Follow-Up Time

Hi All,

This is the follow-up from a previous blog.  These parent’s love and pride are so evident in their son’s abilities that it is truly heartwarming.   I hope you all enjoy!

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5W9ZBsOeHs

Continuing Happiness

“Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you.  Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within.”

I’ve seen this quote many times, but it never quite sunk it.  My journey this summer proves this.  There are many twists and turns in the road called life, but the happiness in your soul alone truly uplifts and carries you through the lowest valleys and celebrates the highest mountains.  I hope you had as much as a wonderful summer as I did.

Happy Labor Day!

Runner

Hi All,

Today, I found this YouTube video and wanted to share it.  I hope you are inspired by it like I am!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Joy

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

~Helen Keller

Although writen almost a cenury ago, Helen Keller’s words ring true to this day.  As I continously grow in age, (and hopefully, widsom,) I find that a happy spirit repels difficulties and ensures a joyful life.  I’ve reconized the power to be happy lies within myself, not others.  Useful words to keep in mind on this beautiful spring day!

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!

Coming down the Home Stretch

Today, I took time to reflect on the fact I only have a week of school left of spring semester 2013.  That’s pretty amazing, if I do say so myself!  As each milestone passes on my remarkable journey, I sometimes stop to reflect on how far I’ve come in these last few years. This semester proved to be a rewarding, yet challenging experience.  Though I miss the life of academia, it’s always refreshing to be released from its duties.  Summer is just around the corner, and I’m ready to bask in its welcomed sun.  Let it begin! 

Blessings

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.  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.

Beach Trip

Sometimes, we need to remember the gifts that are bestowed upon us every single day.  Last week was a reminder to me although untoward events occur; there is always a positive aspect to every situation and to treasure those gifts.

I absolutely love the beach, but we haven’t gone as much this summer as we have in the past.  The opportunity arose for me to go with my friend, Alta, and two of her Mennonite buddies.  As the day approached, my heart swelled.  I was ready to burst by the time the day arrived.  The van was packed and loaded, and after saying goodbye to Mom, Alta and I were on our way.  Halfway through our trip, we heard a loud boom…we discovered one of the tires went flat!  We sat and waited for two hours, and we were on our way again, minus the flat tire…Crisis averted.  Hooray!

After spending three fun-filled days at the beach, it was time to go home.  I was a little sad to go, but ready to see my Mom.  The old adage applied; it’s good to be away, but even better to go home!  As Alta and I made our way to Pennsylvania, I noticed an odd smell coming from the van.  The smell became stronger, and Alta managed to pull into a garage.  After waiting two hours, my Mom finally made it to to Delaware and rescued us.  Needless to say, Alta and I were both ready to spit nails!

Looking back on our trip, though, I realized as much as we had our trials, we were also blessed: Blessed that we had a wonderful time while at the beach.  I swear I never laughed so hard in my life!  The time at the beach signified to me that whatever obstacles come into our path, there is always a way to overcome them, even if that means a little sweat and dirt along the way!