The Gift of Time

All of us are given the gift of time to use in whatever way we choose. Sometimes we are wise about it and sometimes not.

After finishing school at Cleveland State I was sure that I would have a job working from home doing medical transcription, which would make for a lot of time spent productively. Unfortunately, life did not pan out that way. I settled into just tending to the house. Billls were paid, I didn't need to worry.

However, at times I would worry about what others thought of me because I had gone to school and didn't have anything to show for it besides the degree hanging on my living room wall. It bothered me that I had achieved this goal and was not even putting it to use. In short, at times I have felt like a bum. I have often times begged the question, "Why did I do that if I was not going to use it?" I know many of us ask that question after finishing school. But, we should be proud of ourselves for achieving that goal which we set for ourselves. I know I am.

I have learned to see this personal struggle I've had in a different light. Having "too much time on my hands" has afforded me many wonderful opportunities. I am able to give my time to those who need it most - my family.

My sister does not have to worry about finding a sitter while she works. I am available anytime I need to be.

I am able to be part of all activities Kaylee has in school because I am not working around a schedule.

I am able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Kaylee also.

I am thankful for this opportunity. I may not ever have kids of my own, but having time allows me to play a big role in my nieces life and that is one of the most important jobs I could have in this life. I get paid with lots of love and girly giggles!

On Turning 30

Last Tuesday, May 20, I turned the big 3-0. I started the morning off listening to music while sitting out in the sun. That is my morning ritual during the summer if it is not raining. My mom came over for the late afternoon/early evening. She baked me a big batch of homemade peanut butter cookies. One of my favorites that she does. :) Later that night, I went out with my sister and some friends to listen to some local music talent. We had a great night! This past weekend, I was able to go see Zach Dylan & D-Railed at B & B Marina with my sister and some more of our friends. So, all in all, I had a awesome birthday week.

I have a feeling this next year is going to be full of new and exciting adventures. Better buckle up for the ride huh?! :)

How Music Keeps Me Going: Dedicated to Joseph Drew "MOJO"

JoJo and I at The Park Bench in ATL

Music has always been a big part of my life. I've had a love for it ever since I was a young child. I can remember asking Mom and Dad to play certain songs on our travels to and from Kentucky. One of them was Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh. Some of my favorite childhood memories involved music. Dancing in the living room with Mom and Dad to old cassette tapes for hours and just laughing and enjoy our time together. My sister and I use to blast music while we played outside riding our bikes.

Music instantly puts me in a good mood when I am feeling down. I have an immense love for live music. Most times I would much rather listen to live music as opposed to the radio or a CD/MP3 player.. to compensate I just turn my music up really loud and jam out. Live music is soothing to my soul. I don't think about anything when I am listening to a band, (I have a few local favorites). My wheelchair doesn't even exist to me I get out there and dance with the best of them! Who says MsHotwheels can't dance? ;)

The picture above is one of my favorites. Joseph Drew in the former drummer for my favorite band from Atlanta, Pistol Town. He now plays with a band called STARS in Austin, Texas. When I met JoJo for the first time we instantly connected. He has a huge passion for music and a zest for life that is contagious! He always has a smile on his face and positive things to say. Every time I seen him at a show or now message on Facebook he always asks how I am doing and how my writing is going. He took a genuine interest in my writing for Cerebral Palsy Family Network and that's always meant a lot to me, because I'll be honest sometimes I feel like my writing gets me nowhere - even here on my personal blog. But, I'll keep writing anyway because I enjoy it.

So, again... thank you JoJo for your support through this journey in life. You've impacted my life and my love for music. Your friendship means a lot. <3 always and forever, because circles never end <3.

"Let's get on with the music..."

Cerebral Palsy Family Network Blog - For those who want to read!

Special Needs Animals: Be Their Voice :)

For the majority of those with dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and the like; the animal isn't just their pet. They are considered to be part of the family, a furry child if you will. For some, their pet is the only "child" they have. Just like human babies, some are born with special needs, and require special care and/or equipment to help them life their life to the fullest. 

