Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Life Without Limits:
Life Without Limits: United Cerebral Palsy's Life Without Limits: In BriefLife Without Limits is a national movement to empower people with disabilities to envision and build a better future for themselves, their community, and society. It's a future without limits, built on innovative solutions and the harnessing of new communications technologies, medical advances, and demographic trends that will change the landscape for people with disabilities. Life Without Limits is creating avenues for people with disabilities to experience full lives of believable hope.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Nick's recent writing October 09
Nick recently wrote this as part of a humanities assignment. It's very telling............Amy
How I’ve Changed
Sixteen years old. Time flies by so fast. I enjoy every minute of my life, yet there are moments in my life that I wish never had to happen. But if I never had the bad moments, would I enjoy every moment of my life? Of course, ten or five years ago, I never thought about these things. Because in that time, I’ve changed, I really never had any bad moments. Never thought I would ever go through any sufferings, never thought I would have any life changing moments. I was always focused on the present, I never really thought about the future. Suddenly, that all changed, I changed.
As a kid, I questioned everything. I was very observant, and would always ask questions. Questions about my disability mostly, “why can’t I walk like the other kids? why am I different?, why are kids so mean to me?, what’s wrong with me?, why me?” I just could never wrap my head around why I didn’t look like every other kid, or why kids would tease me. It took me a while to realize what I realize now. I realize now, that it’s just the way God made me, and I know he has a special purpose for me. He wants me to go through everything I go through for a reason. I just don’t know what that reason is yet, I may never know, He might want someone else to know my purpose instead of me. I still ask one of the questions that I asked when I was a kid, and that one is “why me?”
I was told when I was born I would never walk or talk. That has been a motivation for me my whole life to accomplish something that most people take for granted, to walk. When I was younger, I never thought I would have to go through much work or much pain to accomplish this. I was wrong. My first year of jr. high, whenever I would walk in my walker, every step hurt. So, the process of pain began. The doctor told me that the only way to fix it would be to wear casts on my legs for six weeks. The six weeks were absolutely brutal. I might have gotten three hours of sleep a night, took about twenty to thirty pain pills a day. I realized then that if I were going to achieve this goal, I would have to go through a lot of pain. The casting was actually unsuccessful, they worked for a little while, but then my feet began to turn back inward. So, two years later we tried again. I was very upset because I knew what was coming. Again, after a while, the casting was unsuccessful. We realized that there was only one thing left to do. There was only one thing that would be a permanent solution. That was to perform major surgery. The reason why the doctors didn’t do it before that time, was because they knew that the surgery would be ten times more painful then the casting. They were right. I never have felt as much pain as I did for the first six weeks after the surgery. The day after the surgery, the doctor realized something was wrong with the casting that they did. So, they had to redo the casting, and the way I describe that pain that I felt at that moment is it felt like an old-fashion amputation. It felt like they were amputating my leg with no medicine and I was awake. It was the worst half hour of my life. The surgery was successful, but due to complications, I now have no feeling on the surface of my left foot and it is hypersensitive to touch. I receive an electrical jolt in my foot every five seconds due to nerve damage.
The reason why I am mentioning all about the pain I’ve been through is because I believe that pain is the one thing if anything that has changed me. Like I said, when I was young, I didn’t think about the future, I didn’t think anything bad could happen to me, I thought that “learning” to walk would be just as easy as it is for everyone else. Now, every time I go through something painful, it makes me appreciate my life more. I now realize that in order to achieve this goal of walking, I’m going to have to go to hell and back to achieve it. I no longer just think about now. I think about everything I’m going to have to go through to accomplish what I want to accomplish in life. Pain gives me appreciation for my life, gives me strength, and gives me the sense of accomplishment. And instead of asking questions all the time, I’ve learned to accept myself, and just live my life. Pain, a small word that has changed me in a big way.
How I’ve Changed
Sixteen years old. Time flies by so fast. I enjoy every minute of my life, yet there are moments in my life that I wish never had to happen. But if I never had the bad moments, would I enjoy every moment of my life? Of course, ten or five years ago, I never thought about these things. Because in that time, I’ve changed, I really never had any bad moments. Never thought I would ever go through any sufferings, never thought I would have any life changing moments. I was always focused on the present, I never really thought about the future. Suddenly, that all changed, I changed.
