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!

Blessings

I’m posting something I wrote in one of my last English courses I had in college.  As I re-read this, it made me how blessed I really am.  I hope it inspires you as it did me today.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Everyday, but especially at this time of year, I consider all the blessings I have in my life.  Usually, the list includes a great Mom, wonderful friends and overall a super life, but there is one thing about Cerebral Palsy that affects some who have the condition.  Luckily, it is not one of the challenges I face.

In my English class, we were assigned to do an “Interest Group” project.  My partner and I decided to research the link between literacy and Cerebral Palsy.  Going into the project, I assumed everyone with Cerebral Palsy had the same literacy abilities I have or close.  Surprisingly, though, I came to the realization that this was not the case.  Sadly, literacy for some who have Cerebral Palsy is a dream, which never comes true.  This week, I feel especially lucky that I had grandparents who taught me the value of the written word and that they were there every step of the way through my early educational life.  One of my many wishes this month is for those who have Cerebral Palsy, or are generally disabled, to have a guiding force in their life, such as my grandparents were in mine, to show and share the power of the written word.  Hopefully, I will see that goal realized within my life span

Maya Angelou

Below is one of my ultimate favorite quotes from Maya Angelou.  It’s a “call to action” trumpet of words that I’m so fond of posting.  So, here it is.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

“What is a fear of living? It's being preeminently afraid of dying. It is not doing what you came here to do, out of timidity and spinelessness. The antidote is to take full responsibility for yourself - for the time you take up and the space you occupy. If you don't know what you're here to do, then just do some good.” 

Not the End of the World

I came upon this article and video and wanted to share it with you.  It always amazes and gives me courage to come to the realization that some individuals go through the same obstacles that I encounter everyday in my life.  Seeing such things make me realize that we are all in this together; that we are striving to achieve the same goal.  I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I did.

Have a terrific weekend and Valentine’s Day, everyone!

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/13/africa/farida-bedwei-ghanaian-software-genius/

A Local Story

Here’s a story near and dear to my heart…and guess what?  It’s local.  Kudos to this young man for reaching to the stars!

Have a good weekend, everyone.

http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/newville/trip-proves-cerebral-palsy-is-a-non-factor-for-newville/article_4fe6220c-9f93-11e4-ab38-5bdb49558f59.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!

Commencement Speech

As you already may know, I love the Kennedys.  Last night, I listened to “Just Who Will You Be” by Maria Shriver and was truly inspired.  Today, I found that speech and wanted to share it with you.  It’s pretty awesome!  Hope you enjoy.

Abounding Inspiration

I just read an article online and thought it was so inspirational, I'd share with you.  It's proof that miracles happen everyday, but it's the acknowledgement of them that brings a smile to our lips and a song to heart.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

 
http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/carlisle/carlisle-downtown-mile-attracts-inspirational-and-competitive-participants/article_0fc56a32-e799-11e3-ad79-001a4bcf887a.htm

Unending Hope

 

I know this is a recognizable piece of wisdom, but today I came upon it and spoke volumes to me.  As I feel the winds of change approach in my life, I find myself desperately clinging to things and routines I know and take refuge in them.  However, I have come to realize that the more I resist the hands of change; it is harder for me when it inevitably comes.  HOPE, I believe, is the guiding light that leads us ultimately to shore. 

Winter's Trek

Below is a poem I wrote a few years ago.  Although it’s old, I think it’s fitting for the season.  I hope you all had a great Christmas, and wish you the best for an amazing start to 2014!

         I

As the winter winds begin to blow,

and as the trees casts shadows on the newly fallen snow,

I feel the wintry gusts fill my very heart and soul.

Is it the wind I fear, or something much more near?

I wonder. 

         II

I walk along the snow-laden path,

thinking of the fire in the hearth at home

and my heart fills with glee at the prospect of a warm bed,

dispelling everything of fear of menace, leaving warmth.

Oh yes, the winter winds blows near, but I am safe and that has made all the difference.

         III

When I was a child, I think, I was simple-minded,

as I walk through the snow.

Life and death seemed like a game to me,

as if handling a ball of fire and never getting burned.

I laugh at my ignorance and self-absorbance as make my way along the snowy path.

The feeling of comfort fades, but its light is still dimly seen through the bows of the trees.

IV

Again, my fear grows.  Old fears and suspicions rise.

Home is nowhere in sight.

I gasp, faltering to the ground.

Is it ever going to end, I wonder.  Is this unceasing cold all I am ever going to know.

“No, I tell myself.  The light of home is just around the corner.  Keep pressing and you’ll find it.”

I get up and walk a few more paces. 

V

There it is!  Home at last.

My joy soars.

