Summer Inspiration

Wow, the summer has crept away without a single post from yours truly.  I must be getting old and forgetful— lame excuses for not blogging, I know!  Hopefully, you're enjoying these long summer days.  I know that I am—fleeting as though they may seem. 

Today, I wanted to post a blog from a contributing writer to Penn Central Parent.  Although I'm not a parent of a special needs child, I thought that the piece was really compelling and demonstrates the challenges that those who have Cerebral Palsy may face.  It was refreshing to me that a parent gave a voice to some of the trials we who have disabilities cope with. I hope you enjoy reading the blog as much as I did.

Have a great weekend, all!

http://www.centralpennparent.com/2017/what-does-cp-mean-for-my-son/

The Best Is Yet To Come

Hello,

I know it's been quite a while since I've blogged, and I whole-heartedly apologize for that.  I must say that it has been an amazing start to 2017.  In March, I became the proud recipient of the Parenting Media Association's Gold Award for my article featured in Central Penn Parent's Capabilities magazine published last fall—the highest award possible for the publication.  I was so thrilled at this honor that it's still hard to believe!  If you haven't read it, I posted it a couple of months ago.

This week, I spoke in front of a class at Messiah that one of my good friend teaches who also has Cerebral Palsy.  The class is entitled, Disability and Society.  (What a name!)  As I began my presentation, I looked over the small gathering of faces, eagerly awaiting the start of my speech.  I was suddenly struck by the magnitude of the impact I had on the students.  Like I said to my friend, what an awesome group.  It did my old heart really well.  Hehe!

In the past few months, I've been awed at the outpouring of support, encouragement, and overall love I've received.  As I celebrate another birthday next week, I realize the best is yet to come.  I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you all!

Paying It Forward

Another excellent piece about a woman who is “paying it forward.”  Every time I see one of these articles, I feel compelled to post it it as my blog for the week.  I hope they uplift you as much as do me.

Have a great weekend. everyone!

http://www.tribdem.com/news/in_the_spotlight/nurse-reaches-out-to-children-with-disabilities/article_bc3406b2-0906-11e6-baaf-c350d68c22a7.html

A lot of Kindness

I saw this at the beginning of the week, and knew I wanted to post this as my blog.  This heartwarming story proves people who have any kind of disability have a lot to offer, only if given the chance.  I hope this uplifts your spirits as much as it did mine.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

https://gma.yahoo.com/mom-thanks-apple-employee-showed-kindness-toward-her-215739196--abc-news-lifestyle.html?nwltr=abcn_fb#

An Inspiration

There was some sad news this week, but inspiring in the fact this author achieved her goals and impacted those who face the same challenges that she did.

Enjoy the snow, everyone!

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6237749-etobicoke-children-s-author-and-disability-advocate-jewel-kats-dies/

A Santa Who Cares

I just came upon a heart-warming story that truly defines the essence of Christmas.  Kudos to this Santa, who clearly cares about those who visit him!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/12/03/mall-santa-goes-above-and-beyond-to-help-comfort-autistic-boy/21277916/?cps=gravity_4816_-1005838567800090431

A New Approach

Attached is an article that made my heart sing.  It's a long time coming!  I hope you gain as much satisfaction from reading this as I did.

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/10/16/peppier-handicapped-symbol-gets-support-but-problems-remain/21250153/

Have a good weekend, everyone!

An Inspiring Local Story

I just read an article I wanted to share with you.  Whether if you’re local or not, this is a very uplifting and inspiring piece.  It warms my heart to know that there are programs such as these in our area that make a difference in the lives of many. 

Here’s the link: http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/newville/farm-offers-opportunities-for-individuals-with-intellectual-disabilities/article_11c30f26-6a45-5be5-9d13-6b8640169ba0.html. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Unapolgetic Self Portraits

I wanted to this article with you all.  It again shows what a little (or a lot) of persistance can get you.  I’m truly amazed at these paintings and the artist behind them.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/28/lucy-jones-self-portraits_n_7153684.html

A Life-Changing Experience

Today, I found an interesting blog I felt compelled to post written by Caroline White.  I always find it intriguing to read something written by a parent who has a special needs child and lessons gleaned from the experience.  The author’s perspective about how she wishes that more adults would treat her son the way that children do is thought provoking.  I hope you find as much inspiration from reading this article as I did!  To see the world from a child’s eyes is a gift we adults certainly envy.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-ouch-31421239

Seasonal Spirit

I just came upon this article and had to post it.  To me, seeing the smile on this young boy’s face is more than words could ever express!  I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.  It reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas.