As a kid, I questioned everything. I was very observant, and would always ask questions. Questions about my disability mostly, “why can’t I walk like the other kids? why am I different?, why are kids so mean to me?, what’s wrong with me?, why me?” I just could never wrap my head around why I didn’t look like every other kid, or why kids would tease me. It took me a while to realize what I realize now. I realize now, that it’s just the way God made me, and I know he has a special purpose for me. He wants me to go through everything I go through for a reason. I just don’t know what that reason is yet, I may never know, He might want someone else to know my purpose instead of me. I still ask one of the questions that I asked when I was a kid, and that one is “why me?”
I was told when I was born I would never walk or talk. That has been a motivation for me my whole life to accomplish something that most people take for granted, to walk. When I was younger, I never thought I would have to go through much work or much pain to accomplish this. I was wrong. My first year of jr. high, whenever I would walk in my walker, every step hurt. So, the process of pain began. The doctor told me that the only way to fix it would be to wear casts on my legs for six weeks. The six weeks were absolutely brutal. I might have gotten three hours of sleep a night, took about twenty to thirty pain pills a day. I realized then that if I were going to achieve this goal, I would have to go through a lot of pain. The casting was actually unsuccessful, they worked for a little while, but then my feet began to turn back inward. So, two years later we tried again. I was very upset because I knew what was coming. Again, after a while, the casting was unsuccessful. We realized that there was only one thing left to do. There was only one thing that would be a permanent solution. That was to perform major surgery. The reason why the doctors didn’t do it before that time, was because they knew that the surgery would be ten times more painful then the casting. They were right. I never have felt as much pain as I did for the first six weeks after the surgery. The day after the surgery, the doctor realized something was wrong with the casting that they did. So, they had to redo the casting, and the way I describe that pain that I felt at that moment is it felt like an old-fashion amputation. It felt like they were amputating my leg with no medicine and I was awake. It was the worst half hour of my life. The surgery was successful, but due to complications, I now have no feeling on the surface of my left foot and it is hypersensitive to touch. I receive an electrical jolt in my foot every five seconds due to nerve damage.
The reason why I am mentioning all about the pain I’ve been through is because I believe that pain is the one thing if anything that has changed me. Like I said, when I was young, I didn’t think about the future, I didn’t think anything bad could happen to me, I thought that “learning” to walk would be just as easy as it is for everyone else. Now, every time I go through something painful, it makes me appreciate my life more. I now realize that in order to achieve this goal of walking, I’m going to have to go to hell and back to achieve it. I no longer just think about now. I think about everything I’m going to have to go through to accomplish what I want to accomplish in life. Pain gives me appreciation for my life, gives me strength, and gives me the sense of accomplishment. And instead of asking questions all the time, I’ve learned to accept myself, and just live my life. Pain, a small word that has changed me in a big way.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Charger passed and is officially Nick's!!
Great news tonight! Charger passed his 6 month certification/public access test through assistance dogs of America and is he officially being turned over in ownership to us/Nick! YEAH:) He is officially on team Hyndman, part of our family! We have to contact the county auditor's office to get things officially transferred from ADAI to us. One thing though, we have to continue to monitor his weight and send it to them from the vet every 2 weeks or so. Once we get his weight back on track, which it is, all will be good.
Charger did great. He is so smart and listened to Nick. They are so close and bonded and there are so many things Charger can help Nick with and that will continue to grow and Nick continues to take very good care and spend a great deal of time caring for Charger. It's a beautiful relationship.
We can't wait to see what the future brings for Nick and Charger. One more thing....Nick wants to wrestle at PHS and I think he'll be able to, but we'll know more next week at the parents' meeting and when we speak to the coach. Nick has spoken to him in detail and attended a meeting and it looks as if the coach is very inclusive and seemed very supportive according to Nick and was like, "how can we make this work?" Nick is excited for many reasons. I'd like to have Nick write about this more himself on this blog soon.
Until next time....
Blessings:)
Amy
Charger did great. He is so smart and listened to Nick. They are so close and bonded and there are so many things Charger can help Nick with and that will continue to grow and Nick continues to take very good care and spend a great deal of time caring for Charger. It's a beautiful relationship.