I run towards the glittering lights in the windows.

Yes, I am truly home.  Let the winter winds blow,

for I am home…Fears and self-doubts melt away, 

leaving me with a joyful feeling of

home and family.

Christmas Butterfly

I just now wrote something and thought it was blog worthy.  Merry Christmas to you all and may all your dreams come true!

A butterfly came to visit me one night;

its wings glistening in the snow,

where it came from—

No one knows—

A butterfly came to visit me one night—

Whispering among the pines—

Seemingly saying, “don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Its beauty awed me and as I stared,

It lighted upon a branch and I knew nothing compared—

As I stood awe-stricken, it said—

“It’s Christmastime, my dear, and all the world is aglow—

As you should be—as you very well know—

Don’t let your sorrows weigh on your heart in this joyous time—

For they only last a second, while happiness lasts forever,

And fills hearts ‘till they overflow—

“So forget your cares and woes, and watch my wings

Flutter and dance—

For they are like angel’s,

Thin and light,

Spreading Christmas joy throughout the world—

So, don’t be low—

It’s Christmastime—

Just let your heart have my wings—

And it will be all right with all things—

I know things in life are rocky right now, but

Just heed my words and have my wings—

And all will be all right with the world, you’ll see”—

Now, this happened many years ago,

But I still head the butterfly’s words especially around Christmastime—

And pray he has visited ones who have sorrows in their heart—

And hope that same butterfly chooses to alight on them,

Knowing they will never be the same, having joy within their very being—

Especially around the holiday season!

Try, Try Again

Hi All,

I wanted to say last how last night’s UCP’s 60^th anniversary celebration inspired me so much.  As I heard speeches of encouragement and gratitude, I felt so enlightented!  In the past few weeks, a friend gave me this poem by T. H. Palmer named Try, Try Again, and I thought this occasion perfectly.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired by it the same way I was!

‘Tis a lesson you should heed,
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,
For if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear
Try, try again;

Once or twice, though you should fail,
If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again;

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in the case?
Try, try again

If you find your task is hard,
Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again

All that other folks can do,
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.

Story

Due to my trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday, I must admit I’m a bit brain dead!  I promise I’ll write about that some other time.  So, instead of writing through my fog, I’ve decided to post an inspiring video that moved me very much.  I hope you’ll feel the same way.  I thank you all in advance for understanding!

Have a great 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!

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.

Fanny Crosby

 

This week, I learned about Fanny Crosby, a visually impaired poet and lyricist who lived in the mid-1800s.  We sing her songs at most of the Mennonite gatherings I intend.  Needless to say, my curiosity finally won over and I began researching more on her life.  To my astonishment, she wrote almost 9,000 hymns!  It amazed me to imagine a person who lived with a disability thrived in that society so long ago.  I think of it as a true testament of what a person can overcome if they truly believe!

On that note, have a great weekend everyone!

Summer Days

Today, I reflected on the significance on summer and its meaning.  As a young child, I loved to sit out in the sun, basking in its glow.  I still love to do this, but summer has a deeper meaning now.  As I look outside my window, I notice everything is in bloom.  I liken this to my mind, fully in its glory, the sun giving it energy and welcoming me to convey my innermost thoughts and feelings to the world, if I am only willing. 

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Done

Hi All,

I’ve just completed my last final an hour ago.  What a feeling!  I’m looking forward to a time of fun and relaxation this summer, and feel as if I’m on top of the world today.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Year-In Review

It’s Friday—that time of week again.  After a few days of contemplation, spending time with family and friends and reviewing the past year’s events, it amazes me how far I’ve come in only a short time.  The highlight of my year, I must admit, was my summer internship with United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania.  My time spent there reinvigorated my quest to do well in my classes as a college student so that I could make a difference in individuals’ lives, and even hearts.  In my blog and other materials written for the company, I saw my words and actions impacted the lives of such a vast audience; it was an awakening for me to strive harder.  I, again, thank Lynda Bowen and the rest of the UCP staff for seeing my potential and wisdom for signing me on as their summer intern of 2012!  It was an exciting journey.  Merry Christmas to all and I hope your dreams and wishes come true this holiday season as mine did this year!

Meaning of Christmas

Hi All,

Well, it’s that time again; one week closer to Christmas and I’m getting so excited!  I love Christmas for that special feeling I always have way deep inside my heart.  Christmas represents many things for different people.  I guess what I love about Christmas the most is that it represents a promise of a renewal of spirit, and yes, hope; hope that maybe we can change the world one attitude at a time.  To me, Christmas represents that sentiment and my wish that it does for all of you!

Thanks for tuning in this week, my last at Messiah College for 2012!