Hey Guys,
I came across this short blog post and documentary a few weeks ago and I'm not sure whether I featured it or not. It features real people with real disability and their struggle to live independently. Listen to their words and search your heart. What can you do to wipe out ignorance toward people with disabilities?
http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2010/04/speak-truth-not-ignorance-short.html
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
30 years old: A Look Back
Dear readers,
Wow, in 12 days I will be a 30 - year- old woman! Okay, by the date of this post, it's a little longer; but, as usual, I'm running behind.
30 years? Has it really been that long? I have to admit that time has flown by for me the last 10 years. I've been busy that's for sure; first, getting my Associates Degree in general studies from a community college in Michigan and then continuing my education at a Lutheran University. It's been amazing to see how far I have come. Most of which, I can't really explain because I've forgotten how I used to be. My parents could give you their own interpretation because they can probably remember my youth better than I can ! I have a feeling that is one of my "side effects" of the baclofen, but no one can tell me for sure.
Anyway, I've grown a lot since then. Greatly due to the overwhelming support of family and friends. As I've said many times before, college played an instrumental role in my growth process. experience allowed me to see what exactly was possible in terms of my future. I was able to "spread my wings" and see my life for what it would eventually be- a life on my own, separate from my parents. Scary as I was for my parents, I relished in the opportunity. It was during that time that I saw life for what it was.. At its best, having friends who accepted me DESPITE my disability, not BECAUSE of it and helping me to accept my disability as well. At its worst, it reminded me how important advocacy will remain to be in my life. In summary, I must always be aware of my disability without letting it dominate my life.
As time passes, though, I find the roles reversing. Why? Maybe it's simply my age or getting caught up in the world, I don't know. It's not like I've lost my confidence; I still want to write. It's all I'm really good at (besides advocating, that is).. I just wonder whether my story (my life and my book) have reached its full potential and stopped growing.
I can't imagine what my future holds and that scares me. As a child, everything seemed so simple having my parents around to protect and guide me. But now, things are changing!
I'm on my own..
Yet, I'm not!
Wow, in 12 days I will be a 30 - year- old woman! Okay, by the date of this post, it's a little longer; but, as usual, I'm running behind.
30 years? Has it really been that long? I have to admit that time has flown by for me the last 10 years. I've been busy that's for sure; first, getting my Associates Degree in general studies from a community college in Michigan and then continuing my education at a Lutheran University. It's been amazing to see how far I have come. Most of which, I can't really explain because I've forgotten how I used to be. My parents could give you their own interpretation because they can probably remember my youth better than I can ! I have a feeling that is one of my "side effects" of the baclofen, but no one can tell me for sure.
Anyway, I've grown a lot since then. Greatly due to the overwhelming support of family and friends. As I've said many times before, college played an instrumental role in my growth process. experience allowed me to see what exactly was possible in terms of my future. I was able to "spread my wings" and see my life for what it would eventually be- a life on my own, separate from my parents. Scary as I was for my parents, I relished in the opportunity. It was during that time that I saw life for what it was.. At its best, having friends who accepted me DESPITE my disability, not BECAUSE of it and helping me to accept my disability as well. At its worst, it reminded me how important advocacy will remain to be in my life. In summary, I must always be aware of my disability without letting it dominate my life.
As time passes, though, I find the roles reversing. Why? Maybe it's simply my age or getting caught up in the world, I don't know. It's not like I've lost my confidence; I still want to write. It's all I'm really good at (besides advocating, that is).. I just wonder whether my story (my life and my book) have reached its full potential and stopped growing.
I can't imagine what my future holds and that scares me. As a child, everything seemed so simple having my parents around to protect and guide me. But now, things are changing!
I'm on my own..
Yet, I'm not!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Easter Is Coming
Okay,
So Easter is coming in two days: not according to the date of this post but the date I'm actually writing this. (I'm late by a couple weeks, I know!) Anyway, if you're anything like me, sometimes you can get caught up in life and forget the meaning behind these holidays. That's happened to me this Easter. I don't know exactly what exactly it happened, but I seem to have gotten caught up in the days.. Planning ahead, taking things for granted! That's when I got a reality check through Facebook. My friends had their priorities straight. They weren't concerned about their weekend plans on their status, but instead took the time to remind me of the miraculous resurrection that occurred on Easter.
Which leads me to a moment of personal reflection: Why have I forgotten the Lord? I know I'm only human and I'm prone to make mistakes. But still, my life is not a game or rehearsal, it is in fact an opportunity. By sharing my struggle, I hope to keep my fellow readers from the same obstacle or at least show you that you are the alone.
That being said, my status on Facebook now reads:
Have I forgotten you O Lord? "Cast me not from your presence, oh Lord; take not your Holy Spirit from me. But restore unto me the joy of your salvation.." I can't remember exactly where these lyrics are from but that pretty much describes what I'm feeling right now. Please remember why we celebrate Easter everyone!
So Easter is coming in two days: not according to the date of this post but the date I'm actually writing this. (I'm late by a couple weeks, I know!) Anyway, if you're anything like me, sometimes you can get caught up in life and forget the meaning behind these holidays. That's happened to me this Easter. I don't know exactly what exactly it happened, but I seem to have gotten caught up in the days.. Planning ahead, taking things for granted! That's when I got a reality check through Facebook. My friends had their priorities straight. They weren't concerned about their weekend plans on their status, but instead took the time to remind me of the miraculous resurrection that occurred on Easter.
