He also got into politics, something he had always enjoyed, and ran for the state House in District 40 in 2004. Thompson said he dropped out, but was still on the ballot that year.

Now, Thompson's considering leaving North Dakota and the cold winters, and moving to someplace warm like Arizona. He can't wear gloves, so he uses socks to keep his hands warm. The cold also makes the arthritis in his arms worse and the pain that comes with it.

His physical strength continues to deteriorate, and even collecting socks out of the bottom of the drying machine is difficult for him.

"My arms don't go straight," he said. "I pretty much have to climb in there to get the clothes out."

During his time as a Realtor, he had trouble using keys and opening the doors of the houses he was showing. He often had to hand the keys to a client.

"(My hands) are always in a fist, curled up, so it's hard to grab things or carry things," he said.

Things are more difficult for Thompson, but he still does them. He can't button a shirt, but he can slip an already buttoned one over his head. He can't write legibly, but he's a better typist now than he was before the accident. And he can't shake your hand, but he likes fist bumps.