We can't wait to see what the future brings for Nick and Charger. One more thing....Nick wants to wrestle at PHS and I think he'll be able to, but we'll know more next week at the parents' meeting and when we speak to the coach. Nick has spoken to him in detail and attended a meeting and it looks as if the coach is very inclusive and seemed very supportive according to Nick and was like, "how can we make this work?" Nick is excited for many reasons. I'd like to have Nick write about this more himself on this blog soon.
Until next time....
Blessings:)
Amy
Sunday, October 18, 2009
I See You
I See You
My dearest Nick, I see YOU.
Some people may look at you and see a boy with cerebral palsy. I see a
BOY. I see a boy who is loving and sweet and funny. I see a handsome boy with big beautiful brown eyes and a smile that lights up a room. I see a boy who loves to play, who loves sports, plays baseball, rides horses, loves music, and is very, very smart. I see a boy who is wise beyond his years and loves his family and friends and cares about others he does not even know personally.
Some people may look at you and see a boy who struggles to walk and talk and who cannot run. Some people may see a boy who has limitations. I see a boy who works harder than anyone I know to do all of the things other people do and take for granted. I see a boy with ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.
Some people may see a boy with limits to his dreams because of his disability. I see a boy who has no limits to his dreams because in his mind, he dreams to play sports and run and he dreams endless dreams for himself. Some people may look at you and see a boy who gets frustrated because of his disability. I see a boy who tried harder than anyone I know and even when he is sad and frustrated, he is positive in the face of his challenges. I see a boy who never gives up and keeps on trying even when others would give up.
Nick, you may think that other people see your disability instead of YOU, but they do not. If they take the time to get to know you, they see YOU. I see YOU. You are the most amazing person I know and I am grateful God has let me be your Mom. I see and have the most amazing son anyone could ask for. When you are feeling low or facing a challenge, remember who you are and that I see YOU. I see the incredible, wonderful YOU.
Love,
Mom
August 2001
I wrote that for Nick when he was 8 years-old, 8 years ago now. He is a young man now, not a boy, but this is still relevant for him today. He still experiences this problem today and I got this out again to remind him of what I want him to know.
I was recently asked to be an Advisory Board member at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (www.abilitycenter.org) to address issues of community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. I attended our first meeting this past Friday and I feel honored to be part of a team with such qualified individuals and hope to learn a lot and contribute a lot. There's a lot to do! We were fortunate to have Derrick Dufresne, a consultant (and more) re: disability issues. During our discussions, we talked about one consistent fact that continues to come up, which is the fact that individuals with disabilities of all ages express that they are lonely and are socially isolated. I wasn't suprised as I have heard this from many individuals with disabilities and their family members in my work, but also because we live this with Nick. Nick has expressed this for YEARS, back when he was 8 and I wrote "I See You" and still today. We've done everything we know as parents to address this and "make it better". I've read tons of books, including one on facilitating friendships between kids with disabilities and kids without disabilities, and more. I've talked to people and I bet, if you came up with a suggestions, we've already tried it. So has Nick. We can only hope he continues to put himself out there and keep trying, live his life fully, and as his peers "mature", they will take more time out to get to know him, SPEND TIME with him. I've always said, there is a big difference between being "friendly", saying "hello", etc., than being a "friend". Big difference and Nick knows this too! Now, I hope with my work on the ACT Advisory Board, this will be one more small way to address this issue for Nick and others. If we can get out there in the community with businesses and schools and get them to really, meaningfully serve and employ individuals with disabilities (with supports from ACT and other disability agencies of course), then maybe people will start to see individuals with disabilities as "INDIVIDUALS" first, and their disability as only one small part of what makes them who they are. I'm not naive enough to think this will happen anytime soon. We have to start though, one person, one business, one day at a time. In the meantime, Nick, keep doing what you are doing and remember who you are and that I (and your Dad and Bella) see and love YOU and we're here for you:)
Blessings:)
Amy
My dearest Nick, I see YOU.
