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.

Emily Dickinson Video

Hi All,

I just found a really cool Emily Dickinson video and wanted to share with you.  I hope you all had a good week and have a truly wonderful weekend!

Goals

Hello,

I hope all of you had a good week.  Five minutes ago, something inspired me to write this poem.  Again, I thank you for visiting my blog on a weekly basis, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!  Have a good weekend, and survive the storm!

There’s a goal within my reach—

which I have waited

With baited breath,

Sighs,

Tears

and laughter—

A goal—

Only a reflection in my mind—

A goal I held so dear

no one knew my silent dream—

And now, now, it is here—

Here, never to be relinquished—

Never to be mind again; never to

Dwell in the darkness of my soul—

Never to take refuge in my innermost heart—

A goal, which the entire world will see;

To hear and heed—

I only hope I have the strength to confront

That goal.

Will it swallow me with its great with enthusiasm—

Or will it lap at my heels—

Friendly and kind?

Only time will tell—

Only time will tell!

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!

Living Life without Limits

Tonight, I would like to thank all of those who subscribe to the UCP’s Central PA Life without Limits Newsletter.  This magazine is always a source of inspiration, and a reminder to me anyone can achieve their goals if they believe in themselves.  I always think of this after reading stories similar to mine.  So, I was honored to have my book review published in this month’s newsletter.  While in the rat race of college life, I sometimes forget its purpose and its intended outcome in the grand scheme of things.  It is a wonderful thing to see my name in print and that I affect the lives of so many individuals in a positive light.  That gives me determination, not to just move ahead in my studies, but to thrive on them.  Thank you, UCP!

My Voice

I hope everyone had a good week.  I've decided to post a newly written poem I created for my English class this week.  I hope you all enjoy and comments are welcome.  Have a fantastic weekend! 

My Voice

It was summer; the summer after high school graduation,

all the fanfare gone,

all the anticipated success gone—

There I sat in my bedroom—

Waiting for what was to come—

Waiting to hear my voice—

A voice that could not be heard

Over the static of my own inhibitions—

Lost in a crowd of my mind,

I reached out to find my own voice—

A single, solitary voice that was mine. 

Diminished by imaginary voices, I reached towards my authentic being—

My real voice—

Traveling to that place, I felt in awe of my power—

My own rhythm—

My own sense of myself—

It was a new world—

A new, uncharted land.

At first, I was afraid,

Afraid to unleash that voice inside.

I knew was always there,

Like a friendly apparition—

Looking at a blank slate—

I fervently prayed for my voice to come—

To free itself from self-imposed chains—

It finally came, to my astonishment and relief.

And, oh, did it come in a torrent of thoughts and feelings—

Of those I did not know existed and they swam in my soul—

As I let the words flow,

I felt a release—

A release of my inner self that asked to be revealed

Throughout my life—

The friendly ghost finally freed—

Never to be held captive again.

To the surprise of all, that voice has remained to this day—

Strong in its desire to be heard and acknowledged—

That has a new thought to impart everyday—

My authentic voice is now audible—

For the world to heed!

Thanks From Hope

This Friday, I want to thank all for the out-pouring of support for my fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy.  It certainly means a lot and is for a great cause!  Wishing you a great weekend. 

A Touch of Emily…Again

I hope you all had a good week.  It’s becoming my favorite part of the year: Autumn.  Seeing leaves flutter to the ground or smelling smoke during a walk are great comforts to me.  Today, I stumbled upon a poem by, guess who?  Emily Dickinson.  I felt compelled to share and hope you enjoy.  Wishing all a good weekend!

Besides the Autumn poets sing

Besides the Autumn poets sing
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the Haze—

A few incisive Mornings—
A few Ascetic Eves—
Gone—Mr. Bryant's "Golden Rod"—
And Mr. Thomson's "sheaves."

Still, is the bustle in the Brook—
Sealed are the spicy valves—
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The Eyes of many Elves—

Perhaps a squirrel may remain—
My sentiments to share—
Grant me, Oh Lord, a sunny mind—
Thy windy will to bear!

Courage

This week, as I write my blog, I think about the concept of courage and what significance it holds for me.  These three weeks, I have to admit, have been rough ones.  Finding a routine, managing to be prepared for class and finding the strength to write that paper, or study for that test, I must admit, is overwhelming.  Although I have done this so many times I can count, each and every semester, it is a test of my endurance: of what I’m made.  Everytime, though, I manage to see the “big” picture, once and for all through this incredible journey called Messiah College, and it is such an incredible journey!  Going through self-doubt only strengthens my resolve to strive harder, find the energy to type that final keystroke.  The word courage defines my on-going journey and that, in itself, gives me the courage to move ahead! 

Pondering…

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Hello again!  I’m checking in for my weekly chat.  As I pondered my subject for today’s blog, I thought how we all overcome our human fragility, but in many different ways, and how we discover the strength to perform the present task.  Some of us thrive on adversity, but others melt in its unending glare.  Although we thrive on adversity 95% of the time, we sometimes fail or falter in our endeavors.  In a moment of weakness, we question our set path or goal, but in triumph, we are confident in the fact that we have the strength and fortitude to accomplish what we set out to do.  I hope I will have that strength and fortitude in the coming semester.