Mikelle and I feel compelled to write about life with a disability, not just the challenges but the opportunities, the friendships, the innovations, and the brilliance of our communities in action as we share our everyday life living with a disability. With a little more information, motivation, we hope to share how our life is shining beautiful and maybe help you to shine beautiful, too.
When Stories Open Doors: Families, Resources, and the Lessons of Viki King
The Unexpected Moment It was a late spring day, and the snow was wet and heavy. The kind of storm that makes you want to
Seasons of Change: August Reflections at Shining Beautiful
Transition Time August is a month of transition. The sun still lingers, but the shadows are growing longer. Back-to-school sales pop up in every store,
The Calendar at the Center of Care
At the heart of our home is a calendar. Not the kind that counts the days, but one that holds the rhythm of Mikelle’s life—steady,
Pretty in Pink and Perfectly Included: Mikelle’s Night at Red Rock
Girl’s Night Out Some nights just sparkle—and our evening at Film on the Rocks watching Legally Blonde was one of those unforgettable nights. Mikelle and
Voices Shining Beautiful Mikelle’s Beam+ Mini-Documentary and Its Premiere at The People’s Theater
A Story of Advocacy In a new short documentary from BEAM+STORIES Season 2, Mikelle steps into the spotlight—not just as a storyteller, but as a
From the Runway to the Real Fight: June’s Whiplash Reality Check
The June roller coaster continues. Just days ago, we were basking in celebration. Mikelle modeled with flair and confidence at Denver Fashion Week—wearing a red
Shining on the Runway: Disability, Fashion, and the Power of Presence
Denver Fashion Week There’s something magical about being seen—not just looked at, but truly seen. This June, Mikelle lit up the runway at Denver Fashion
Living Life Like Improv: Saying “Yes” to Change in Uncertain Times
It’s one of the foundational rules of improv comedy. You don’t deny the situation; you accept it and then build on it. It feels like
Summer, Uninterrupted: Finding Joy Amid Uncertainty
New Normal Let’s face it—uncertainty is the new normal, especially for families navigating disability services and supports. Between policy shifts, staffing shortages, and the ongoing
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools
Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in
From Baby Swings to Business Cards: Raising Resilient, Capable Adults.
Now that Mikelle and I are both older—she is approaching forty-two, and I am well into my next chapter—I often look back on the winding
March Medicaid Madness: Bracket-Busting Cuts and the Fight for Survival
Basketball fans know the thrill and chaos of March Madness every March — an unpredictable tournament where anything can happen. For those of us relying