Encouragement: Young man with muscular dystrophy living life to the fullest

Okay ~

So it's official-this will be my last post of the year 2009. As I've mentioned in previous posts, this year flew by. It's been great, but it's been one of the hardest years of my life thus far. I have said goodbye to two closely members, moved to an entirely different state and uprooted my life. In fact, I had almost dismissed a very important part of my life. This blog. I can hardly believe I've written on this blog for almost a year. In that time, I've shared so much of my life-my heart, really-with you and I hope it's been helpful. As my father always says, "You never know how many people you reach from all over the world."

I have realized, though that I have forgotten some important things recording this blog. For example, when I first started, I had declared Wednesday's "Encouragement Day". To my detriment, I have forgotten to label many of my recent posts just that. Although many of them were quite obvious. Still, I'm sorry.

It seems quite ironic that I will be ending this year's post with an encouragement. It's quite fitting actually, since that was my primary goal for this blog- to encourage others to look beyond the limitations of their disability. Looking at the list of blogs on this page, I am not the only person with this goal. Reaching beyond one's limitations is not limited to blog writing, but in all areas of life.

I first found this article courtesy of the UCP affiliates website. This article tells the story of one such individual with muscular dystrophy.

Check it out..

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/12/15/DI2008121501044.html

The week after Christmas

Okay,

So in just days few days, a new year will be upon us. Personally, it's hard to believe. It's amazing how time flies these days. It really makes you learn to appreciate the time that you have and not take things for granted. After all, you never know what the future holds . Look at me. A year ago I was a celebrating Christmas in the wintery state of Ohio, surrounded by my mom's family. On the other hand, this year with quite different. Instead of getting together this year, we figured it would be easier to cancel our Christmas get-together since grandma's death. It will probably resume next year, but even then things will not be the same. Another change is the weather. Living in Virginia, our family was treated to our first Christmas without snow.

Honestly, I am not ready to start fresh. I am afraid I will get into the normal mode of life and let time pass me by.. I am afraid it will forget the important lessons that loved ones who have passed on have taught me. Looking back, I do have some regret that I never got to know my grandmother for the woman that she was.. the young spirited woman I sometimes catch a glimpse in my mother's eyes. Part of her will always live on through my mother and for that I will always be grateful.. However, I'm sure there are stories I never got to hear. I'm sorry for that.

The same principle goes for my aunt. She was a quiet woman, never wanting to be a bother to anyone. They both taught me so much.

I don't want to go back. However, I don't want to forget this feeling- the feeling you get when something drastic happens to change your perspective. I'm beginning to wonder if that's why this happened- to remember what's really important in my life and who I am.. my dreams and childhood hopes for the future. Because that's what they did. They may not have traveled miles to witness to others or accomplish their dreams. But they did in their own way.

It's strange but in some small way, I feel a new sense of hope for the future. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I can't wait to see what God has in store for me.

On that note, here are some other children's dreams that came true this Christmas.

http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/12/ballerina-dreams-come-true-at-cerebral.html

Advice for next year..

Well,


Another Christmas has come and gone. I hope everybody enjoyed it; I certainly did. Although many things were different this year, the purpose always remains the same. Christmas always comes, a constant sign of hope available to all. Over the years, the holidays has been commercialized so much that it has lost its true meaning both spiritual and seasonal. The true story of St. Nicholas revolves around a young man who once was a orphan who wanted to give back to society.

Anyway, I got what I wanted for Christmas this year.. the iPod touch. I thought this iPod would be easier to use than the regular one. After all, it only takes a finger touch to select a song. I was wrong and because of my reach limitations that makes things twice as difficult. In order to select a song, you must tap the song twice. Otherwise the iPod will think your finger is trying to drag down the list for other songs.

Another con to the iPod is that the movies play sideways. Now that wouldn't bother me if I could turn the iPod around every time I wanted to watch a movie. But someone isn't always around. That being said, it looks like I will return this one and get the classic version. Hopefully, that one will work.

