May 17, 2015 | can do, changing perspectives, Kids, Laughter, Lessons |
On an early summer evening about a year ago, my friend Andrea called to see how I was doing. It was a habit we were settling into again that I was joyfully getting used to. We have been friends for many years, but casual phone calls have not always been so easy to...Dec 4, 2014 | changing perspectives, CP, Making Changes, Ms. Wheelchair America, Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, MWA, negative perceptions |
In 1974, at six years old, I saw myself as pretty typical. However, much of the world saw me as “Tiny Tim.” I was a scrawny kid with skinny arms and legs, pigtails in my hair and a smile that was waiting for the tooth fairy. Because of the cerebral palsy...Nov 5, 2014 | Attitudes, changing perspectives, communicating respect, disability etiquette, Education, empowering language, how to help, Irony, Kids, negative perceptions |
I can do something most people can’t. I can be part of a magic trick. Many might think that is kind of cool, but I hate it. Well, that isn’t exactly accurate. I will paint a clearer picture. If Take my aversion to lima beans and black olives. and then...Sep 22, 2014 | Ableism, Attitudes, Beginnings, changing perspectives, communicating respect, Disabilitiy, Family, Friends, kids with disabilities, negative perceptions, premature babies |
My line of thinking about this subject is different than most. Not very popular. Outside the norm. But I believe it with every fiber of my being, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. My dance instructor is a good friend of mine who supports me in ways...Feb 14, 2014 | Attitudes, changing perspectives, compassion, Disabilitiy, Get To Know Me, Health, Lessons, Mental Illness, negative perceptions, Psychiatric Diagnosis |
I don’t know who first said this quote, but I heard it the other day and I love it. And I can relate to it. Understanding makes tolerance unnecessary. Last week my life sucked eggs. Plain and simple. I just can’t sugar coat that. There is a subject that...Dec 13, 2013 | Attitudes, caregivers, changing perspectives, Health, hospitals, Lessons, Making Changes, Questions, service dogs |
This was supposed to be a Thanksgiving post. Sorry, I am a few weeks behind… In many ways, it seems like yesterday, but it was so long ago. During the summer of 1986, I was in a stage of my life when it seemed like everything should be going my way. A recent...