I posted these two pictures on Instagram yesterday to support a strength challenge by a yoga instructor I admire greatly, Dianne Bondy. In the post, I mentioned how my yoga practice is redefining what strength means to me. I'd like to elaborate on that here.
If you're reading this and aren't connected to me via social media, let me preface this by saying that I lost a dear friend to suicide yesterday. He lost his battle with PTSD and was the LAST person I'd ever expected to lose that battle. He was, without question, one of the most inspring and motivating individuals I was privileged to call my friend. In the past several years, I've buried way too many people for this reason...and it literally crushes me emotionally.
In light of yesterday's loss, as well as thinking about the suicide crisis in this country, I felt compelled to elaborate on how yoga has begun to redefine strength for me...and MAYBE we, as a society, could consider reexamining how we define strength also.
I know I will probably mess this up a bit, but I'm speaking solely from my heart here. See, yoga isn't just about poses. It's also the simple awareness of your body and all it's abilities and limits, your breath and the mind-body connection. It's about finding balance, not just in a pose, but in your being. Thanks to Cerebral Palsy, my physical body does not allow me to get into most traditional shapes/poses, but because I have the knowledge of the intention of the pose, I can almost always find a modification that will satisfy the intention. That said, I also have to be mindful of what my body is capable of that day. Some days I may be able to do some standing poses...other days, I may not. AND THAT'S OK. Physical strength does come from working on certain poses, such as this high/low plank pose that I do on a wall. But for me, the REAL strength is coming from learning when to push, but also when to pull back.
See, I used to see it as a sign of weakness if I couldn't push through something. It's only been recently that I've learned that pushing through when my body isn't ready to handle it is damaging. I had to lose my mobility to figure that out. (Most recently, I injured my hip for that very reason...trying to make my body fit into a pose it wasn't ready for!) The same thing applies to my brain. I can be the most stubborn person in the world and really dig my heels in at times (I know...shocking! LOL!), but through my yoga practice, I have learned that if I just stop resisting, things come easier...physically, mentally, even spiritually. It takes real strength to acknowledge where our limitations are AND to accept them graciously.
Recognizing our strengths, as well as our limits, finding the balance in the two, and knowing when to ask for help, is the REAL strength that I believe we don't help people focus on enough in this country. It's always about striving for more, pushing harder, keep up with the Joneses, etc. ...and let's not forget the "shoulds" that society places on us. That's a lot of pressure for anyone. And I'm just as guilty of all of these!
I'm going through Yoga Teacher Training currently...and even if it only makes me a better student...if I never share this gift with others, it's been worth it for that. But I don't want to stop there. I want to share this gift with people not just to hopefully help them feel better in their bodies, but to maybe experience the kind of strength and balance I'm experiencing. Maybe to share some tools to help others find some peace. Personally, I incorporate my Christian faith into my practice and it has made a dramatic difference in my spiritual walk.
I don't know what the answer is, I don't even know how we do it, but I believe that this world needs more mentors...more people encouraging each other to not just "push through" but to really listen to what's going on inside themselves and help them discover their unique gifts as well as their personal "line in the sand" and when to ask for help.
This suicide crisis has to stop. Period. It starts with one person reaching out to another...being strong enough to be vulnerable and share your story. I'm saying now that I'm always gonna be that person. If my life can impact someone else, then that's what this life is all about for me. Strength doesn't have to mean being the best physically, mentally or spiritually. Sttength comes from within...and I think we need to do a better job of helping each other find that strength.
Oh, the difference one year makes! One year ago today, I was headed for the operating room to have a very large tumor removed from my abdomen. This morning, I was kayaking with the Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program. The last year has been filled with many things, both good and bad, that I did NOT expect or anticipate. As I reflect back on this past year, I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.
1-My faith has never been stronger and I have seen God at work through all of this.
The possibility existed that I wouldn't make it through this surgery due to previous surgical history. So, there was a lot of fear leading up to this day. The actual surgical procedure threw us a couple of curveballs in that the tumor was much larger than anticipated and did much more internal damage than anticipated. This meant new things to deal with during recovery.
But God.
