Laura’s Blog
Understanding Arthrogryposis and A New Normal, part two
Normal would always be a word I redefined with my life. There is nothing normal about looking like a pretzel when you're born. But I did. My parents immediately knew something was off the night I was born. I was breach. I was blue and coded. I looked like the human...
Understanding Arthrogryposis and A New Normal, part one
We went to physical therapy that day. And the therapist had been working on your balance and standing for a while. Probably months. We had been trying to get you to walk independently. All of a sudden you walked from the PT to me. It was about 4 steps. Unassisted. So...
The Me Before You Dilemma: What Makes Life Worth Living
When I first bought the Me Before You book, I didn't know it came with controversy. I didn't realize I was entering a story full of dilemma and debate centered around an unnamed question: Is life in a wheelchair worth living? The movie version of Me Before...
The Real Rest We Need
I thought I would take a break from writing today. Just rest. Not quit or really pause the blogging, but give myself a day off. I have had a lot on my mind as I'm pondering ideas for the blog’s future, looking at the piles I've left on my desk for too many days now,...
Two Reasons to Lose Track of Time
I lose track of time when I'm writing. It can take a while for me to get started, but once I'm there, once I'm in the zone, I can't really stop until that task that day feels "done." I will barely eat lunch or delay dinner. I will ponder words all night and quickly...
Breaking Through Barriers: When Expectations Affect Hope
I had a favorite verse in high school. It was Proverbs 19:21 -- "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." I knew what was going to happen next. I was going to college. Just like my brothers. Just like many of my...
Finding a Way to Something You Want
She smiled at me and I couldn't resist wanting to hold her. There is something special when they are still small. I can find a way to easily hold a baby, before they are too wiggly and before they are too big. But even then, I have thought through my options and found...
Breaking Through Barriers: When Expectations Affect Daily Life
"Can you hold onto both arms?" "I got you." "Ok, I am trying to get there. I just can't move as fast." "It's okay." "I don't like feeling different." I had this conversation with my mom earlier today, but you would have heard something similar in our house other days...
Adapting to a New Haven
A safe or peaceful place. That's one definition for haven -- the word of the day. What comes to mind? Where do you run? What place brings you peace or rest? I used to go to a certain corner of the local Panera. All the employees that knew me knew my favorite spot. But...
Breaking Through Barriers: When Expectations Affect Identity
Last week I left you with this question: In what ways could I enjoy life now without giving up these simple dreams forever? After my thirtieth birthday, I began to consciously work through this question. I reframed how I viewed my current life and dug out these...
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