It's been one of those weeks

Hey Guys~

My apologies, it's just been one of those weeks. You know the kind I'm talking about.. the kind where you are once again reminded about permanence of your situation. Your days are consumed with therapy and doctors appointments. You know they have your "best interest" at heart, but you just want to be left alone to live your life. You need to get away, time to breathe and be yourself. You need to remember how special you are in your family's eyes as well as God. After having 14 shots of Botox and training yet another personal assistant, you have no idea how much I was looking forward to this weekend. Maybe it's just me but I don't feel as if this round of Botox is working like the last one. Although, with this stressful life I live, so many factors could influence it.. As I'm writing this, even, I'm wearing a plastic wrist splint on my left arm and having spasms..

Anyway, these are the days and weeks that I need to be lifted up to "higher ground". This idea is not a new one. In fact last night I came across this devotional than I thought I would share with you. It involves one of my mentors, Joni Erickson Tada. In that, she tells the story of one time she was in a car accident on the way to a speaking engagement. They looked to see whether her legs were swollen-a signal to her that something was going wrong in her body. At first, nothing happened and they proceeded to the airport.

In her own words, I will continue the story: "All seemed fine, so we cautiously proceeded on to the airport. Midway through our flight, my leg began to swell. When we arrived at our destination, an ambulance took me to the hospital where x-rays confirmed I had broken my leg. It was 3:30 a.m. by the time they put on a cast and released me to go back to our hotel. To calm my nerves, I asked God if he would give me a hymn to sing. Immediately, I began humming, "Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's tableland; a higher plain than I have found - Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." The next day I traveled onto Lancaster Bible College to give the commencement address. As I sat on the platform, the graduation program began with a hymn. The audience stood and sang - I couldn't believe it! - "Still praying as I'm onward bound, 'Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.'" In that moment, she was reminded of God and his constant presence in every circumstances.

Next time you feel down, look around God shows himself in many different ways. I have to remember my citizenship is that of Heaven. Where no pain and discomfort exists

Playing catch-up

Okay,

So right now, I'm busy playing catch-up with my blog posts. As Friday's post explains, I was definitely ready for the weekend. My life can be so hectic sometimes. I realize my encouragement post have been lacking for a while now. I hope I have some more time to find more inspirational stuff soon. But for now, I came across the 53rd Disability Blog Carnival. This time, the Carnival covers a variety of issues relating to the disabled community. Maybe it's just me, but usually I find some posts that are funny and lift my spirits
http://theriverofjordan.blogspot.com/2009/02/disability-blog-carnival-53-pot-luck.html

Personal update

Welcome back~

I hope everybody had an enjoyable Memorial weekend. This is one of those holidays that we tend to dismiss, forgetting the ultimate sacrifice that it takes to keep this country free. Sunday's sermon reminded me of that, comparing the soldier's sacrifice to that of Jesus. In the same way, a soldier puts away any regard for his own life to save others, so does God. After all, doesn't it say, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-14. I felt as if that day was a fresh start for me-allowing me to see everything in a uniquely new perspective than before. Anyway, I thought I would share my musings with you.

On a personal note, I just had my second round of Botox. This one was more painful than the last; having a total of 14 shots, most of them on my left arm. We've seen some improvement, but I continue to be confused by the doctor's response. Even though he is impressed, he is still suggesting that we think about surgery. Once again, I am stuck in the middle of figuring out what I want and what other people think is best for me.

Busy Friday

Hey Guys~

Summer has arrived and it's hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. As I gear up for this Memorial Day weekend, I realize that there is so much more to look forward to in the coming months. I plan on going on a cruise to celebrate one of my best friend's journey to marriage. It will be one of her last adventures as a single woman; hopefully, this time together will deepen our friendship.

Now, on to today's post..

Growing up, I haven't lost sight of how grateful I am to be living in the United States of America. After all, this is the land of opportunity-where all men are created equal. Unfortunately, this philosophy isn't perfect. Take for example a recent survey done in the United kingdom. This article shows that equality is not about what can be gained, but how people are treated as a part of the human race. So, in reality, it has less to do with the laws and more to do with the ethical treatment of people.
http://samedifference1.com/2009/05/19/majority-of-families-with-disabled-children-face-prejudice-says-survey/

Food for thought.