I believe that God gives us what we need, when we need it, and He has
made that evident to me this whole year. From all the love and support I
received prior to, during and after surgery...to the surgery
itself...God has been by my side in a variety of ways. Many people prayed for and with me during this time...and, not only did I come through surgery with flying colors, but it was over much quicker than anticipated and I had peace. That was God. My recovery was painful, but my JOY never wavered. To this day, I don't feel "right" if I'm not in relationship with God daily and I can certainly say that this last year has taken that relationship to a whole other level as I've had to learn to truly depend on Him, physically, mentally, and emotionally. God does work all things for good for those who love Him, but He never promises it will be easy. This, I have lived over this past year.
2-My marriage was reinstated
As a testimony to the above, my husband and I reconciled after an 8 year separation, and we honestly haven't been happier. I give God the glory for opening our eyes to see each other through His eyes, for softening our hearts and allowing us to be open to possibilities, and for the gift of true communication. He was my primary caregiver following surgery and he amazed me at the ways he took care of me. We went from a place of expectation from one another to appreciation FOR one another and I'm grateful every day for that. When we shift our focus from the negative to the positive, when our eyes are open to different priorities, it's amazing what kind of change transpires.
3-My mobility declined...rapidly
I followed my surgeon's instructions to the letter and went back to work when she said I could. The problem was that my surgeon and my neurologist (who manages my CP) didn't communicate on my recovery plan, so I actually went back to work WAY too soon for my body. As such, it didn't take long for my mobility to sharply decline. You see, when they did my surgery, they had to cut through my abdominal muscles. Because my abdominal muscles, in combination with my hips, legs and back, kept me upright, the other muscles groups had to pull more weight due to the lack of abdominal strength after surgery. Even sitting put a strain on them. So...in essence, the other muscles groups gave out before I could regain strength in my core. You have to remember that my muscles work very differently than "normal" due to my CP. The brain signals to my muscles are all jumbled and my muscles stay consistently very tight. I've used the analogy of a rubber band stretched to capacity before. Imagine pushing against that stretched rubber band to make it move and you get the idea of what every day life is for me. Needless to say, I've also experienced incredible fatigue in this past year like I've never experienced before.
4-Medical Retirement
The decline in my mobility ultimately led to medical retirement from a job I absolutely adored...my beloved Marine Corps. It was a "no-brainer" decision as I knew that continuing to work would ultimately lead to the complete decline of my mobility. That said, it proved to be one of the hardest adjustments I've gone through to date. Not only did it completely force me to acknowledge my abilities...what I was capable of as well as what I wasn't...but having served the military community for almost 15 years and being mission-focused for that long, it left a HUGE hole in me as I no longer had a mission. I was left with a resounding "what now"?? Although it may not be exactly the same, I believe I now have a healthy understanding for what my military family feels when they go through retirement or leave service. All of my life, I've always put others needs way before my own. Even when my husband and I separated, the things that kept me going then were my son and serving others. This time, I didn't have a "little" at home to dictate my schedule. I didn't have anyone to "take care of"...other than me. That is a REALLY uncomfortable place for me to be, and I'm not gonna lie, I have spent a lot of my time since retirement in tears trying to navigate all this adjustment.
The best thing I can say about the past couple of months is that I've spent it in deep relationship with God and He has spoken to me in a way that I haven't understood before...leading me to finally (& truly!) understand that His timing is perfect and to rest in that. I have experienced "all the feels"...grief, depression, anxiety, anger - LOTS of anger - at Him because He created me the way I am, because I struggle to do the things that used to come so easily to me, because I haven't been able to do things with my family and friends that I would love to do, because I am not able to care for others in the way that I want to now that I have to care for myself, because I now rarely sleep due to pain, hormone issues (hot flashes and nightsweats!!), and for a myriad of things. Even living daily life can be a struggle because it takes so much effort for me to move. I've had so much to adjust to, both good and not so good. BUT...
God is good and I have learned what living in GRACE feels like. I'm not just pretty hard on myself, I'm probably my own worst enemy and I'll show grace to everyone else before myself. That is beginning to change. It's only been in the past few weeks that I've been able to wrap my brain around giving myself grace. I'm not going to get it all right the first try...and that's ok. I have learned that it's ok to be angry at God...because He can take it...and He loves me anyway. I have accepted that He created me the way He did for His purpose, not mine...and I love that. So, I will continue to share how He works in my life and I will continue to pray "not my will, but Yours be done" and that He will reveal to me what His will is. When He pauses, I will continue to put one foot in front of the other until He does.