Some people may look at you and see a boy with cerebral palsy. I see a
BOY. I see a boy who is loving and sweet and funny. I see a handsome boy with big beautiful brown eyes and a smile that lights up a room. I see a boy who loves to play, who loves sports, plays baseball, rides horses, loves music, and is very, very smart. I see a boy who is wise beyond his years and loves his family and friends and cares about others he does not even know personally.
Some people may look at you and see a boy who struggles to walk and talk and who cannot run. Some people may see a boy who has limitations. I see a boy who works harder than anyone I know to do all of the things other people do and take for granted. I see a boy with ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.
Some people may see a boy with limits to his dreams because of his disability. I see a boy who has no limits to his dreams because in his mind, he dreams to play sports and run and he dreams endless dreams for himself. Some people may look at you and see a boy who gets frustrated because of his disability. I see a boy who tried harder than anyone I know and even when he is sad and frustrated, he is positive in the face of his challenges. I see a boy who never gives up and keeps on trying even when others would give up.
Nick, you may think that other people see your disability instead of YOU, but they do not. If they take the time to get to know you, they see YOU. I see YOU. You are the most amazing person I know and I am grateful God has let me be your Mom. I see and have the most amazing son anyone could ask for. When you are feeling low or facing a challenge, remember who you are and that I see YOU. I see the incredible, wonderful YOU.
Love,
Mom
August 2001
I wrote that for Nick when he was 8 years-old, 8 years ago now. He is a young man now, not a boy, but this is still relevant for him today. He still experiences this problem today and I got this out again to remind him of what I want him to know.
I was recently asked to be an Advisory Board member at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (www.abilitycenter.org) to address issues of community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. I attended our first meeting this past Friday and I feel honored to be part of a team with such qualified individuals and hope to learn a lot and contribute a lot. There's a lot to do! We were fortunate to have Derrick Dufresne, a consultant (and more) re: disability issues. During our discussions, we talked about one consistent fact that continues to come up, which is the fact that individuals with disabilities of all ages express that they are lonely and are socially isolated. I wasn't suprised as I have heard this from many individuals with disabilities and their family members in my work, but also because we live this with Nick. Nick has expressed this for YEARS, back when he was 8 and I wrote "I See You" and still today. We've done everything we know as parents to address this and "make it better". I've read tons of books, including one on facilitating friendships between kids with disabilities and kids without disabilities, and more. I've talked to people and I bet, if you came up with a suggestions, we've already tried it. So has Nick. We can only hope he continues to put himself out there and keep trying, live his life fully, and as his peers "mature", they will take more time out to get to know him, SPEND TIME with him. I've always said, there is a big difference between being "friendly", saying "hello", etc., than being a "friend". Big difference and Nick knows this too! Now, I hope with my work on the ACT Advisory Board, this will be one more small way to address this issue for Nick and others. If we can get out there in the community with businesses and schools and get them to really, meaningfully serve and employ individuals with disabilities (with supports from ACT and other disability agencies of course), then maybe people will start to see individuals with disabilities as "INDIVIDUALS" first, and their disability as only one small part of what makes them who they are. I'm not naive enough to think this will happen anytime soon. We have to start though, one person, one business, one day at a time. In the meantime, Nick, keep doing what you are doing and remember who you are and that I (and your Dad and Bella) see and love YOU and we're here for you:)
Blessings:)
Amy
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Useful Links
I have added a "useful links" section to the blog (on the right side). I'll update this as I get new information as well. Please feel free to contact me by posting on this blog and/or e-mailing me at amyhyndman@buckeye-express.com with any links you think may be useful to add or any other useful information for this blog.
Thank you:)
Amy
Thank you:)
Amy
The "R" Word
The Disability Studies Program presents
What’s the big deal
about the “R” word?
“Retard”
Is it hate speech or is it funny.
Is a term for speech that attacks or disparages
a person or group of people
based on their social or ethnic group.
See the film that sparked a national controversy
and a film response.
Intended to excite laughter or
amusement, facetious, humorous.
Come and judge for yourself.
When: October 27, 2009
Where: Memorial Field House Room 1910
Time: 12:45- 4:00 p.m.
The above information was sent to me by a friend, Tim Harrington, Executive Director, of The Ability Center. I thought, "thank goodness" someone is addressing this. (The Disability Studies Program at The University of Toledo). The use of this word has bothered me forever. I hear so many young people use this word like it is "nothing" and I think, "who or what is raising you and teaching you?" ??????? I don't think it is any different than using the "N" word, they are not just words, it is the KNOWN meaning and intention behind the word, whether it is used to describe a person or something else. Sensitivity training 101.
When Nick was three, we walked to the park, in his special stroller, and I went to put him on the swing. There were three kids that were there and one of them said, "hey look at that retard", referring to Nick. Nick didn't necessarily know what the word meant at that age, but he knew it was not good and they were talking about him and he was (is) a smart kid. He immediately started saying "No!" and kicking and started crying. Then I started crying and we walked 2 blocks home crying and that was the first time I had to sit down with Nick and talk to him about kids teasing him and what that word means, at his level at the time of course. I remember it vividly. Since then, I have several similar stories to tell, people saying these things about Nick and teasing him, including the use of the "R" word. So, no one can ever convince me that it is a harmless "word".
Blessings:)
Amy
What’s the big deal
about the “R” word?
“Retard”
Is it hate speech or is it funny.
Is a term for speech that attacks or disparages
a person or group of people
based on their social or ethnic group.
See the film that sparked a national controversy
and a film response.
Intended to excite laughter or
amusement, facetious, humorous.
Come and judge for yourself.
When: October 27, 2009
Where: Memorial Field House Room 1910
Time: 12:45- 4:00 p.m.
The above information was sent to me by a friend, Tim Harrington, Executive Director, of The Ability Center. I thought, "thank goodness" someone is addressing this. (The Disability Studies Program at The University of Toledo). The use of this word has bothered me forever. I hear so many young people use this word like it is "nothing" and I think, "who or what is raising you and teaching you?" ??????? I don't think it is any different than using the "N" word, they are not just words, it is the KNOWN meaning and intention behind the word, whether it is used to describe a person or something else. Sensitivity training 101.
When Nick was three, we walked to the park, in his special stroller, and I went to put him on the swing. There were three kids that were there and one of them said, "hey look at that retard", referring to Nick. Nick didn't necessarily know what the word meant at that age, but he knew it was not good and they were talking about him and he was (is) a smart kid. He immediately started saying "No!" and kicking and started crying. Then I started crying and we walked 2 blocks home crying and that was the first time I had to sit down with Nick and talk to him about kids teasing him and what that word means, at his level at the time of course. I remember it vividly. Since then, I have several similar stories to tell, people saying these things about Nick and teasing him, including the use of the "R" word. So, no one can ever convince me that it is a harmless "word".
Blessings:)
Amy
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Nick's Homecoming
Everything I just wrote is the truth and that is what we have told and will tell people when they ask us about it. There is, however, a bit of a back-story to this event with a "cerebral palsy twist". It started about a month ago when Nick told us he had asked Shannon to homecoming. We were pleasantly surprised and knew this took a lot of courage for him to ask her. Our thoughts immediately turned to, "how is this going to work?" I know that may sound ridiculous to some and you may laugh. For starters, Nick has never attended a dance or anything like this at school before. We were thrilled and hopeful for him. We know Nick and we spoke to him about his concerns. We knew he had them and we were right, because we know him so well. First, he was concerned about eating in front of Shannon. I mean, for Nick, he has involuntary movements and also fine motor delays, meaning he has trouble using utensils and it can be difficult for him to eat like others do. Sometimes, this can be messy. Usually, Nick is very self-conscious about this and over the years, we have developed some strategies to make this easier, helping him at times, cutting food up so it is easier for him, using a straw, eating "less messy" food, even if this means he prefers the taste of the "messier" food. At home, of course, Nick is free and feels free to be himself and doesn't worry about this stuff.
The second concern Nick had was, what if he needs to use the restroom at the dance and he has no one to help him undo his belt and button on his pants. What if he needs help with something? (of course, we say "ask", but this is his first date so to speak so I can understand why he wouldn't want to have to do that!) He didn't know if he could dance out of his wheelchair and if Shannon would want to dance with him in his chair. He said he REALLY wanted to dance a few dances at least out of his chair. What if he fell? What if he couldn't hear in the dance? Of course, if he wears his hearing aids, will it be "too loud?" The pick up everything, sometimes he has to take them out at events. What if no one hangs out with them? All of these things were going through his head as we had suspected and he told us so.
