On, Friday, the 39th anniversary of a freak accident that permanently paralyzed him, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) released an inspirational video urging others to “never give up,” no matter what obstacles they face in life.
“Don’t let YOUR challenges define you. Never, ever give up,” Gov. Abbott wrote in a tweet introducing his post of the video.
39 years ago, an accident left me paralyzed forever.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 14, 2023
I decided then that I would not allow this challenge to define my life.
Today, I’m proud to serve as Governor of the greatest state in the nation.
Don’t let YOUR challenges define you. Never, ever give up. pic.twitter.com/uHypJk8x4X
The governor’s website describes how, in 1984, Abbott sustained an unlikely injury that left him permanently relegated to a wheelchair – and how the governor’s faith and outlook inspired him to rise above the tragedy and excel:
“Governor Abbott was born in Wichita Falls and raised in Duncanville. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University. Shortly after law school, he was paralyzed by a falling tree while jogging.
“From his faith and family, he gained strength, recognizing ‘our lives are not defined by our challenges, but by how we respond to them.’”
Friday’s tweet isn’t the first inspirational video he’s posted.
In 2019, Gov. Abbott tweeted video of a crippled young man climbing an indoor wall – while still sitting in his wheelchair.
"Never quit. Never give up. Overcome any challenge," Abbott urged in the tweet.
“I’ve done more AFTER the accident that left me paralyzed than before that accident. With God all things are possible,” Abbott said at the time.
Never quit
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 23, 2019
Never give up
Overcome any challenge pic.twitter.com/iVuAW0SY7a