My mission now is trying everything available to me that could help my mobility and figuring out what works and what doesn't - from diet to exercise. So far, Adaptive Yoga has been my lifeline, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I use the time for worship, for prayer, for listening and for understanding how my mind and body work in concert together. I hope to begin a journey to teach Adaptive Yoga in the near future. I have joined an Adaptive Sports program to figure out what I'm actually able to do! So far, I have kayaked and waterskied and loved them both! I have dreamed of waterskiing my whole life and never could. But this week, I got an opportunity to thanks to modified equipement and the Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program!! Of course I need assistance and it absolutely wears me out to do these things, but I refuse to just not live life. I have learned to just plan days for rest. My next goal is to work on Hippotherapy (horses!), because I LOVE horses and miss them so much, and in doing some research, have learned that it's one of the best forms of therapy for my body. The pool still works well for me, but being honest here, I've struggled to make it priority around these other things.
Due to fatigue, I've struggled with "brain fog" and making simple decisions can be overwhelming at times. I'm grateful for businesses such as Cultivate What Matters and their Power Sheets to help me learn how to better set goals and make a plan towards those goals. Being that I tend to overthink, the Power Sheets have helped me learn to simplify my thinking and are helping to make life a little less complicated. You should really check them out!!
I'm learning to be grateful for the small things every day, and on the days that I struggle hard with the negative emotions, I make myself find the things to be grateful for. But, even on the hard days, I don't lose my joy (though it may seem like it on the outside), because no matter what I have going on in my world, God is working in me and around me. I know He's walking with me and His plans are far greater than I can imagine. I believe it...and looking back on my life...I know it to be true. So, I keep climbing, never giving up, and hoping to move mountains along my journey.
I've been watching a sermon series about relationships recently. Relationships, in general, not just centered around marriages. Today, I was convicted. There's been so much negativity and hate in my social media newsfeed for a wide variety of reasons, that it's overwhelmed me and made me go silent. Until today. My God reminded me that He's called me to LOVE others, to SERVE others, to speak LIFE into others...and that by being silent, I'm not doing ANY of that...and in reality, being disobedient to Him! Today, I stop that.
I've watched in horror at the hate being spewed all over my social media accounts and it has caused a physical response in me. One that is just painful. Let's take the presidential election as an example (which, by the way, is simply one of many that I could use). No, I'm NOT engaging in a political debate because I have my beliefs and opinions and I will respect the fact that you do as well. They may or may not differ from mine. The reason I don't engage in political conversation is simply because I'm not going to judge you or our relationship based on your political views, nor do I want you to do that to me. I have seen many friendships and relationships torn apart because of this election this year, some even lifelong, and it's been heartbreaking to see. To me, who I vote for is a private matter, and I believe it should stay that way. Otherwise, wouldn't they make voting booths public so everyone can see??
We are people, individuals, and are more than just a political statement or party or group we affiliate ourselves with. We don't even have to agree on the same God for me to love and respect you as a human being. That's basic human decency. I am a Christian, yes, and I speak from that perspective, because it's a huge part of me, but that doesn't mean I'm trying to persuade you to believe any differently. That's not my lane. If you choose to, that's a whole other post. I do believe that God created each of us in His image, and if God is Love (as it is stated several times in the Holy Bible), then shouldn't we at least try to be better examples of that?? Honestly, I think we, as a people, need to do more about rising above the hate and anger, having more compassion for one another, and begin loving more, in an effort to be united. Hate and anger only cause more divide...yet, it's the easiest to give in to.
To be clear, I'm not suggesting that we all hold hands and join in a chorus of Kum Ba Yah because that would be unrealistic. We all have our differences, and sometimes those differences make it difficult to maintain relationships. We change. We grow. And sometimes we grow apart. But that doesn't mean we have to be hateful to one another because of it. Go your separate ways if you need to, but wish each other well instead of cursing one another.
Let's stop the judgment, the name-calling, the labeling...and instead let's practice kindness, affirmation, and encouragement. Every person has redeeming qualities and every person has flaws. So where is your focus?? If you focus only on the flaws and imperfections, you are missing the blessing that person could be in your life. But if you spend time building someone up, encouraging them, focusing on their redeeming qualities imagine the difference you could make to that person...and then, imagine the change you will see in yourself.
There's a song titled "Burning Heart" and it's from the movie soundtrack of Rocky IV. Part of the song says this...and is what speaks to me today:
In the warriors code There's no surrender Though his body says stop His spirit cries - never! Deep in our soul A quiet ember Know it's you against you It's the paradox That drives us on It's a battle of wills In the heat of attack It's the passion that kills The victory is yours alone
It occurs to me that I haven't updated this since my surgery 8 weeks ago. In my defense, I've had a pretty rough recovery and honestly couldn't come up with the words to write as I was fighting my own battle...me against me.
