“Independence Day”
Every year I celebrate. This day fills my heart with a mixture of gratitude, awe, and not entirely inexplicable pride. It's not my birthday or a date when I accomplished anything impressive individually. But it is a day that holds considerable significance to me. ...
Lesson Learned
When I anticipated my first week of college, I expected it to be challenging. I had struggled with my grades in high school and knew that college level academics were a whole new ball game. I knew that if I was going to be successful, I would have to work hard, be...
Taking A Stand
I was frustrated to no end. I got a call on Thursday afternoon from my mother. I was out and about getting my hair cut and running errands, so she left a message on my cell. "Call me back as soon as you can," she said. "I have some news that you are going to like."...
I Am Not!
When I had a salesman come to my house this evening, I was prepared for a pitch. I was prepared for him to tell me why he thought what he was selling was necessary for my life. I was ready to listen to everything he had to say and decide for myself if I agreed with...
Pushing for Love
Here is a secret that everyone knows: I don’t like to ask for help. Of course, my cerebral palsy means that I need help getting dressed and have to be driven everywhere, but that is precisely my point. Since I require so much physical help in my life, I don’t like...
Better Than Christmas
Most people consider Friday the 13th to be unlucky, but in terms of my day yesterday, I must disagree. My day yesterday was better than Christmas. You see, December 25th comes around every year. But yesterday I got to do something that is only allowed every five...
Sometimes “Cruelty” is Kind
When I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at eighteen months of age, my family embarked on a whole new world. This strange new place was one where my parents had never been before. "Disability" became part of their everyday vocabulary, as their child had to be taught...
Unlikely Hero
I remember in great detail a day that I was in high school. It may seem insignificant to some. I thought it was at the time myself. But the more years I have behind me, the more I realize that an interaction I had that day just might have been one of the most...
“Caretaker” vs. “Caregiver”
A couple of days ago, I spent the evening in the emergency room. Let me just say that when a stone takes up residence in my kidney, and then invites all his friends to the party, it just isn't any fun for me. A new caregiver of mine was keeping me company. In fact,...
My Favorite Quote
I heard this quote while I was in high school. It has stuck with me in all the years since. "Triumph" is "umph" added to "try" ! Isn't that just cool?