Ability

Dear Life,

I've learned some things about disabilities.
Like when you can't walk on your own...
you may need braces....
or a walker....
or you may need a wheelchair to get around.

Or when you can't see very well....
You need glasses.
When you can't hear...
You get a hearing aid.

But something is really making my mind spin right now...
When you have challenges learning....
When you can't concentrate...
When organization is not your forte...
What tools can you use to be successful in the classroom?

How do you teach a child to work independently....
How do you teach your child to keep his work for a month...in order....complete....and turn it in...
     when he forgets to take out the trash?
How do you teach your child that although he has a learning disability he still has ABILITY....


Don't forget about the GIVEAWAY

Kindness begins with....

Dear Life,


Have you ever been in a room with someone with a disability and felt awkward?
Did you stare and then look away when you got caught?
Did you purposefully avert your eyes?
Did you avoid that person?
Did you smile?
Did you say hello?




How  do you interact with people normally?
Do you ignore others in a busy waiting room?
Do you smile and say hi?
Do you stare at people?
(I am admittedly a people watcher...so I am taking myself to task!)


Having a child with a disability has opened my eyes to many things.  
I have learned that I am not tolerant when I'm cranky.
I'm usually cranky at doctor's offices.
I don't go out of my way to make people comfortable enough to say hi to me.
And I get frustrated when people stare.
And then I realize that I have been guilty of staring.
We all probably have.
It's human nature.
We are a curious people.
I know that personally, I would rather someone smile at us, and talk to Kumaka than ignore or stare without even a smile.
I love to answer questions, if they are kind and in good taste.
I love educating people about Spina Bifida and I love talking about Kumaka.
I promise to smile first, if you promise to say hi and talk to us.
I promise to be kind and answer your questions to the best of my ability.
I know Kumaka loves it when your kids come over to play, so please don't call them back to you, it hurts his feelings.
And he might  say really loudly "Mom, that guy is staring at me" to which I will say loudly "It's ok honey, wave and say hi!". 
(that happened this week)
And please...if my other kids are with me, say hi to them too!  Everyone ignores them all together because their eyes are naturally drawn to Kumaka.  My kids are pretty cute...and would love a little hello once in awhile! :)


I've realized that kindness begins with me...so I promise to do my part....


Here is our collage....I LOVE IT~

And I want to direct you to a relatively new online magazine.  It is a wealth of information....great articles and growing info about support groups, blogs, etc in your area in regards to Spina Bifida.
Faces of Spina Bifida was started by a couple of talented women.  I am blessed enough to have been asked to write for them.  YAY!  I'm so excited about this opportunity.  These women have foresight, and will help our community so much! I look forward to working with them!  

A day at the park....it's not what you think

 Dear Life,

What do you see when you look at this picture?

A child in a wheelchair?

A  boy on the sidelines...not participating?

Do you wonder what he's thinking?

Do you wonder if he's sad?

Do you think he knows he's different?

What do you see now?

A little mischief?

A little gleam in his eye?

Do you wonder what's up his sleeve?

Do you wonder how he will climb that mountain?

Do you wonder if he will succeed?

Who do you see with him now?

A big strong boy?

Could it be a brother?

Do you wonder what he said to him?

Do you wonder where they're going?

Do you wonder how strong this big brother is?

What do you think of this mountain they are climbing?

Can his brother carry him all the way up?

Can he hold on the whole time?

Do you wonder what they are thinking?

Do you think he regrets the offer?

Do you think he resents the climb?

What do you think of the smiles?

Or what of the great big hug?

Did they really get there?

Do you see how much he loves him?

Do you wonder if he's tired?

Do you wonder if he'll always be there?

What do you see in this picture?

Isn't he just a regular little boy?

Or is there something different about this brown eyed child?

Do you see that brilliant smile?

Do you see that glow around him?

Do you doubt Him?

Do you see these children?  

Do you see their strengths?  

Do you see their differences? 

 Do you see their love?

Did you see His love?

 His brother said he will carry him over every mountain....he will always be there for him.  That boy doesn't know he's different, and he knows he'll always be lifted up.

This was a day at the park for us. 

What an eye opening experience.

From...A Mom of Incredible Boys


This song reminds me of my boy:

"The Climb"
Miley Cyrus

I can almost see it.
That dream I'm dreaming, but
There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm takin'
Every move I make
Feels lost with no direction,
My faith is shakin'
But I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it, but
These are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most
I've just gotta keep goin', and
I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on movin'
Keep climbin'
Keep the faith baby
It's all about, it's all about
The climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, woah