday afternoon in June 2010. I'm thankful for that afternoon. After seeing all the things John went through and how he pushed forward and pivoted his life as necessary, I started dispatching my mind of all the nonsense that was keeping me in the hole I had dug for myself. I'd re watch this occasionally if I started feeling resentful or sorry for myself. If John Cardiel could literally pick himself up out of a wheelchair when everyone told him that he'd would never walk again, the least I could do was stop brooding about where I was in life and do something about it. It started the ball rolling for me. I'm not quite 50 yet but I'm knocking on the door. I've found a better place to be, on my terms. Kinda like I figure John did. I stopped snowboarding years ago but have found other things that I can apply myself to the fullest and find some stoke. While it may not be everyone's dream, I'm happy where I am. Thanks Vice for re-upping this. Maybe we all can make life a little better by living it like John. All hail Cardiel...

71 |