Encouragement: The Lighter Side of CP

So,

So it's come to my attention that I've been way too serious on my blog lately. Yes, having a disability can be difficult; it's how you deal with those difficulties that shows what you're made of. Check out Zach Anner to see what I mean..

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=5615&promo_id=1



http://www.boingboing.net/2010/06/28/zach-anner-the-funny.html

The Adventures of Living Independently

Welcome Back ,

I've often highlighted the positives of living independently on this blog.. Not only because it teaches you to be grateful for your abilities, but because it teaches one to be resourceful. This is especially helpful when adapting your surroundings (i.e. home, work) because not all places are disability friendly.

Besides that, there are other incentives to living on your own as well. It can develop character and perseverance in no other way situations can.

But don't take my word for it. Join Jennifer as she encounters the "Adventures Of Living Independently"

http://jenslifewithcp.blogspot.com/2010/06/adventures-of-living-independently.html

Memories

Hey Folks ~
So, it's Friday again and I'm gearing up for my two-week adventure with my family. We will be renting a cabin and reminiscing about the good old times. Maybe seeing a few friends along the way! For that reason, I am feeling quite nostalgic today.
I was sorting through e-mails of disability alerts when I was reminded of my early days at the Del Ray Center. This center provided information and schooling for those with disabilities and their parents. It was there that I found my voice and developed my social skills. My favorite game was when all my friends would pretend to be asleep until someone would say the magic words.. "wake up"
Sounds silly, I know; but looking back that request sort of prepared me for what I am doing today- using my words to reach others through the computer all with the power of my voice!

America's got talent auditions feature a range of disabilities

Hey Guys,

Summer is here and America's Got Talent is back on NBC. As always, the show features a variety of acts ranging from singing to acrobatics. People who audition come from all walks of life. This year, there have been a number of acts that have inspired audiences to look beyond their situation and see their talent. For example, there was one music group of Haitians hoped to pursue their passion while providing financial support in a effort to rebuild their city after the earthquake in Haiti.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jUSENXV420&feature=popular

In another case, a teenager with epilepsy uses his love for indoor kite flying. The momentum from his movement causes the kite to take flight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ua3EZs06s&feature=popular

My Absolute favorite were sisters Ali and Christina, who along with their two other siblings have cystic fibrosis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s7CtPGeEbo&NR=1

I hope you enjoy these clips as much as I did.

Thanks for reading,

Debbie

Unbeaten Documentary

So,

A fellow reader passed along this link that chronicles the lives of 31 wheelchair athletes that have used their disabilities as a way to accomplish their dreams. Take a look! The first link is a short summary of the documentary while the YouTube video actually gives you a preview..

http://www.ifccenter.com/films/unbeaten/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb2pYlz1XN8

The Camp Fire

Welcome back~

I know. It's been a while since I last posted here, even though I'm writing belated posts now. These last two weeks have given me time to think and relax. Granted, I'm no better off than I was before I left. But at least, I'm enjoying my summer. I even have gotten into the habit of reading again, I'm hoping when I read it will assist me as a sort of therapy by restoring my confidence in God and jumpstarting my writing personally. In a strange way, Karen Kingsbury's books have that affect on me; it is after all "life- changing fiction" as publicized.

Anyway, I haven't forgotten about finishing my book review of I am potential. It's just that things have gotten busy and I don't feel like sitting listening to a audio book. Also, I have difficulty figuring out where I left off and what I want to add to the book review posts. That's the problem with book reviews, they're totally subjective based on one person's point of view.

Still, I thought I would post something anyway for "Encouragement day". I may not be feeling the best in terms of my faith and the upcoming events in my life. But God will never leave me or forsake me. That's what I was reminded of in a Joni Eareckson Tada devotional that I saved for just such an occasion. I thought I would share with you here. Keep in mind, though, that this is only a paraphrase of what is written on the June 3, 2010 devotional in her new book, More Precious Than Silver.

In the devotional, she begins by telling us about one of her favorite pastimes, camping. Like most of us, she enjoys waking up to the smells of bacon and eggs. They are cooked by her husband, of course over a fire ignited by wood and kindle. But if we don't watch it careful enough, the fire can go out. Still, Joni watches in amazement as Ken "nurtures it with dry grass and leaves until it's roaring once again.　 It seems that no matter how small the spark or how dim the flicker, Ken can bring a fire back to life"

It's the same way with our faith...

She reminds us that even in our bleakest of moments, hope and faith can be revived by simply being obedient to God and his will for our lives. She says, "Sometimes the spark may be small, but if there is the　tiniest ember, the slightest hint of obedience in our Christian life, it's not too late to be revived."

After all for those that are Christians, they are a new creation -set apart for God's unique purpose. We have been given all we need to lead a happy and fulfilling life by shedding light and knowledge to what's really important in this life. But most importantly, we have been a new heart, one that is focused on a heavenly goal.

In the end, Joni's advice to readers is as follows:

"How about you? Do you feel the ashes smoldering, even if faintly? Do you sense life within, even if feeble? Nurture it. Gently fan the spark - follow through on the nudge to obey, spend a little time in prayer, revive yourself in God's .　 Don't neglect the grace, the heart, and the new nature God has given you.　 Poke around and get the fire of the Spirit going in your life."

That's about it. In case you were wondering, the main verse for this devotional was 2 Timothy 1:6

Expectations

Expectations.

According to Webster dictionary, expecting something refers to the heightened "state of anticipation" for things yet to occur. These are the typically high standards we impose on ourselves and our daily way of life in America today. But is having expectations for something good for us in the long run?

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Mostly because of my upcoming surgery. Granted, I haven't scheduled anything to date, but I think it's my last option. I've gone through Botox, extensive therapy, seen a lot of specialist and the answers always are the same; surgery. Doctors keep telling me, "it's going to get worse if you don't do anything about it" or "the surgery will be help you in the long run." But why is it so hard to believe them?

Have I simply lost faith in God's Power to work miracles? Or am I setting myself up for failure? Being realistic? What?

As you can see, I'm definitely struggling. By writing this article, I have helped to bring some clarity to the whole situation. But I'm still confused. I had all of these opinions about expectations, but they all went out the window when sat down to write this

Thanks for reading anyway,

Debbie

Disability or not?

Hey guys,

Like most bloggers, I often wonder whether I'm focusing on the right things when I'm writing in this blog . Over the years, I've done my best to focus on the positive aspects this life has to offer.

It's difficult though. Not to get bogged down with a disability and lose focus. Here are the thoughts from the "Differently Abled" Blog whose author had returned, seeing a new perspective in life.

Http://lifeofthedifferentlyabled.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/disabilities-%E2%80%98r%E2%80%99-us-not/

Encouragement A different side to Simon Cowell

Okay~
So everybody thinks they know Simon Cowell as the tell it like it is Judge previously on American Idol. His harsh and witty criticisms leave contestants speechless and audiences laughing. But there is a softer side to this "tough" guy. Take for example his reaction to little Bethany Fenton's death earlier this week. Cowell was first introduced to the little girl after learning it was her final wish to be able to spend a day with him. You see, Bethany was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation over the last year.
Granting her wish, he allowed the young girl to attend Britain's Got Talent as well as mingle backstage with the contestants. To top it off, she got to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to the judge.
For more on the story, go to
http://www.popeater.com/2010/06/09/simon-cowell-bethany-fenton-wish/?icid=mainmaindl2link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Fsimon-cowell-bethany-fenton-wish%2F

The Big Debate

Welcome back~



Over the last year, I've expressed increasing frustration with my disability. Having cerebral palsy, spasms and rigidity have become a way of life for me; but its gotten progressively worse as I've grown. I've tried just about everything from Botox to therapy to increase my range of motion and abilities.. Unfortunately, these techniques only offered temporary "fixes" to my problem. As a result, I am forced to look into the final and most permanent option- Surgery.



I had an appointment today with Dr. Edwards. The appointment went well, Dr. Edwards said my situation was better than most then he's dealt with. He suggested that I undergo a muscle lengthening in my left arm to increase my range of motion and it that works maybe going on to my wrist. It would involve a outpatient surgery (2 to 3 hours), casting for several weeks and three months of therapy. He is hopeful that I may be able to drive my chair after that. I don't know how I feel about the surgery; but I have a lot of apprehension going into it considering all the risks involved (blood clots, nerve damage etc.) I've never liked surgery, let's face it, no one does!



But if I do decide to proceed, the surgery will probably take place late August early September.

A World of Possibilities

Hey Guys ~

Okay, so I'm just now getting back to finishing up last week posts. A lot has happened in the
last few days (6/9), some of which I will go into in later posts.But for right now I would like to share a unique website with you.
http://possible-ologist.blogspot.com/ - a blog focused on looking at the world in a very unique ways..

A World of Possibilities

Encouragement: Update On the World 's Only Deaf/Blind Triplets

Welcome back~

Dealing with a disability is hard enough with one child. Just imagine having triplets. Three years ago, I first heard about this story with the help of Dr. Phil show. Like most parents, George and Liz struggled to provide the best care for their special needs children. So they came to Dr. Phil seeking advice and guidance. He came up with a plan to provide the girls' with a intervenor, someone who would help to provide in-home assistance and teach teach the girls. He also started a fund for them, providing financial support. Thanks to the support from viewers, the foundation has raised over $270,000 for the family to date.

Now they're back. Unable to find the necessary intervenors because of immigration difficulties, the girls have retreated into the darkness once again. Intervenors are people with specialized skill sets there are capable of dealing with a variety of disabilities.

"With an intervenor, the girls' sign language vocabulary exploded and now it just trickles.. It has been a slow deterioration of our hopes and dreams for our children!" says George.

As a result, their marriage is in trouble. They've exhausted all of their options and feel like they have failed as parents. George is afraid to come home at night, knowing the situation that awaits him; on the other hand, Liz is just struggling to get through another day of her own. They have little time for each other as individuals.

"The girls' disability affects every facet of our lives: if I had to weigh what was more important, the intervenor is way more important than getting our marriage fixed,"said Liz

But as Dr. Phil so eloquently put it, the kids need them both as a family unit. Not only for their children's security, but providing the couple with "a soft place to fall" in times of trouble. In order to help in the reconnection process, Dr. Phil along with Fandango and The Cheesecake factory provided them with gift certificates so they could go on dates for a year for free.

But the biggest surprise came in terms of an intervener. During the program. Dr. Phil introduced them to Linda Gatz. Linda is not only going to move to Texas to become their intervener for a year, but will also be searching and training other people to follow and her footsteps.

For more information on the Dr. Phil foundation for the girls, please go to Drphil.com

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Citation for TV Program: "Silent Darkness" Dr. Phil Fox channel 5 WTTG DC, News at 3pm, May 31, 2010