Another week comes to a close..

Okay,


So, another week draws to a close; it was a amazing one for me. We celebrated my mom's birthday and I was able to spend some time relaxing because I didn't have any appointments. That allowed me some time to recharge for the weeks ahead. Although, I have to admit I haven't done very well when it comes to exercise and stretching my muscles. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do it all, as I have explained in previous posts.. I guess I have to set new priorities.


Today, I had a interesting morning. Previously, I had set the 6: 30 am episode of Joni and friends to tape on my TiVo. Surprisingly, I woke up just as it started to tape. This episode featured a new hero of mine, Robin Hiser who up until today I didn't really know her. You see, Robin was born with down syndrome and like some friends I know, she is doing some remarkable things despite her disability.


But first, let me ask you a question.. What do you honestly think of when the word Down Syndrome comes into question? Mental retardation, low IQ, are some of the common responses when asked such a question. But like most people with disabilities, Robin strives to break down said barriers within minutes of meeting someone.

When she was born, doctors immediately brought up the idea of putting her into an institution. This was the typical recommendation of the times, considering that most people with down syndrome wouldn't be able to contribute to society. Her parents disagreed.

Please take the time to view this story.. I know you will be truly blessed. In fact, I know I was. So much so that I tried to paraphrase her story. But I just couldn't. It's better if you hear it straight from her mouth

I encourage you to visit the website and watch this video

http://www.joniandfriendstv.org/video.php?id=5

Encouragement: Just Be Yourself

Welcome Back~

Over the years, I continue to be amazed at how much God has blessed me in my life. All too often, people go through their life wondering what their to do in this world. I am very grateful that God allowed my gift for writing to surface right away; that way, I was able to harness my craft as well as see my personal growth through it all. I am not the only person to be blessed with this gift. A recent article highlights the remarkable story of a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who undergoes art therapy. During this process, not only does he discover a God given talent, but realizes the importance of being yourself.

A basic note:Typical art therapy consists of a therapist helping the patient maneuver through the strokes and movements required to complete the drawing. The trouble with this is the therapist finds themselves doing most of the work, while the patient is along for the ride!

Take a look at this story here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09204/985720-58.stm?cmpid=news.xml

My reflections: Time

Okay,

So, I've been thinking a lot about my use of time lately. My daily routine consists of checking Facebook, feeding my virtual pets and then I often get sucked into playing some new game my friends passed on to me. By the end of the day, I am left wondering where the time went. No one is promised tomorrow.. That's why we should value the time we are given.

Just my thoughts for today.. I promise there will be something disability related tomorrow.

Simple Lesson in Humility: Seeing beyond a Disability

Okay,

Even though it's not Friday, I thought this post was perfect for a simple and sweet lesson on humility. It's quite an eye-opener.

http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/1528/seeing-beyond-the-disability/

Encouragement: How Far Would You Go to Tell People about CP?

Hey Guys~

I know it's been a while since I've regularly updated this blog, I'm sorry! I'm just now starting to get a hold on things. Maybe just me, but I seem to be having a hard time getting back into the routine of real-life and I don't know why. It's not like I have these amazing pressures coming back right after the cruise. Oh well.

Now that I have a lot of links that I can feature on the blog. Things should return to normal soon enough!

But back to the question I posed earlier. How far would you go to get people more involved in learning or helping out with your disability causes? According to a recent article, some people would go to great links. Ben Dobson is one such individual. Recently, he participated in the annual Benjamin Franklin Memorial Poker Run. During this event, hundreds of motorcycles gathered and drove around town, stopping at several pubs along the way. This event was put together in a effort to help people with CP as well as other physical disability.

So what makes Ben so special?

He actually rented a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to attend the event!

To find out more, please go to:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090726/NEWS01/907260542/1001/NEWS

Interesting Piece of News.

Welcome back~

So I am not usually one to post news articles on my blog. But I thought this one was quite interesting. Usually, someone can tell if you have autism- unless they are high functioning. So, I don't really see the problem. Maybe it can be controlled. Second of all, why would a higher up officer tell him to lie?

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/21/autism-marine-plea/4233/

Finding Hope in Desperate Times

Okay,

So I know it's been a while since I posted. I've been sick and trying to figure a lot of things out in my life lately. But now I'm back.

Sinc the cruise, I've been thinking a lot about getting a job. I know my dad really wants me to finish writing my book and I do too. But that seems to be a second priority for me now. I just need to find a way to gain and maintain the motivation I once had for my life. I need to feel useful again to someone besides my family. In a effort to change things, I will do my best to write on this blog regularly. But I will be doing other things as well- such as submitting my resume to monster.com etc.

In times like these, I realize I'm not the only person struggling with employment. God must have realized this, because as if just by luck I came across these websites. The first is an introduction to the second website, a site that offers people with disabilities advice and tips on getting the job.

They look pretty helpful to me!

I thought I would pass them along..

http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2009/07/20/site-of-the-day-hire-disability-solutions.htm - a introduction to the website

http://www.hireds.com/index.php- the website itself