So, we started strategizing like we normally do. This is something that just comes as second nature. We want him to do this and we want him to be "out there" living and have these experiences and we know he can do it, but it we're admittedly concerned about some of these details too. So, we took him to Kohls to get a whole new outfit. That was fun. We had to get shoes that are almost three sizes bigger than his foot so he can wear his AFO's (leg braces, Ankle-Foot Orthotics) which he didn't want to do, but he knew he had to if he was going to have any chance of being able to stand up out of his wheelchair and dance on his feet. We found the shoes that fit perfectly over the AFOs. Then, we knew Nick usually gets food on his clothing when he eats, so we bought TWO shirts and TWO ties, identical, so if he did get it all messy, when we picked them up to take them from the restaurant to the dance, he could change and not be self-conscious about that. Then he could eat and not worry. Then we and my Dad practiced dancing with Nick, slow-dancing, after school most days in his AFOs so he could learn what to do and what that felt like, to be on his feet and balance himself. We talked about how he could handle various situations too, like falling, etc. The bottom line is, we told him to just have fun and enjoy himself, be honest, tell Shannon when odd situations arise and talk about it, laugh about it, and if she could see beyond his chair to say "yes" to go to the dance, she obviously likes him for who he is. We said, "it's not like she doesn't KNOW you have CP! Right?" News flash......Nick has CP! We laughed about all of that.
Finally, the night before the dance, we took Nick to Olive Garden for a "trial run". That was quite a sacrifice, eating a good meal at one of our favorite restaurants:) (smile) We went over the menu. Nick wanted something that would take the least effort,, that he liked of course, so he decided upon pizza. (Even though his favorite is spaghetti and meatballs, which he gets plenty of, believe me!) We went over the straw, spoke to the staff and made sure if he needed someone to help cut things up, they would. Nick didn't want to have to worry about asking all of this at dinner.
Nick didn't sleep much the night before, pretty normal I guess. Greg spent about two hours getting him ready, BOTH sets of his grandparents came over for pictures and we all traveled in caravan-style to Shannon's house where we and her father took a significant amount of pictures. Nick wrote something special for Shannon and gave her an Elmo, one of her favorites. Nick didn't seem to mind the fact that we were all there and they both indulged us our moments to take so many pictures. We then took them to dinner and ate at a near-by restaurant so we could be available if Nick needed anything and to pick them up when they were finished. He texted Greg shortly into dinner with a few "technical" questions and then texted and said it was "all good, having a great time!" They went to the dance and called to come back to our house to hang out a couple of hours later. Nick and Shannon both said they had a good time, but it was SO LOUD they couldn't talk, so they wanted to come here to hang out. They hung out here for about an hour and a half (not with us!) and Greg and Nick took Shannon home.
A few details that Nick gave us afterwards.....first he had a great time. Second, he said, tons of people came up and said hello, he introduced Shannon, but no one really hung out with them at all, so they two of them just hung out together. He didn't say this was bad, just a fact. Not sure what I think about that, but if he's ok, so am I. He said he danced a few dances with Shannon standing up, slow dances, which went pretty well. Then he said he tried to dance fast but fell, and Shannon helped him up. He said it was no big deal, then he danced in his chair. Overall, he had a great night and we were really happy for him! There was this hesitation in his voice when he talked about it, he didn't say what that was and we let him just tell us what he wanted to tell us. He genuinely seemed to have a great night. WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We all slept hard last night and are for some reason, exhausted today. For sure, the entire family had hope and anticipation for this event. For us, it was more than just a dance. It meant a lot more to Nick we think and it definitely meant a lot more to us. It was a first. We know Nick can deal with things that come up regarding his CP. I think because we've always just done these things as a kind of "team", that is just how we felt. It was Nick's night for sure. We didn't want to make it about us, it WAS about Nick. You can't separate us, though. We're a family and a team. Team Hyndman! What affects one of us, affects us all. That is how families work, how our family works. I wouldn't have it any other way. I can assure you that we'd do the same for any one of us. We can't even begin to think about Isabella going to dances though. Thank goodness we've got a few years before that!:)
Blessings:)
Amy
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cerebral Palsy Family on Facebook
I started a Group on Facebook (www.facebook.com) as a link to this blog called Cerebral Palsy Family. Hopefully this will allow us to connect with more people!