Encouragement: "virtual" pets can be stress relievers too.

Okay,
I realize I'm a day or so behind on my blog. I haven't been quite sure about what to write lately because there's not much going on. Therapy is going okay; I'm just about to start my second round of Botox and splints. I'm seeing some improvement, but I don't feel as if I'm getting my money's worth. It's quite expensive. Anyway, I thought I would share with you one of my many inexpensive stress relievers for my daily routine. It's a "virtual" pet created by foopets.com. Like most pets, it requires being fed and cared for.

Try it for yourself.

WWW.foopets.com/

Alzheimer's Project

Welcome Back~

Another week has begun and I'm already tired. Since my mother is entertaining guests, things have been quite busy around here. I was recently fitted with hand splints for my left hand. To start off, I have to wear them two hours each day for three times. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to wear them for at least eight hours a day or during the night.

Today's post is going to be different than the usual. Since disability issues have been hard to find lately, I thought I would feature a disease of a different kind. You may be asking, what disease am I referring to? It's Alzheimer's disease. Often considered just a part of getting older, this disease is way more than just memory loss. See what's being done to search for a cure for the disease and inform people

http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/

The Reality Of Being Disabled

Welcome Back~

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be disabled? A recent news clip featured an organization trying to shed light on the subject. In celebration of Barrier Awareness Day, Voices For Independence went to a mall providing wheelchairs and other disabled accessories for people to try out.

See the results.

http://www.wicu12.com/news/index.vnss?newsid=7580&type=News

Christian Writing Network

Hello Everyone~

Coming off of yesterday's disappointing events, I am sad to report that Kayleigh (daughter of The Freemen's -a previously highlighted blog on my site) passed away on Monday. She now sits in the Father's presence. My condolences go out to the family; may they find strength during this difficult time. Despite her limited time on earth, her story as well as her family's persistent faith touched millions.

On to today's post, my apologies if my posts are shorter than usual. My family is entertaining relatives that have come to visit from Michigan. As a matter of fact, it's one of their first visits since we moved here.

So for now, I hope this will suffice. This writing network features some inspirational blogs. I'll admit, some of them haven't been updated for a while. But they are still noteworthy. At some point, I hope to get around to updating my links on the blog.

Stay tuned..

Http://cafe.lindenville.com/

God's Purpose for The Disabled Community

Okay,
So I've come off yet another disappointing day. Once again, my personal assistant has decided it's just too much for her. Her reasoning is logical, she has two kids of her own to think of and the distance is just too great. But where does this leave me? It's a humbling experience to know that this is going to be a constant part of my story for the rest of my life. Depending on someone for your very existence day in and day out. But isn't that the way life is supposed to be?

Part of me must have sensed this coming because I had been thinking a lot about this. Sometimes I just can't imagine going through the routine again another day. After all, a life such as this one is a hard one to travel. Believe me, I know. I struggle with questions regarding therapy and surgery on a daily basis. Truthfully, I don't know what's best for me anymore. I think I'm struggling in terms of coming into my own-as a woman, as a daughter, and as a individual.

Thankfully, it's the breath of life that keeps me going every day. I don't know how he does it, but he does.
Along those lines, I came across this website then I think you may be interested in. Feel free to take a look.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1769_God_Is_Purposeful_in_Creating_All_People/

All a Matter of Perspective

Well,



It's that time again -the weekend. I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to it. Recent reports predict good weather, so I'm hopeful. But you never know. Still, my youngest niece is celebrating her first birthday Sunday; so, it should be a fun time.