Which leads me to a moment of personal reflection: Why have I forgotten the Lord? I know I'm only human and I'm prone to make mistakes. But still, my life is not a game or rehearsal, it is in fact an opportunity. By sharing my struggle, I hope to keep my fellow readers from the same obstacle or at least show you that you are the alone.
That being said, my status on Facebook now reads:
Have I forgotten you O Lord? "Cast me not from your presence, oh Lord; take not your Holy Spirit from me. But restore unto me the joy of your salvation.." I can't remember exactly where these lyrics are from but that pretty much describes what I'm feeling right now. Please remember why we celebrate Easter everyone!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Television show, "Glee" among the many to get acknowledged for their accomplishments
So,
The weekend has passed and I'm running behind again.. Sorry, I've been kind of out of it lately with the emergence of a family health issues and my upcoming 30th birthday. But more about that later. Until I get a grip on things that, I thought you would enjoy this link. It features one of my new favorite shows "Glee" . This show, which returns early April, is being recognized for its ability to raise awareness of disability to a worldwide audience
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/03/18/tv-awards/7365/
The weekend has passed and I'm running behind again.. Sorry, I've been kind of out of it lately with the emergence of a family health issues and my upcoming 30th birthday. But more about that later. Until I get a grip on things that, I thought you would enjoy this link. It features one of my new favorite shows "Glee" . This show, which returns early April, is being recognized for its ability to raise awareness of disability to a worldwide audience
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/03/18/tv-awards/7365/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
You may have noticed a few changes...
Okay,
So you may have noticed a few changes after the last week. First, I added a new feature, courtesy of Link Within, which points reader to other posts similar to the one they are reading on my blog. I encourage readers to use this feature if they are trying to look for something particular. It seems to be very helpful. Secondly, I have purchased a new computer making dictation a whole lot faster and more reliable. That's why, besides today, I have been on time on most of my posts for the week.
Now for the bad news... Since I got my new computer, I've had difficulty putting all my files back together. That being said, I still don't have my iTunes up and running completely. For that reason, I am postponing the Patrick Henry book review. But don't despair, I have a wonderful substitute. I actually came across this young man's story thanks to an old professor and friend.
His name is Nick Vujicic. He's a 23-year-old young man with timeless wisdom and an amazing story that has touched millions. Born with no arms and no legs, he travels the world as a motivational speaker telling people to never give up whatever their circumstances may be.
His story is much more powerful if you hear it from him.. please take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo_24_qTNac
His personal website is:http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/
PS. He also lived by the philosophy of a life without limits.
So you may have noticed a few changes after the last week. First, I added a new feature, courtesy of Link Within, which points reader to other posts similar to the one they are reading on my blog. I encourage readers to use this feature if they are trying to look for something particular. It seems to be very helpful. Secondly, I have purchased a new computer making dictation a whole lot faster and more reliable. That's why, besides today, I have been on time on most of my posts for the week.
Now for the bad news... Since I got my new computer, I've had difficulty putting all my files back together. That being said, I still don't have my iTunes up and running completely. For that reason, I am postponing the Patrick Henry book review. But don't despair, I have a wonderful substitute. I actually came across this young man's story thanks to an old professor and friend.
His name is Nick Vujicic. He's a 23-year-old young man with timeless wisdom and an amazing story that has touched millions. Born with no arms and no legs, he travels the world as a motivational speaker telling people to never give up whatever their circumstances may be.
His story is much more powerful if you hear it from him.. please take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo_24_qTNac
His personal website is:http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/
PS. He also lived by the philosophy of a life without limits.
Monday, March 22, 2010
My take on CP
Welcome Back Readers~
So it has come to my attention that Saturday was CP Awareness Day. It's funny though; I know about disability awareness month, but didn't realize there was a official day highlighting my disability. Or maybe I did and just don't remember. Anyway, what can I say about CP? Sure, I could give you the medical jargon as it relates to my condition but you could find that anywhere. Instead, I went like to share something more personal. I've always said that every trial in life provides us with a unique opportunity- to learn more about ourselves while developing our character.
True, all I've ever known is CP. I wasn't disabled in a car accident or anything like that. I was born this way- CREATED this way- for a reason. Now, for some people, this may be a hard concept to swallow. Why? It's hard to fathom that a loving God would allow anything to happen to one of his children. Today's world is too focused this idea of perfection. The perfect career, the perfect marriage- these things don't exist. It's an unattainable goal. The only thing that we have to do is try our best and lean on God to provide the rest.
That's hard for some of us to do these days.. Sit back and relax, relying on something bigger than us.
Now to the question of the day: Would I change things? My knee-jerk reaction would be yes. Things would be a lot simpler if I was able to walk and take care of myself. But then again, would I be me? Would I have the same personality and character if I weren't disabled. My instincts tell me no.. But no one really knows the answer to that, except God.
All I know is I have learned so much living with a disability. Here are just a few of the important lessons that have impacted my life.
1) Dependence is a good thing!
2) It's Okay To Ask For Help
3) We Are All Connected
Friday, March 19, 2010
College adventures and CP
So,
I've often referred to my college years as the best years of my life. I still feel that way. Being in college shaped my life, allow me to be see myself as my friends see me. A person who has a disability, not a disabled person. There is a difference.
Meet Elyssa Olson, a young woman on the verge of such a journey:
http://elyssaolson.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/college-adventures-and-cp/
I've often referred to my college years as the best years of my life. I still feel that way. Being in college shaped my life, allow me to be see myself as my friends see me. A person who has a disability, not a disabled person. There is a difference.
Meet Elyssa Olson, a young woman on the verge of such a journey:
http://elyssaolson.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/college-adventures-and-cp/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