Have a good weekend, all!

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/12/watch_the_reaction_on_the_face.html

Get Action!

For the past few weeks, I have been captivated by the PBS Roosevelt series.  The quote below by particularly spurred my interest because it seems like a recipe for success, and the Roosevelts certainly embody many!

“Get action. Do things. Be sane. Don't fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody...”

Theodore Roosevelt

Something to think about as we go into the weekend!

A Note

Last week, I wrote a note to one of my good friends; an elderly man who lost his wife not quite a year ago.  In the midst of my busy school schedule, I remembered I hadn’t communicated with him in a while.  As I wrote, it brought to mind the joy every time I see or talk to him; a happiness that only a good friend evokes.  It reminded me to delight in the simple pleasures of life; above all, the human connection we all have.  To partake in that is the greatest gift of all!  Isn’t that what it’s all about?   It certainly is for me.

Happy fall weekend, everyone!

From a Cocoon to a Butterfly

Today, as I reflected upon my internship with UCP during this summer, an image of a beautiful butterfly floated into my brain.  It seems to me, at least, I finally broke out of my tightly wound and protected cocoon and emerged as a free, unfettered butterfly; able to affect change wherever I go.  I must say my time at UCP afforded me the biggest gift of all, the gift of confidence.  As I embark on my final fall semester at Messiah College, the wondrous image of that unfettered butterfly will stay at the forefront of my mind, but more importantly, in the center of my inner being!

Thanks to UCP’s staff for letting me be that butterfly…You’ll never know how much that means!

A Big Voice

Once again, I found a truly inspiring YouTube video and felt compelled to share with you.  As always, feel free to comment!

Happy Wednesday!

Whispering Hope

Last night, I attended a hymn sing with my friend, Alta.  Although all the songs were beautiful, one stood out in my mind.  As the singers began “Whispering Hope,” a familiar happiness washed throughout my soul.  Even though the song bears my name, it holds an even more symbolic meaning for me as I become older.  Whether it is pre-destiny or coincidence, I believe some names determine personalities, at least, it seemingly does mine.  To me, my name embodies the spirit of everlasting determination and the continuing faith I posses.  When I hear the song, these feelings rise to the forefront of my entire soul.  I only HOPE I live up to my name everyday and am a gentle reminder of what His promise holds for all of us.

Beautifully Different

 

I found a really inspiring video I would like to share with you made by Charisse Hogan.  As always, comments on this, or anything else I’ve written are welcome.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Miss Iowa

Today, I read such an inspiring news story that I felt compelled to share my thoughts with all of you.  It was about “Miss Iowa,” and how she does not let her disability define who she is.  I can definitely relate to this!  As someone who is differently abled, I know it’s very hard not to let my Cerebral Palsy define my thoughts and actions at times.  It dawned on me several years ago, though, if I dwelled on my disability, outwardly or inwardly, it would affect those who interacted with me, and I would become my Cerebral Palsy.  While I still fall into this pit at times, experience teaches me if I concentrate on life itself, it leads to a happier and healthier life.  So hats off to “Miss Iowa” because she is one of many who redefines what it means to live life with a disability!

Words

This week, as I began my internship with United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA, I pondered where an individual’s gift of words originates; to still or move the heart by the written language.  Why are we so captivated by the art itself?  A little word can have so much impact, beyond the word itself.  I’ve always been intrigued by this question and impacted by this even as a little girl.  Even as I write this blog, I choose my words so carefully, so succintly.  I feel the impending excitement, as I did last summer, that I hold the power to captivate just by the pressure of my toe, striking each key, and I thank my audience for putting this all at my “feet.”  For that, I am truly grateful!

Have a great weekend!

Ido in Autismland

Today, as I began to do some preliminary research on the book Ido in Autismland, my first assignment for United Cerebral Palsy this summer, the universal truth struck me again that our inner being comes from the same vein.  Although I knew this concept, wading through the research today only reinforced the fact.  It is pertinent not to judge someone outwardly, as many are apt to do.  Even without reading the entire book, I have the sense that I’m in for a treat.  Indeed, I’m looking forward to reading this heartwarming story!