Summer Holiday

Happy 4^th, everyone!  I hope you all have a fantastic day :)

Gettysburg

For everyone who knows anything about me, I absolutely love to go to Gettysburg.  Even though the town is rich in its documentation of the war, it feels everywhere I go there holds an untold story, open to imagination and interpretation.  Even I have a tendency to forget this when I’m there, caught up in the town’s brutality and mass slaughter.  But, this year, as the 150^th anniversary of the epic battle approached, I stopped to ponder what Gettysburg means to me, primarily as a person who has a disability.

To me, the Battle of Gettysburg parallels my situation with Cerebral Palsy.  Both mean participating in a fight that will exist far beyond lifetimes, but maybe, just maybe, it will improve lives along the way. Like the partcipants in Gettysburg, we all are a thread in the unending tapestry—life, subject to future interpretation, waiting to tell its untold story.  All lead epic battles; some of the stories are just waiting to be told.

Ralph

In recognition of Independence Day, and on behalf of UCP Central PA, I’d like to introduce you to their mascot and my new friend, the Ability Bear.  As I sit at my computer, my little bear, Ralph, as I named him, looks at me with a smile, encouraging all of my daily endeavors.  Bold words, “No Limits,” are imprinted in yellow on his green shirt.  Over the years, I developed my own sense of the word. Now, thinking about it, I realize my life has been chalk full of examples.

Even as a young child, I grasped the concept of “no limits” and never let it go.  I went to weekly physical therapy sessions and eventually strengthened my body so I had the ability to move with greater ease. Graduating from high school on time was another defining moment in my quest to prove my “ability.”

Another example in my life was the naysayers who said I wasn’t college material. Fortunately, for every individual who discouraged me and tried to impose limits on what I could and couldn’t do, there were others who provided encouragement and told me I could do whatever I set my mind to. I believe a 3.88 GPA at Messiah College shows who got the better of that argument. 

At the beginning of every semester, I encounter a seemingly insurmountable amount of classwork. But through hard work, persistence, and determination, I always manage to complete it. Finally, my work as an intern in the UCP Development Department proves there are no limits to my ability to be an integral resource for any prospective employer. 

So, on this Independence Day, it is my fervent Hope that Ralph’s exhortation of “No Limits,” along with examples from my own personal experience, serve as a reminder that anything is possible, if only you truly believe in your abilities.

Happy July 4th

Today, I considered the significance of Independence Day for me, personally.  As I pondered, I thought about the treatment toward those who were physically or mentally challenged in history throughout the world, particularly, in the United States.  It amazes me that our country has evolved concerning the disabled community, even in my short life.  I’m aware America has many imperfections; but we do live in a country where there is always room to change and improve.  This is not only viable for individuals with a disability, but to everyone who wants to leave a lasting impact on our society.  It’s been over two hundred years and America remains the champion of equal opportunities and cherishes its citizens’ ability to utilize the skills and talents they possess, and rise accordingly.  Astonishing!  Happy July 4th everyone!