Take a Knee
When I first heard about the new program, I was psyched beyond measure. The place where I was receiving physical therapy had set up a gym in part of their space, and they were inviting people who received services to work out at a reduced rate. After going over my...
I ADAPT!
We will ride! We will ride! I must have shouted that phrase thousands of times on that summer afternoon, the blazing sun created an intense heat that only magnified the issue at hand. I was part of a group of people with disabilities that were protesting...
Me Too…
There is a beautiful movement on Facebook and Twitter right now and it seems to have gained momentum in the last few days. Women are being encouraged to post the phrase “Me Too” as a status on their wall if they have ever been sexually abused or harassed in any way....
You Need to Let Go…
It's not my line, although I wish I could take the credit. This morning I spent a few minutes watching a Ted Talk about letting go. Jill Sherer Murray talked about a relationship in her past. She had dated this guy for twelve years. She wanted to get married. When he...
This is the Life that I Fought For
In the late night hours of October 3rd, 1968, my mom went into labor. With me. It caught everyone off guard because I wasn't due for another ten weeks or so. But, I guess even then, my stubborn streak showed itself as I made my way into the world early the next...
Be A Reacher
As a woman with a disability who has been wheelchair mobile for as long as I can remember, it should come as no surprise that I accomplish many day-to-day tasks in a manner that is somewhat different than most of the typical population. There are shoelaces that hang...
Bad Moments…Not Bad Days
It’s no secret that things have been rough for me lately. Not only have I had to face one of my biggest fears, but I have been surrounded by it. Having to go through an agency to meet my caregiving needs instead of being able to hire people independently goes against...
I Want Spectacular!
It is something I vowed that I would never do again. There have been too many bad experiences in the past. And besides, it takes away my power. Some of my humanity might even be at risk. I have hired and managed my own team of caregivers for more than 31 years, and I...
“Drop and Give Me Twenty…”
It was over twenty years ago, and I was a "fresh out of grad school" rookie, eager to do well in my first real job. Although it meant moving from the town where I had attended college and gotten my master's degree, a few weeks after graduation I accepted a position at...
Sometimes I’m Wrong
At first, I wasn't sure what to think. In my experience, usually when t.v. shows are made about people with disabilities simply living their lives they tend to be sickeningly drippy. Think Tiny Tim meets Superman. Get the picture? Most shows I have seen tend to...