Joy In The Midst of Struggles

"I'm lucky because my scars are on the outside" Um wait. Hold up. What did you just say? Today I came across this show called "First Dates" (yeah reality tv. the weirdest but interesting show). There was a guy who suffered from 3rd degree burns and so he had scars all on the front part of his body including parts of his face. He was very vulnerable and open with the girl he was on the blind date with. He then goes yeah I guess I'm lucky because my scars are on the outside and majority of people have their deepest scars/insecurities on the inside. Um cue the lightbulb. I just began thinking well that is true in my world as well. My deepest insecurity is on the outside. Everyone can see that I am different than the "normal". Yeah you may not know what it is like to live with a disability but you certainly do know I suffer from something. But the part that truly hit me is he said he was lucky for that. Do I consider myself lucky for h...

You can LET GO now my dear. You are now capable. You do not need me. I know how hard it was for you to walk around the mall or the store or Disneyland or the park but now look at you. You walk 10,000 steps a day. You are constantly on your feet walking with no assistance. You can walk around Disneyland and go for hikes without feeling weak and tired. I have carried you since you were young but no w you can fly and this seat I have will remain empty because now, my dear, you are STRONG. You are a warrior that can accomplish miles you never thought were possible. You are not disabled but beautifully differently abled. Love, Your dusty wheelchair My walker, my stroller, my wheelchair were all things that made me feel different. They were the constant thing that said you need me because you are not capable of walking far distances. I don't think I could explain what it is like to wheeled around and just have so many people look at you. You know they are wondering ...

In honor of Mother's day this Sunday and one of my followers question I decided to write a post dedicated to what my momma has done for me in regards to my disability. I must say my momma is the strongest person  I know and the way she researched and advocated for me is incredible. At the age of 3 she went to the school district and asked for ways to get me involved in preschool and socializing with other kiddos. I was in occupational and physical therapy pretty much since I got diagnosed. She was always looking for the best thing for me and the best ways to make me stronger. I was in therapeutic horseback riding from the 2nd grade until high school. She would drive me to San Juan Capistrano once a week after school and let me say that was definitely my favorite kind of therapy :) Despite that, socially my mom always was open with me and pushed me to stand up for myself. I will never forget this one time around the 3rd/4th grade we were in the mall and I was in my stroller (a...