I use a wheelchair to help me be mobile and live life to the fullest. So does the little Chihuahua below named BeBe. Physical therapy has also been part of my well being throughout the years just as it was for the Boston Terrier with Swimmer's Puppy Syndrome.

Special needs animals need just as much of a chance at life. The same chance the child with mental or physical challenges is given. Just as we have to be the voice for the human special needs community, our furry friends need the same voice speaking out for them as well!

BeBe gets A Wheelchair

Swimmer's Puppy Syndrome

Holiday Recap

So, I am a little late at posting but better late than never right?

The week of Christmas was fabulous! I stayed the entire week with my lovely sister. Christmas Eve day Emily and I spent the day with Dad. I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with him one on one. It isn't something we get to do very often. It was such a joyous time. :)  We hung out with Mom and Dad Christmas Eve night playing board games and waited for the anticipated arrival of Santa for sweet Kaylee. :) Christmas morning we had breakfast with Dad's brother and sister, which is always enjoyable. That afternoon after everyone left we sat down together and opened our gifts. This is only the 2nd year that we have opened gifts on Christmas Day. We usually open them on Christmas Eve.

I am very happy with what I received, but more blessed for the time I was able to spend with my family and the memories we made. We sure mad some great ones!

I can say the year ended well. I came into my own as a person, as an individual.

Pictures:

 My Gifts

 Ready for a day with Dad

Kaylee and I enjoyed a movie and popcorn <3

Staying Positive in the Midst of a Storm

Throughout my life, I've had people ask me how I am able to remain positive when I have to deal with the things I do. Positive is the only way I know to be. (That isn't to say I don't have moments of discouragement, I do, but not often). You might say I've had many obstacles thrown my way, not only me; but my parents as well. But we've never seen the obstacles and challenges as burdens or bad things. We knew we would make it through them because we are just that way; positive & strong people.

What challenges am I talking about?

-Premature birth with low survival rate.

-Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

-3 major surgeries

-Intense physical therapy

-Social challenges, etc. etc.

I am sure I could make the above list a whole lot longer but that isn't the point of this post. The point is through all "storms" I've been through how am I able to remain positive and upbeat even on what seems my worst days?

It's because first and foremost I know that JESUS is on my side and HE is going to see me through no matter how difficult life gets. I have always known this even before I was saved and I have always believed it and held fast to His comfort. I owe my knowing Jesus to my Grandparents, and I am thankful they instilled the belief of Him in me. I know I can lean on Him no matter what. <3

Secondly, my family has never discouraged me from anything in life. They have always been there cheering me on through the hard times. Times when I didn't want to do therapy or didn't understand certain things growing up especially when it came to friends during my teenage years. Even when they didn't understand or hated to see me hurt they always showed me they loved me and encouraged me to just do my best and be myself. They strived to make my childhood and adolescence normal. I've never felt different or out of place around my family and I am thankful for that.

This year threw me quite the curve ball. For a little while that smack in the face hurt. But as time has gone on I have picked the ball up and threw it back and said "I'm moving forward." I refuse to let it get me down and I have come out a stronger and better person. All because I chose to see the light through the dark. Because Jesus has given me Strength, and because I have a family that refuses to give up on me.

If there is someone out there struggling in a storm of life, I hope this helps you and encourages you! Be Blessed!

Ps. 37:5 " Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass."

Bruno ~ Always My Baby

This past Saturday December 7, 2013 I lost my beloved Bruno. He was given to me 3 1/2 years ago by a dear friend after I lost my first dog Tana. At first I wasn't sure about him, but I quickly found that he was a very mellow and sweet natured dog. He loved to snuggle. He had a very cheerful personality. I'll miss that. He was very protective of me. He would stay underneath my wheelchair when we were around a bunch of people, and he would also do this while I showered. When he was nervous he would get in my lap for comfort.

He'll always be my Little Gentleman!