Blog
The five stages of grief
The five stages of grief consist of denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Apparently not everyone experiences all stages and not always in that order. It’s easy to recognize a need to process grief with the loss of a loved one. It’s not as easy when transitioning through a life-changing event, whether it’s yours or a loved one’s.
It’s the Little Things That Make a Difference
A few months ago, I replaced my power chair due to outdated software and a lack of replacement parts available for the old chair. Changing wheelchairs is not a simple process. After ten years in the old chair, it felt like it fit like a glove. Ten years of technology changes, model updates and in this case an entirely different make of chair, produces a number of adaptation issues.
Angels Among Us
As an incomplete quadriplegic, my hand strength is fairly limited rendering me incapable of releasing the gearshift from the park position. A few weeks ago, I discovered a company (Mobility Innovations) that installs adaptive equipment for driving. Unfortunately, the gearshift device recommended for my van isn’t practical for my specific needs. This is where an angel stepped into my life.
Is your glass half full?
I’m not sure if I've always been a glass-half-full kind of person. One thing's for certain, over the past 27 years I’ve learned to reprogram my perspective. It was a matter of survival. I determined to avoid wallowing in despair and experience joy in my life again, despite the circumstances.
Miracles do Happen
I know it’s sometimes hard to believe in miracles. Especially when God doesn't always deliver based on our timing or expectations. It's easy to forget that He knows what we need and when we need it compared to what we think we need and when we want it. Personally, I don't believe in coincidences. I don't believe in fate. And I don't believe in predestination. However, I do believe Heavenly Father knows us personally and loves us individually. I know that He knows the desires of my heart and where I can find joy. Recently I experienced a small miracle in my life.
When the Going Gets Tough - Laugh
The Christmas season always reminds me of an experience my husband and I had several years ago. I love picking out his gifts and surprising him on Christmas day. However, playing secret Santa can be quite challenging as I rely heavily on Guy for assistance with outings. But that year I ventured out on my own (my van is equipped with hand-controls), headed to the mall, and proceeded to buy as many gifts as I could stack on my lap.
In Memory of Winter 2005-2021
Winter was a true ambassador of hope and perseverance and had deeply touched my heart as the star of Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 (I own and watch both movies frequently) as well as the Clearwater livestream cam. Although I never had the opportunity to meet her in person, I have had the unique experience of being "rescued" by a dolphin. As a tribute to Winter, I am reposting a 2017 post that describes that experience.
Count Your Blessings
It makes me think how random events and choices potentially have long-lasting consequences. Some of these consequences are within our control, others are not. I often wonder which direction my life would have taken had I not been steered down the road of transverse myelitis. I only know with certainty how it's playing out while living with TM.
Overcoming Adversity
A few months ago, I was asked to give a talk at a fireside held for the youth of our church. The subject was "overcoming adversity." Needless to say, I shared some experiences that I encountered while adjusting to the onset of Transverse Myelitis (TM) and the resulting paralysis. Focusing on how I overcame those trials turned out to be pretty easy since I was looking at them in the rearview mirror. I know with unwavering certainty that Heavenly Father was by my side, actually is by my side, through every trial and tribulation. Looking back at the years surrounding my initial diagnosis, and the ensuing growth from surmounting the challenges, and even thriving from them, I can see His hand in everything I went through.