For it is with the equipment that I have been given that I am to glorify God. It is this job, not that one, that He gave me.
Elisabeth Elliot
Keep reading for the beginning of my story. And as you learn more about me, I hope you find new courage to live beyond your limits too. There is always a next adventure to come.
The beginning of my story.
I was your typical child in one sense…I cried, I refused to nap, I fought with my brothers, I didn’t like every food put on my plate. (I still don’t like meatloaf!) And I did things most kids who grew up in the ’80s did, such as rock the side ponytail, wear a scrunchy on my shirt, and I even wore stirrup pants for a brief time. Yes, they were cool.
Yet I was “different” in a very concrete way. I was born with a physical disability. Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, to be exact. This means a lack of muscle mass. So I looked like a pretzel. Fingers touched wrists, toes touched ankles; arms and legs crossed over my body. My muscles were too tight for my limbs to be unfolded for a little while. I started physical therapy when I was only 3 weeks old. Someone pulled on me 5 times a day for my first 2 years of life. Thankfully I don’t remember these details because I cried a lot. I’ve also heard my brothers did a great job with distracting me during those hours. (Thanks, guys!)
Living with a disability comes with many challenges, but I have never let this hold me back. If I want to do something, I do it. Every day is an adventure. From early on, I learned the beauty of embracing my life and finding ways to accomplish any dream.
Find Me Around the Web
I’ve had the privilege of writing for and interacting with a number of other great bloggers and institutions.
Some of My Favorite Posts
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The Top 10 Misconceptions About the Physically Disabled
We're going to talk about misconceptions. Things assumed by culture as a whole. These ideas about the physically disabled are often false: A physical disability automatically means a mental disability as well. Wheelchair users are confined to their chairs. Therefore,...
When Friends Care in Tangible Ways
This isn't a story about what we did or where we went. This is a real-life story about friends -- when they cared, how they helped in tangible ways, and what that meant. I went to a baseball game earlier in the month. If you don't know me, you might assume my parents...
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...
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...
When It’s Time for Boots & Other Things
It was time to pull out the boots. The forecast said the temps would be in the upper 30s by mid-day and they mentioned a chance for snow showers. I guess I should get dressed like it's winter, I tell myself. Because we are in the middle of January. But just yesterday...
Why I Almost Lost it in Public
It definitely wasn't the first time, but it still made me mad. Maybe mad is too strong of a word, but I was frustrated and there was a hint of anger under the frustration. My morning started extra early as I was running in a short race with a friend. She was pushing...
A Peek into My (un)Limited Life, part one
First, happy Arthrogryposis Awareness Day! When I asked for your questions last week, I had no idea what you might send in, but I was excited to find out. This was a blog experiment I was willing to try. And I wanted to give you guys the space to share any thoughts....
FMF: When a Moment Turns into a Story to Tell
I could tell he was having a lot of fun. His little feet ran around, chasing the water squirting up from the ground. I watched from the side under the shade of the tree. My little nephew pulled my mom by the hand to the next mini fountain at the park earlier today. I...