Nick and my friend, Sandi, actually got me started on Facebook and it is really what you want it, what you make it to be. I love it for connecting with friends and causes and you can get on it as little or as often as you like, control your "friends" , so it doesn't have to be anything that you don't want it to be. I like that about it. It's actually a great way to network and I am a "newbie" at all of this so if I can do it, anyone can!
Join us!
Amy
Nick and my friend, Sandi, actually got me started on Facebook and it is really what you want it, what you make it to be. I love it for connecting with friends and causes and you can get on it as little or as often as you like, control your "friends" , so it doesn't have to be anything that you don't want it to be. I like that about it. It's actually a great way to network and I am a "newbie" at all of this so if I can do it, anyone can!
Join us!
Amy
"Keepin it REAL"
I had lunch with a friend earlier this week and I always appreciate my friends for helping to to "keep it real". We were talking about our kids. I was telling her some things about Nick and she reminded me that what I was feeling was true for ALL kids. In other words, this particular issue wasn't about Nick's disability , but was a universal "kid" issue.
I really do always appreciate this. It has happened several times over the years and it always causes me to pause and say, "oh yeah, it is!". I think our life and our family is defined by many things, but one of those many things is Nick's disability. I mean this in the best of ways. For good and bad, I wouldn't change Nick or our family and we are definitely stronger because of dealing with issues with Nick's disability and watching him move through life as a person with a disability who is excelling and living a full life. With all of the ups and downs, the "roller coaster ride" as Nick calls it, I (we) can become all-consumed by it at times, without even realizing it. Sometimes, it's good to be reminded that some of Nick's experiences or our feelings about it are things that many parents of kids experience and feel. Not to minimize the disability stuff, because it is a major part of our lives, but it's not all of it:) Just as Nick's disability is only one part of him. It may be a major part of his life and affect most areas of his life, but the truth is he's more ALIKE other kids his age than unlike them. We've always said that. This is true for all individuals with disabilities in my opinion. We need to look at the things we have in common a bit more.
So, THANK YOU to my friends who help me to remember these things! I need that in my life!
Blessings:)
Amy
I really do always appreciate this. It has happened several times over the years and it always causes me to pause and say, "oh yeah, it is!". I think our life and our family is defined by many things, but one of those many things is Nick's disability. I mean this in the best of ways. For good and bad, I wouldn't change Nick or our family and we are definitely stronger because of dealing with issues with Nick's disability and watching him move through life as a person with a disability who is excelling and living a full life. With all of the ups and downs, the "roller coaster ride" as Nick calls it, I (we) can become all-consumed by it at times, without even realizing it. Sometimes, it's good to be reminded that some of Nick's experiences or our feelings about it are things that many parents of kids experience and feel. Not to minimize the disability stuff, because it is a major part of our lives, but it's not all of it:) Just as Nick's disability is only one part of him. It may be a major part of his life and affect most areas of his life, but the truth is he's more ALIKE other kids his age than unlike them. We've always said that. This is true for all individuals with disabilities in my opinion. We need to look at the things we have in common a bit more.
So, THANK YOU to my friends who help me to remember these things! I need that in my life!
Blessings:)
Amy
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Snowman-Wheelchair Ballet
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2004411240335
This may seem sort of random, but I was going through some old e-mails and I came upon this link to an article that talks about a wheelchair ballet Nick was in when he was 11 years-old. Nick is in the article. He had a great time, it was a wonderful experience. The Jr. High sent all of his fellow classmates on a field trip to see the performance:)
Amy
This may seem sort of random, but I was going through some old e-mails and I came upon this link to an article that talks about a wheelchair ballet Nick was in when he was 11 years-old. Nick is in the article. He had a great time, it was a wonderful experience. The Jr. High sent all of his fellow classmates on a field trip to see the performance:)
Amy
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