Many years ago, my teenage son, Kasey, gave me a Christmas gift that I’ve cherished ever since. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate—a simple black frame containing an image of a worn nub of a yellow #2 pencil. Its point was carved roughly with a pen knife, its pink eraser worn, and its surface visibly chewed. […]
Protecting the Dream of Inclusion: Persistence, Passion, and the Courage to Begin Again Read More »
As we gear up for the 2024 presidential election, it’s a good time to reflect on how previous battles over healthcare, particularly Medicaid, have shaped the support systems that millions of people rely on today. It feels like déjà vu—just like in 2017, there are concerns that the programs we depend on could be drastically
Medicaid: How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Disability Services Read More »
Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are
New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team Read More »
Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. It represents the freedom and independence that we all cherish. I think Mikelle embodies the true spirit of community, resilience, and the American desire and opportunities to achieve your dreams. For many years, our family has celebrated Denver’s 3rd of July
Independence Day with Mikelle: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience Read More »
Celebrating Mikelle’s Birthday in the Shadows of Her Grandma’s Home This summer, Mikelle celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother Kasey and his wife Allison, once her beloved Grandma’s house for sixty-two years. Although it marked the second birthday without her Grandma, gathering friends in the revitalized backyard breathed new life into the celebration.
A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
.Free Tickets The tickets were free. The invitation to the movie screening arrived in my crowded inbox at just the right moment. I was searching for new opportunities for Mikelle to expand her world. ESRA The invitation was from the University of Colorado, JFK Partners program, part of the University Centers for Excellence, a national
Autism and Family Resilience: Lessons from Ezra. Read More »
It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community and her family know she
Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8 Read More »
Most of us experience a conflicting relationship with time. Time continues to be both the adversary and the giver of great gifts. As the world speeds up, our relationship with time becomes more conflicted–especially as we grow older, especially if we are caregivers and people who have lived experience with disability. Many of us operated
Nuturing a Loving Relationship with Time Read More »
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »
