'Tis The Season

In keeping in step with this political season, here's an article will warm hearts (hopefully) on either side!

Have a good weekend, everyone.

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/10/25/man-on-the-spectrum-public-office/22930/

Dreams

Today, I’m posting one of my favorite quotes by a Kennedy.  Even though an assassin cut his life short over forty years ago, Robert Kennedy's words are relevant even more so now.  For me, at least, the quote encourages us to follow our dreams, and change our ways to accomplish those dreams.  Most importantly, though, it reminds us to live with the hope there are better days ahead.  That’s the key to life’s happiness.

“There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why...I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?”

Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968); 64th US Attorney General

So ask why, and who knows?  Dream big and just maybe you’ll achieve the impossible!

Everyone have a great weekend!

A Journey to Remember

This weekend, after hearing about the passing of an acquaintance, I began to consider how precious life is and how we take some things so for granted.  At times it seems to me, at least, life is an unending road, fraught with challenges and decisions.  I know I have a tendency to become caught up in these very quickly and think all are life-altering events.  I’ve discovered, though, they are mere blips on the horizon, soon to be forgotten.  So, in the past few days, I promised myself to enjoy the passage, and yes, life’s road does end, but it is how you live the journey.  That’s a lesson we all need to remember, in the good as well as in the darkest times!

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.

A Writer’s Quandary

 

In today’s world, it’s all about emotion; feeling—we say what we think and lay it out in plain view—for public consumption—it’s all at our fingertips (or toe tips) as they say.  We continuously feed off other’s views, and, yes, even beliefs, subsequently morphing and adopting them as our own.  Some, though, are reticent, not wanting (or willing) to give the world a window into their disguised soul.  Recently, through other’s critiques of my writings I discovered I am one of these individuals, and consequently, wondered why. 

One of my favorite pastimes is the study of American History.  I guess why I love it so much is because the reader (or viewer) has to sort through words alone to glimpse the writer’s intent on a given matter, but rarely feelings, like a stoic puzzle waiting to be fit together.  Even in more recent personal history, for instance, most of my grandparent’s generation maintained an emotional distance.  Personal matters close to the heart were off the radar, emotional ones even more so.  They, in their infinite wisdom, managed to go through life happy, for all intense purposes.

I’m rambling, I know.  Please forgive me!  My question is this: how do writers meld the old and the new, reveal the very sacred and yet not divulge themselves to the outside world?  I welcome all comments or suggestions!

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!

A Heartwarming Moment

Hi All,

I just found a video that really inspired me.  It’s these little things in life that feed the soul!  I hope you all enjoy this clip as much as I did. 

Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Easter

This week, I want to express my deepest feelings about this time of year and what it personally represents to me as a believer of faith.  Easter and Spring always gives me a feeling of renewal and a new handle on life.  It gladdens my heart to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, knowing that this is an opportunity to be grateful for what I have in my life and that I am truly blessed.

Happy Easter, everyone!

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.

Kelcie Can

Hi All,

I hope everyone had a good week.  I'm sooo glad it's Friday!  I thought I'd liven things up a bit by posting this awesome and very inspirational clip of a girl who has Cerebral Palsy.  It really goes to show determination leads to unchartered places.  I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, and again, I welcome any comments.  Enjoy!

Grace

Today, I wanted to do a little commentary on a movie I saw over the weekend.  Amish Grace is a moving testimonial of the Amish school shooting that happened near home a few years ago.  The movie represents the omnipresent faith and forgiveness these individuals posses, yet shows the human side of them as well.  As I watched the movie, I pondered my own faith and the ability to forgive, and like everyone, sometimes I fall short of this act.  I came to the realization that the mere thought of forgiveness is a way to cleanse the mind, but allows errors and us to be human.  What a revelation!

Growing Old

     Here is a short story I wrote a few years ago.  Again, it tells of a life experience I had.  It gives words to the meaning of life.  Read and enjoy!

Growing Old

           

            Ever since the Spring semester, I struggled with the pace of my life, particularly the rate that I was going in receiving college credits.  It seemed like it would be an eternity until I would be done with college and be a “success”, I thought.  The months of my summer vacation seemed to drag.  “I could be doing something about it, instead of doing absolutely nothing for three whole months,” I quibbled.

            One hot early July morning, Sal, who had been my step dad’s best friend, called my mom and asked if I wanted a vat of his homemade, very Italian spaghetti sauce, or “sorce”, as he called it.  I love his accent!  This had been a tradition ever since we had known Sal.  My heart soared because I love absolutely love his spaghetti sauce!  “I’ll bring all the makings.” he said on the phone.  “I’ll be there in a half hour, an hour, tops!” 

An hour later, Sal came tottering up the sidewalk, both hands full of plastic grocery bags.  As he came in the front door, he called out, “Okay, let’s get this party started!”

                   I instantly noticed how Sal had aged.  Lines were there on his face that weren’t there before and there was slowness in his walk.  He moved around in the kitchen with slow persistence. 

                   “Oh damn”, he suddenly said, “I forgot the oregano.  I always forget something anymore!”

                   My Mom piped up, “I’ll get it, Sal.  I need to go to the store anyway.”  She scurried out the door.  His irritation seemed to vanish instantly as he plopped on a kitchen chair.  He patted my knee and asked, “So how’s it going, Hope?”  His face showed genuine interest. 

                   “Okay, Sal,” I said, “still working on my degree.  Unfortunately, I have a way to go yet.  It drives me crazy—all of my friends graduated and have jobs and are out in the world making a living while I’m taking two classes a semester!”  I shook my head in disgust.

                   “Hope, you just saw what happened here.  I forgot the oregano.  No big deal.  People get so caught up in what they haven’t done.  Yes, I got upset about the oregano, but what is the use in getting all distressed about it,” he said, “and you are so very young.  Don’t be in such a hurry and get in a web of worries because maybe you will never get out of them.   You’ll turn old before you know it.  Enjoy life while you can. Be forever present in the moment and that will bring the greatest joy to your life”.

                   I looked at this man—this man who had lived for eighty odd years, been through wars, watched his beloved wife die from cancer, was forced to move out of his house because he was “too old” and was subject to his daughter-in-law’s every whim.  “He’s still happy,” I thought, “happy to just be”. 

                   Suddenly, I realized that Sal had a message for me.  I looked at this man with new eyes and a new heart, for he had reminded me of an invaluable lesson that day.  I repeated his words in my mind.  “Enjoy life while you can and be forever present in the moment and that will bring the greatest joy to your life”.  I silently thanked Sal for these words of wisdom as we sat down to a fabulous spaghetti meal.

A New Era

In my travels today, I found a very uplifting article about a girl with Down syndrome who is a swimwear model for a major designer’s campaign.  For me, it’s the sign of changing times; and it will usher in a new era.  It gladdens my heart this is taking place!  As I said before, I grew up with the underlying stigma of being “different” and somewhat of a novelty in school.  It is a great boost, not only to the disabled world, but also to the community at large to have special needs clients for this effort.  Change is afoot, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

A Better World

Today is a continuation of Wednesday’s blog.  As I finished reading the essays, they reminded me of the power of a positive attitude.  At thirty-one, I have come to the realization a positive attitude, not only makes my life easier and better, it is reflected in those of whom I interact.  The essays raise the point to me that, again, acceptance, is still there, we just need to be on the search for it.  Perhaps, it is there, but we are blind to it.  To read these students’ sentiments lightened my heart to such a degree I believe a better world for all is to come.