Every now and then in life we hear about someone or read about someone that's an inspiration. This inspiration can be gained due to different reasons or events. It's rare we all get to experience true inspiration and a story that changes your view on life. Thats exactly what happened to me at my home archery shop Tuesday night. I had heard stories and seen pictures of a man who just through the pictures and hearing bits and pieces of his story would inspire most to, if nothing else enjoy life a little more each day or at minimum complain a little less when we have a pain in our hip or back. At the age of 23 Cory became somewhat sick and walked into the hospital. That was the night of December 23rd 2000. On March 20th 2001 he rolled out a physically changed man. Cory had a condition called bacterial meningitis. This had taken both of his legs, his left arm about half way up his forearm and left him with a thumb and finger on his right hand. In case you missed it, he walked into the hospital. From there he and his wife who was his high school sweetheart began to rebuild their lives. In a wheel chair he started hunting. In 2008 his dad asked if he had thought about hunting with a bow. This started what has progressed into an obsession so to speak. Now many of us can look back on when we started shooting a bow and remember the challenges we had as beginners. Imagine tackling this in Cory's case. This is all inspirational but, the real inspiration comes when you talk to Cory. He doesn't go and share his story to gain anything. He doesn't want anyone to see him any different than anyone else. He is determined, strong willed and in just a few minutes of being with him, you know he is compassionate about his family and life in general. His attitude is one of a comedian with jokes and funny stories. His wife and younger daughter were with him and the love radiated between them all. You see, in Cory's eyes he isn't any different than anyone else out there. To me that's the inspiration. At only 2 years older than me, I look at him as a role model, a man who has a will and drive I only hope that I could have if I were in a similar situation. Just spending the few hours with him I did I learned one thing. If Cory wants to do it, he will and with just as much ease as you and me. Since he started Bowhunting in 2008 he has killed 6 deer with his bow. That's one deer a year on average. Most of us that have nothing to stop us or slow us down can't say that. Cory, if you ever read this, hats off to you brother. In your eyes you may just be you but, to me and so many others who you will cross paths, you are truly an inspiration my friend. Thank you for the opportunity to meet you. Corey shooting his new BowTech Fuel.
Wow. That is very inspirational. I know a lot of people who would shut down in a situation like this. awesome and thanks for sharing.
I am truly humbled by this Cory's story. We tend to whine and cry over the most insignificant things when compared to something like this.
