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.
Who is the Hero in Your Story? Part Three in Our Storytelling Series
While each of us has a story, as a young mom of a child who experiences cerebral palsy, I knew my story was different than those of my neighbors. As fall approached, they shopped eagerly for school supplies while teachers greeted new students, their children, with smiles and a pat
Nightmares of Plumbing
Nightmares of Plumbing A guest blog for the Shining Beautiful Series by Taylor Mason. It has been two weeks. Two weeks since the ceiling of MIkelle’s bathroom bubbled and burst, like some twisted water park ride gone wrong, spilling gallons upon gallons of water into her room. Mysterious in its
Target on target.
Target on Target. A guest blog for the Shining Beautiful Series by Taylor Mason. Lately, Mikelle and her girls have been spending more and more time in the wide, red-accented aisles of Target. We’ve come to appreciate those aisles for their width and the ease in which Mikelle is able
Following the Trail… in Search of a Good Story
We have so many things we want to share in our story. But, where to start? How will you know what is the real story? How do you find the story that makes a difference to you and the reader? Understand that a story is an invitation to enter into a dynamic
Explore your Stories! Feeling the power of your experience.
Right now, storytelling is powerful as Colorado thunderstorm broiling off the Rocky Mountains in summer. Powerful, landscape changing, storytelling can changes lives. Why? Storytelling, if done well, gets past all the noise in our minds striking like lightening through our busy lives. We are struck by the powerful glimpse into
Inspiring and Energy…finding your spirit in the arts.
Life can be challenging. Life with a disability can be overwhelming. Each day has the potential to be an uphill battle, whether psychological or physical, it can be painful and discouraging. We all desire a happy, pain-free, and H.O.P.E. filled life with rich meaning and contribution. Despite our difficulties, we
When it is Time to Find a New Doctor…or Dentist.
Healthy Transitions in Healthcare We have spoken about staff turnover before, but haven’t talked about turnover in the medical profession. Over the years, we learned how to transition from one care provider to another, but it is never easy.This time for a new dentist. The first step in caring for
Wheels!
The Freedom of Mobility There is a moment, a moment full of panic and anxiety, when Mikelle’s wheelchair pauses. This chair is well over five years old. It is worn and beaten with many technical issues. When you work with Mikelle you learn to become a sort of amateur handyman,
How Safe is your Family’s Medicaid Waiver?
Repeal and Replace On March 6, 2017, Congress unveiled its “Repeal and Replace Obamacare” proposal, a plan kept under wraps until that day. With the announcement, many of us were left scratching our heads, wondering if Medicaid services—services that so many families have come to rely on—would be fundamentally altered.
Developmental Disability Awareness Month: A little history.
Presidents and Parents and Advocates Leading the Way In the early 1960’s President, Kennedy used the power of the Presidency to bring attention to the needs of people experiencing life with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Back in the 1960’s, individuals with IDD were labeled as “mentally retarded.” Up
Duffy Roll Delight
This month is jam-packed. Busy is an understatement. Amid our active life, we find comfort in a simple ritual—the Duffy Roll. Besides the general household duties, we have obligatory Starbucks visits, meeting with friends over a quick meal, and hasty grocery store visits. February Feels Cramped. Being the shortest month
Taking Time to Love
Every day we learn to love more. We await what comes from an unpredictable day, daring myself to fall into an uncertain moment on the side of love, not fear. I dare myself to step into the vulnerabilities of an open heart. It takes courage to open a heart broken