These, as well as many more problems, occurr when trying to decide the right gift for your disabled child. I know it's a little late, but here is something to think about for next year. This is a list of things to ask yourself before deciding to buy your young disabled child a toy for Christmas. I actually wish they would come up with a list of questions for people of my age group. But some of these questions loosely apply

Hope you enjoy!
http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/12/information-referral-buying-toys-this.html

Christmas is coming.. are you ready?

Hello everyone,

Let me first apologize for the scarcity of posts lately. I have remained busy with the usual Christmas buzz of shopping and family activities. That is partly why I love this time of year the most- it's the one time where we stop and focus on what's important. Sure, there is Thanksgiving; but that's only one day. Christmas is an entire season whose general principles of peace and love are at the center.

"JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON "

I've seen this statement on several of the local churches lately. It's so easy to get caught in out in the routine of presents and gifts and forget what's really important.

Food for thought..

Front of The Class critique

Hi everyone,

I hope that you had a chance to watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie I mentioned earlier. They've always done great work, and Sunday was no exception. Whatever the storyline, the directors and producers stick to what's important- the heart. Watching Front of The Class once again reminded me how blessed I am to have a disability. Now that's not easy to say everyday.. But like Brad says, a disability can be your best teacher. He's right though. The most valuable lessons aren't learned in the classroom, they're learned through living life.

I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't really understand Tourette's syndrome that much. I mean, I knew about the ticks and everything, but didn't quite "understand". The movie accurately depicts realistic questions such as Are the ticks controllable as well as many others. They are openly honest about the common misconceptions of this neurological disease.

In the words of his students as he received an award for Sallie Mae's first year Teacher of the Year,

Tourette's syndrome taught him to...

1. "Keep going"

2. "Not to let it stop you"

3. "Not to let it win". (By that, he means his Tourette's [or any disability ] for that matter)

Tourette's Syndrome Takes Center Stage in New Hallmark Hall of Fame movie

Okay,

So I decided to post a little early this week. For that reason, this post is going to replace Monday's. But it will be worth it, I promise you. Tomorrow CBS will be featuring a new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie entitled Front of the Class. What's so special about this movie, you may ask? For starters, the movie focuses on the little-known disability of Tourette's Syndrome. Inspired by the real-life story of Brad Cohen, a young man who with the support of his family overcomes the odds to become a successful teacher. Follow this drama to see how he uses his personal experiences to help others like him reach their full potential. Patricia Heaton and Trent Williams star in this touching film.

This Hallmark Hall of Fame movie airs tomorrow at 9 p.m. on CBS. In most cases, the 60 minutes has a habit of running late, which alters the television schedule. So be prepared. Either way, I'm going to watch.

For more information, go to:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/02/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main4642661.shtml

World Disability Day

Hey Guys,

I'm sorry I always seem to be running behind on my posts lately. Writing for this blog, I have come to realize it's a lot more complicated than most people think it is. I try to keep up with the latest disability news and share it with my readers on a timely basis. Still, I'm not perfect. I've read a lot of blogs that are more comprehensive than mine. But I'm learning something new each and every day. Take for example today's post. I didn't know that December 3 was officially World Disability day. To read more about how many people celebrated the day and what occurred, follow this link to:

http://yesugarden.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-3rd-world-dis%20more%20comprehensive%20election%20ability-day.html%20will%20be

Secret millionaires premiere on Fox

Okay,

So I just finished watching the Secret Millionaires premiere on Fox. It left me speechless. Let me just say it was just what I needed- a touch of inspiration and humility. The premise of the show is taking multi-millionaires and allowing them to live among the average Joe's for a week; during which they are asked to decide how to spend $100,000 of their own money to help those in need.

The program airs on Wednesdays at eight on Fox. Check your local listings for more information. I will be sure to watch.

Inspirational story about overcoming the odds

So,

Here is another inspirational story about a person with learning disabilities overcoming that possible and accomplishing their dreams

http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/28257