So, let's bring you all up to speed.
The procedure itself surprised everyone, as the tumor they removed ended up being the size of a small watermelon (no exaggeration! I have pictures to prove it! Haha!) instead of the size of a grapefruit, as previously thought. It was caused by endometriosis, which no one knew I had, and had consumed my left ovary and was in the process of consuming my right one. It had also attached to my colon and attempted to attach to other areas in my body. So, basically, the tumor had to be disconnected from my colon and removed, along with both of my ovaries, and the lesions from where it had attempted to attach had to be scraped. The best news was that there was no cancer or even any form of pre-cancer cells!
The incision is vertical and about 10 inches in length, starting at my waistline (a couple of inches above my belly button!). It had to be vertical in order to remove this tumor and to get to any lymph nodes should cancer have been detected. The problem with this is my ab muscles have been cut and are now weakend. That created a problem when coupled with my Cerebral Palsy. If you don't know, Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury, and the part of my brain that was injured controls my muscles and their movements. So, my muscles are super tight anyway, which has made recovery all the more difficult. About a week after the surgery, I began experiencing one complication after another
(which I will refrain from discussing for your sake!) and it took 5 full weeks before I began showing real improvement. After that, improvement came quickly and by the end of week 7, I was finally walker-free for the most part. Now, that said, I still cannot walk well or much on my own due to lack of leg strength now and due to the lack of ability to stand up straight. My insides still feel bruised and I don't sleep well most nights because of various pain.
Not only was I recovering from major surgery, but am now experiencing surgical (and immediate) menopause!! I won't even begin to elaborate on the he** that is. The hot flashes alone have been killing me. I feel like I'm burning from the inside out, and when I try to cool off, I instantly freeze. I can't cover up because I'm too hot, and I can't stay uncovered because I'm freezing. So, I'm sweating while freezing!! Doesn't that sound like fun?? And let's not forget mood swings and the tears! As if I didn't cry enough already! My goodness! It's going to be a struggle to get all this regulated, but I'm thankful to have an understanding family and friends who support me AND all my craziness! Haha!
Now that you're up to speed on all the particulars, let me just say that this has been one of the biggest battles I have faced in a very long time. The last time I was in a mental place like this, I was on the verge of a very strong downward spiral, one I'm not sure I would have come back from had it not been for finding out I was carrying my son. That was 20 years ago and I was recovering from a devastating wreck after being hit by a drunk driver. This time, I was recovering from major surgery that left me unable to move or do anything for myself, beyond going to the bathroom or showering, for weeks! My hormones were wrecked and playing havoc with my emotions and thoughts. I felt useless, I felt like a lump on the couch, I felt like a burden to my friends and family - though I was grateful EVERY moment of EVERY day I had them!! It was a daily struggle for me to keep from slipping into a deep depression. I reached a point where I realized that would do nobody any good, especially me, and I chose to fight it by recognizing the good things in my life...no matter how small...and consciously celebrate it. It took effort...it took work...and lots of it! Maybe it was that I was able to sit up more that day or lift my leg a little more to get dressed. Maybe it was that I took a couple of steps without my walker. Maybe it was someone "sending me a smile" through Facebook or email or something just to let me know they were thinking about me. And let's not forget the countless meals my friends and family brought to or prepared for me. I couldn't do any of that for weeks. But I also began praying for others. Focusing more on others needs than my own. That's what did it. That's what lifted the cloud for me. I couldn't do anything about it, but I could pray and offer words of encouragement. I did all I could do to help others, while recognizing my own limits. But it took every bit of 5 weeks to get to that point and it only happened a little at a time.
I have learned much about myself in these past 8 weeks, including that I have to set better limits for myself. There's a time to push through and there's a time to set healthy boundaries. I've pushed way too hard for most of my life...living it as if I've had no disability. If I'm being honest, in every day living, I don't believe I really do...but when it comes to this surgery, I've had to acknowledge that I, in fact, do...and that it comes with a price. It takes it's toll on my muscles, my joints, my energy and my body in general. I've put a lot of wear and tear on this body without stopping to care for it properly. Lord willing, I have many years left on this earth and I want to spend them as mobile as possible. So, I'm going to start slowing down and recognizing my limitations, while not giving in to them. I'm nowhere near ready for "the rocking chair", but I'm going to learn new ways of doing things that make life easier on my body. To start, fully practicing Adaptive Yoga, Aquatic Therapy, Equine Therapy, even biking (via a recumbent trike) if possible one day. It'll be a while longer before I'm anywhere near where I was pre-surgery, but I'm confident I will be. It's just taking a lot longer than anyone thought (and my doctor even apologized for not taking my CP into account during my recovery process). I've been very impatient, and probably will continue to be, but I'm thankful for the grace my people have extended to me.