Today, I came across an interesting website relating to people with disabilities. The author of Perspective Is Everything: Living with A Disability-What a Blessing examines the unique power that words can have in describing a person with a disability. Too often we struggle with what is politically correct an American society. How should we characterize someone who is different from us? It's a difficult question to answer, but Michael Gerber puts it in the way I have never heard before. I think you will be enlightened

Http://mgerber.blogspot.com/2009/05/watch-your-language.html

Encouragement: Blogging against Disabolism

Hey Guys~

Okay, so I know I'm behind by a few posts. As you know, we had a surprise party for my brother and it's taken a while for my family to recover. Lately, it seems as we are always running somewhere and I don't have much time to write and reflect. Life gets busy, you know? That being said, my posts may be shorter than usual for a while as I resume therapy and such. But please know that I will be putting the same amount of work and heart into them as I usually do; it's just that other things have taken precedence-one of the being a book I have worked on for several years. What has caused this change of heart? Well, I was able to attend a writer's conference last night; admittedly I have lost faith in the project sometimes, but my family has not. So I am going to give it another try.. God willing, "He Will Finish This Good Work" in Me.

Anyway, it has recently occurred to me that May 1st was Blogging Against Disablism Day. Truthfully, I never did really understand the purpose of this day. Many of the posts I often read in regards to this day express anger and frustration in regards to disability discrimination etc. On the one hand, I can understand where people in my situation are coming from, but anger really doesn't get us anywhere! Does it? Don't get me wrong, expressing our feelings for discrimination is a good thing, but I think it should be done in love and understanding.. That is the only thing that will bridge the gap in today's society.

Keep that in mind as you read the entry below that features many posts regarding Blogging Against Disablism Day

http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/

Kayleigh's story

Welcome Back,

How did everybody's weekend go? Mine went off without a hitch. It's going to be my brother's 30 birthday this week, so my sister-in-law and my family decided to throw him a surprise birthday party. He didn't suspect a thing. I was surprised by how many people he knows from around here. Of course, he's been living here longer than we have. Every year, I continue to be amazed by the new perspective that my brother has given me. He has grown so much, experienced so much; I can only hope to follow in his footsteps.

As long as I'm reminiscing, thinking about how far my brother and I have come, reminds me how grateful I am to be alive. To make a long story short, I was born 2 1/2 months early and had to spend 37 days in the University of Michigan Holden Intensive Care Unit for "preemies". My stay there lasted for about a month before I was finally able to go home. They didn't know it then, but my parents would later find out that I would have cerebral palsy. I am amazed at how far I have come since those days of breathing tubes etc. I trust that God will do great things through my life, using my testimony of struggles to bring glory to his name.

But not everyone is so lucky. Recently, I came across the story of the Freeman family. This remarkable young couple gave birth to their daughter Kayleigh over a year ago and still haven't been able to take her home. Kayleigh is considered the 1 pound miracle to her family as well as to millions around the world. This family is a testimony of great strength through adversity and hope to all of whom they touch. Whatever happens, I'm sure God has great plans for little Kayleigh -on earth or in Heaven.

http://kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Chronic Babes: No, it's not not what you think!

Welcome back, everyone~



While I await for responses to my previous series, I will reflect back on this week. It's certainly been a long one for me. Most days I am on the go too busy to reflect on my life in a wheelchair. After all, that's the way things are going to be for the rest of my life. Why dwell on something I can't probably ever change -unless by some miracle Jesus decides to heal me with the help of science in the future.

Most days, I wake up saying, "Yes, I am disabled. Now, how can I make the best out of my circumstances today?" I don't allow myself to dwell on the negative feelings that can sometimes surface when you realize that finality of the circumstances. But every once in a while God allows you to go there. That is what happened to me today.



My almost 4 year-old niece was downstairs with me while my mom was helping me get ready for the day. Elizabeth (that's my niece's name) , asked my mom to help her. I think it's because she's at that age where she is growing more curious about my disability and why she continues to have to help me with everything. Mom explained it's because my legs don't work. She proceeded to show her how far my legs moved or didn't move as the case was. Long story short, that illustration really reminded me of how limited I was.

That leads me to ask you, how do you explain a disability to your little ones?

On to today's post, I came across this new website that considers people with disabilities just as beautiful as anyone else. Please feel free to take a look: http://www.chronicbabe.com/