In a poignant episode of the podcast "A Letter to Myself," Jean Ling shares her harrowing yet inspiring story of resilience and motherhood after suffering a life-altering spinal injury in a tragic car accident. Once an adventure enthusiast who enjoyed skiing and scuba diving, her life took a dramatic turn ten years ago in New Zealand, when a car crash left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Jean vividly recalls the moment of impact: “The car banged into the tree, and the next moment, I couldn’t feel my legs.” The overwhelming grief and disbelief that followed were almost unbearable. In the aftermath of the accident, she faced countless sleepless nights, consumed by tears as she grappled with her new reality.

Her recovery journey began in a spinal cord rehabilitation centre, where she spent four months relearning the most basic of tasks. Activities that many take for granted, such as sitting up or dressing, became monumental challenges for her. “It’s just like a baby trying to learn how to balance, how to dress up again,” she explained, illustrating the arduous path she had to navigate.

Through adversity, Jean found strength in her support network. Her mother came to New Zealand to stay by her side, and friends rallied around her, not only offering emotional encouragement but reminding her of the world waiting outside the hospital. Among the other patients, she found motivation in an unexpected encounter with a young couple who had been severely affected by a similar accident. The bride, paralyzed from the neck down, inspired Jean to reevaluate her own circumstances and embrace the possibilities of life.

Today, at 41 years old, Jean is a proud mother of two and is expecting a third child. Her relationship with her husband, Jake Oh, 34, is a testament to her strength and determination to lead a fulfilling life despite her disability. Desiring stability and fearing rejection, Jean initially hesitated to embrace romance, questioning Jake’s commitment to a life that included her challenges. However, his unwavering support proved her doubts wrong.

Having become a mother brought its own set of challenges. Jean faced difficulties carrying and bathing her newborns. Yet, she persevered, developing adaptive techniques, like using pillows for support when picking up her children. “I told myself, ‘This is my life now. I just have to accept it,’ and gradually, that's what I did,” she reflected on her journey of acceptance.

As an advocate for individuals with disabilities, Jean Ling exemplifies resilience, proving that challenges can become stepping stones to a richer life filled with love and family. In her heartfelt narrative, she emphasizes the invaluable lessons learned through her struggles, inspiring countless others facing adversity.

To hear more about Jean's remarkable journey, tune into "A Letter to Myself," hosted by Joel Chua. This enlightening podcast features people from all walks of life sharing transformative experiences that resonate deeply with listeners. The show airs every weekday at 8 PM on CNA938, and both Apple Podcasts and Spotify offer the chance to catch up on all episodes.

Jean’s incredible story enriches the conversation around disability, resilience, and the joys of motherhood in the face of overwhelming odds. Don’t miss this inspiring tale that showcases the power of the human spirit!