It's been said that we all have a certain number of "game points" to use up in each day and that my body requires 2, 3, even 4 times more game points than the "average" person. If that's the case, then, I'm ready to choose how I use my game points a litte more wisely. A lot of good has come from these last 8 weeks and I'm grateful for it all. It was a fight to get here, but ultimately, my faith, my spirit, and my heart won this battle over darkness...and I will continue to keep fighting...at my pace!
Keep the faith in your life...in your struggles...and know I love you all...always!
Kati
Day 2 before surgery is in the books! 1 more day and a wake up...if I even sleep tomorrow!
There were lots of tears today as I walked away from my office. The uncertainty of the future is scary. I will miss the faces of the family I spend my every day with. I will miss saying "farewell" to those who will be changing duty stations while I'm recovering. So much will have changed by the time I return. Mostly, I will miss the way they all make me smile and laugh each and every day! I love my Marine family...more than I have words to say...and even on the days they make me crazy! hahaha! As I walked out of my office shaking and in tears today, one of the Marines I work with hugged me and carried my things to my car for me. He told me that everything was going to be fine, that they loved me and would be coming to see me. In that moment, the reality of how much my Marine family is there for me...and has been there for me...hit me and I felt it one more time. People wonder why I work like I do...that's why, and there's a million more reasons I could add to it.
The day was made better when I arrived home to find a good friend waiting on me at my house. She came to brighten my day with a visit, some fresh blueberries, and even baked me some amazing blueberry muffins!! We tested her recipe with my gluten free flour and they were awesome!!! I am super excited to have muffins in the freezer to come home to!
Another friend came over shortly after, brought Taco Bell, and continued to help me get all my paperwork in order because she knew my brain was on overload and I just couldn't make any more decisions. As we finished up, I could feel my anxiety settling some as I became more confident about where things are and where to direct people while I'm recovering.
And then...my sweet son made dinner for us tonight...a late one, but VERY tasty! Chicken, brown rice, onion, cilantro...and all kinds of yumminess! He's scared too, but trying his best to give me what he can. That young man holds my whole heart.
I have been showered with blessings today, and in the past few days, in so many ways! I'm grateful to a God who fights the bigger battle so that fear doesn't consume me; who loves me enough to show me just how much through the people He sends my way.
Tonight, I'm going to sleep...for a long time.
Tomorrow, I have some last minute things to wrap up for work, but I'm not pushing myself. I seriously doubt that I will sleep again before surgery, and if I do, it will be minimal. I will be focused on lists to make, my bag to pack for the hospital, and spending time with my loved ones in person or over the phone. I have much to look forward to tomorrow and it will be a good day...
...but for now, it's time to sleep. Sweet dreams, my friends! <3 <3 <3
3 days left until the big day! Today, my head has been swimming with all the stuff...the loose ends still left to do (including a house to clean!)...the lists that still need writing...have I talked to everyone? Have I said what needs to be said?? Have I said "I love you" enough and ensured the recipients knew it? Have I detailed out everything for work?? What am I missing??
UGH!!! Somebody stop the madness! All these questions and thoughts are making me crazy and I think my brain just might explode!
But, as I stop to think about it...you know what I think is the root of all of this? I am struggling to release control...and I am struggling to accept that there are things beyond my control. Ouch! Let that sink in for a moment. Control. Letting go. It's a tough thing, though...especially when you care so much. Whether it be my family, friends, or my job...my heart is incredibly full...and it's my sole purpose in life at this moment to take care of them all! I'M supposed to be the one taking care of everybody...it's not right for it to be the other way around!! Not at all! So...here I am struggling with "all the feels".
I have been beat up from every angle over the last few weeks, but most especially this past week. Spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally...yeah, I've battled it. I won't go into details here and, suffice it to say, I'm worn to a frazzle, but I'm still standing! There was talk about delaying my surgery due to a sinus infection, but that won't be happening now. The antibiotics are doing their job! So, even that hasn't gotten me down! (Is it bad to say that I'm actually looking forward to the meds that will make me sleep??? I'M TIRED!!! haha!)
Tomorrow, I say goodbye to some of the staff I've worked with for 2-3 years now. They will be leaving while I'm in recovery and that is a VERY bitter pill to swallow for me. Tomorrow will be tears. But tonight, I must rest and remember that Jesus has this wheel...and He's steering this vessel all through this journey! I have to hold on to my faith in that when all else seems to be chaos. I'm learning huge lessons about faith through this. Sweet dreams, my friends. Tomorrow is another day!
Here's some real truth. If we allow it, we will continuously meet people who inspire us to be better people in whatever capacity that means. There are people who inspire us professionally; people who inspire us spiritually; people who inspire us creatively; people who inspire us in whatever passion we are pursuing...and I could go on, but you get the idea. But very few people will actually leave such a permanent footprint in our lives that they go beyond "inspiration". To me, these people are known as "heroes". Webster's dictionary defines hero as this:
a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities
a person who is greatly admired
On this day (June 18) was born one of my greatest heroes, my grandmother, Marillyn Maxson. I have gushed many times over my sweet Mama, and while today is her birthday also, this blog post is for her mother. :)
Words even fail me now as I think about the impact she's had on my life. You see, my grandmother went blind due to complications from diabetes when I was 5 years old. Now, I'm sure she had her times of grief, frustration and anger, but that's something I never saw. Everything I saw in her was LOVE first (and always), HOPE, DETERMINATION, and most of all ABILITY!
My grandmother taught me how to knit, crochet, macrame, play cards, cook, crafts of all kinds...and so much more...and she did it completely blind. She cooked every meal, every day, including all of our family and holiday meals...and she did it completely blind and for most of my life. She lobbied for better handicapped parking and public accessibility and she helped form Programs for Accessible Living (PAL) which is now Disability Rights, Inc. She was even the president of the YWCA!!
But, one of the greatest things about my grandmother was her passion for educating people, especially about disabilites. I was taught at a very young age to be open about mine so others would have an understanding. When she got her first seeing eye dog, she took her "show on the road" to elementary schools to teach children about disabilities. She would bring blind folds for children to experience "blindness", sound-proof headphones for children to experience "hearing loss", ankle weights for children to experience "mobility issues", etc, believing that experiencing led to understanding. But the highlight of it all was her dog. Everybody loved her dog, especially the kids.
Now that I have my own service dog, some have said that I'm following in my grandmother's footsteps by educating people on new types of disabilities and their varying degrees. Many people still don't know what a mobility service dog is for, and while I would be happy to explain now, this just isn't the post for that. Suffice to say, Lyla helps me with many tasks that I would otherwise struggle with. My experiences with my service dog have helped me to relate to my grandmother in ways I had never thought of before - some good (like being able to educate people), some not so good (like walking into a store or restaurant with all eyes on you and your dog and hearing the whispers). So, in those not-so-good times, I'm reminded of my grandmother and the confidence she possessed and I draw my own from it.
I'm grateful to my grandmother for setting such a wonderful example of "handicapable" - that's a phrase she came up with because she never saw herself (or me!) as handicapped. We were still plenty able to do anything we set our minds to. Her example taught me how to think outside the box on how to do things I wanted to do if the "typical" way was too difficult. If you had met my grandmother, you would barely know she was blind. Heck, I've even watched her cut bad spots out of fruits and vegetables better than a sighted person (ok, that sighted person is me, but we're not going there! haha!)!
She was the epitome of grace, strength and courage...but most especially love! My grandmother loved all who crossed her path. To be put in the same category as her is one of the biggest compliments I could ever be paid and I'm humbled that some do think that way. There's a reason a day was proclaimed in her honor in 1989 by our Mayor - she was a remarkable woman who was a champion for those who battled disability of any type. She never let hers stop her! Dimentia ended up doing just that...but not her blindness. She had better sight than most people I know.
Thank you for your contributions to this world, Granny! You are fondly remembered by many and the impact you made here continues to amaze me. I love and miss you every day, but I'm thankful for the path you laid out for me! While I'm not sure I'll ever fill your shoes, I hope to walk in your footsteps one day!
This picture was taken for The Charlotte Observer in 1989 in honor of her special proclamation.
