tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62277084659979020062024-03-19T00:44:30.399-10:00Raising a Child as a Disabled MotherThe Joys, Challenges, and VictoriesHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-3981122580998512772023-03-29T15:47:00.001-10:002023-03-29T16:39:00.016-10:00"Why haven't you healed me?" - The Chosen<p>I identified with this scene in season 3 of The Chosen, a show about the life and ministry of Jesus. "Little" James, one of the disciples, is asking Jesus why he hasn't been healed from his disability (as portrayed in the show). đđ The Chosen is such a good show. </p><p>My husband asked me yesterday, "you probably don't think about being disabled much?". No, I don't... not really at all. I can't see myself walking differently than anyone else, and I've been this way since birth, so no, I don't think about my disability.</p><p>I'd also like to add how thankful I am for my friends and family that just know how to help me. This past weekend my husband and I went to a concert with another couple. I was truly so touched by my friend. I didn't want to take my walker to dinner or the concert so I had to rely on my husband and friend for balance. It wasn't awkward asking my friend for help, she knows me and ways I need help. đ</p><p>Here's the scene from The Chosen...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="368" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KZDvcEkjthA" width="508" youtube-src-id="KZDvcEkjthA"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-42540921139116151172021-09-24T21:39:00.001-10:002021-09-26T13:10:58.705-10:00"CP just takes more energy to exist with"<p>Cerebral Palsy isn't a degenerative disability, but as with anyone who ages our bodies naturally get weaker, more fragile, and just don't work as well as they did when we were younger.<br /></p><p>I started using a walker outside my home in 2016, 5 years ago. I was 37. I started taking Baclofen prior to that to help with muscle tightness. My legs were so stiff that it was really throwing me off balance. I started getting Botox injections in my foot to help relax my tightly curled toes. And I started doing physical therapy. <br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="299" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2x8L47I1yUo" width="413" youtube-src-id="2x8L47I1yUo"></iframe></div><p>Children with CP receive years of physical and occupational therapy. We see doctors at children's hospitals who specialize in CP. But once you reach adulthood that just ends. As an adult you're lucky if you can find a physical rehab doctor who knows anything about CP. Or your lucky if your health insurance will even cover 6 months of physical therapy. </p><p>Thanks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realchelseabear/" target="_blank">@realchelseabear</a> for sharing this interview by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cpalliance/">@cpalliance</a> about CP and aging. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x8L47I1yUo" target="_blank">link to video</a><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-78728131641871292962021-06-22T11:43:00.000-10:002021-06-22T11:43:52.248-10:00Shopping for a car<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I have driven the same car for 20 years, a 2000 Toyota Corolla. I got it the year I graduated college. I haven't driven any other car since because my Corolla is adapted for me with </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> AAE (auto adaptive equipment). </span>I drive with a left foot accelerator and a steering cuff (pictured). I've loved my car, but it won't last forever and my children have outgrown the back seat. It was time to start shopping around. I wanted either a Nissan Rogue or a Honda CRV. It needed to have an automatic back hatch that would just open with a push of a button and the very back needed to be deep enough for my walker to fit in. I ended up purchasing a 2017 Honda CRV. I found a company in Honolulu, Soderholm Mobility that carries and installs AAE. They were very helpful and thankfully they had a shop here on Maui that is certified to install adaptive equipment. I also learned through them that if I had chosen to purchase a brand new vehicle that there is a National Mobility Rebate Program through the car makers (Honda, Ford, Toyota, etc.) for up to $1000 rebate towards adaptations. Also, if I was employed and was using my new vehicle to drive to and from my place of work Department of Vocational Rehabilitation may have been able to help with the cost. I think DVR covered the cost when I purchased my first set of adaptations back when I was a teenager. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Soderholm Mobility required proof that I was legally able to drive with these adaptations. It required a doctor's note and a copy of the notation on the back of my driver's license. I was originally evaluated for these driving adaptations when I was 16 years old by a rehab center. They had a car with different adaptations for me to test. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After driving my Corolla for 20 years it's going to take a little time to get used to the feel of driving a CRV. I am holding on to my beloved Corolla until I am comfortable driving my CRV. I'm back to practicing in empty church parking lots. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLXP8DGBOKJ2VsFbX6UVsV6BbZMRP5quFRLBkK1p9O7ged2oBnnuvovi7iD7edERhdi-VNJUhjZrlDXTAU95SeA0U8oi7V-ND208MVKgiyQpGWOLM2T9-fMJeB6HNW7X5pDzggbUX4Fc/s2016/gas+pedal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLXP8DGBOKJ2VsFbX6UVsV6BbZMRP5quFRLBkK1p9O7ged2oBnnuvovi7iD7edERhdi-VNJUhjZrlDXTAU95SeA0U8oi7V-ND208MVKgiyQpGWOLM2T9-fMJeB6HNW7X5pDzggbUX4Fc/s320/gas+pedal.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXx1ab6_aR0S-puC-hFaHVyOxycyv4PTX3i3KPrA2RynFL71DZfM1MEAtR1hkCAkj57cdqcdo4hOdPrw0HDNuh0D9Jwh_xfX09lXBlWxxmvBdYbDTujIR4ptVm3MFmk7HpxEUmle2kYc/s640/IMG_3291.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXx1ab6_aR0S-puC-hFaHVyOxycyv4PTX3i3KPrA2RynFL71DZfM1MEAtR1hkCAkj57cdqcdo4hOdPrw0HDNuh0D9Jwh_xfX09lXBlWxxmvBdYbDTujIR4ptVm3MFmk7HpxEUmle2kYc/w240-h320/IMG_3291.jpg" title="picture from old vehicle" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from old vehicle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-75733292831879350912021-06-21T21:22:00.000-10:002021-06-21T21:22:00.066-10:00Laundry<p> I was having a conversation today with a friend about how overwhelmed she feels about folding and putting away laundry. When I told her that I don't ever fold laundry, except for sheets and towels, that all clothes get just shoved into drawers or on shelves she was mind blown . She couldn't believe that her OCD, organized, Enneagram One friend didn't fold her laundry. Yep, that's my secret. Laundry is my worst chore but I hate seeing it sitting around in baskets so I decided a long time ago that folding laundry was a waste of time and as long as it was in a drawer or closed closet where I couldn't see it it didn't matter to me how it was put away, unfolded and inside out. (I do hang all of my shirts.) There was a season, when Marie Kondo was popular, that I Kondo folded all the laundry and taught the kids to do the same, but that lasted maybe a year. My kids have been doing their own laundry since they were little and as long as it's not on their floors or sitting in baskets then I don't care how it looks in their drawers because I don't have to see it. Sure I may be doing my children's future spouses a disservice but whatever. </p><div><br /></div><div>Visible clutter gives me anxiety, but don't look in my closets, drawers, cupboards, or decorative baskets. I will declutter and organize those spaces once a year or whenever I'm feeling there's something in my life that's out of my control. Decluttering and reorganizing gives me a sense of control. Those spaces will stay tidy for a while but it also doesn't bother me when it turns to chaos after a while. I also have no qualms about throwing things away.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I also don't like sweeping or vacuuming, but having a dirty floor gives me anxiety so I invested in a Roomba. Problem solved. I've been applying The Lazy Genius's (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelazygenius/" target="_blank">@thelazygenius</a>) principles to my life before I even knew about Kendra Adachi I'm being a genius about what matters to me and lazy about the things that don't. And having folded laundry doesn't matter to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(related post <a href="https://thelindseyohana.blogspot.com/2017/09/transparent-hand-prints-led-to.html">transparent-hand-prints-led-to...</a>)</span></h4></div><br /><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-10998255837135451572021-04-21T12:39:00.011-10:002021-04-21T17:35:21.876-10:00Lashes<p> </p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I have always loved mascara! If I'm feeling tired or blah, I'll put on mascara, even if it's 4pm and I have nowhere to go. It's an instant "pick me up". They give me life. :) <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When I first started wearing mascara, in junior high or high school, it took some practice for me to be able to apply it. Because of my CP, I have uncontrolled movement and low fine motor skill function. I remember "learning to apply mascara" was one of my goals to work on as part of occupational therapy. I don't remember actually practicing it in OT but I did figure it out on my own, at home, the easiest way to apply: laying down on my stomach on my bedroom floor with my elbow steadied on the floor while looking in a mirror. Eventually I was able to stand in front of a make-up mirror with my elbow propped up and steadied on the bathroom counter. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So when false lashes became popular, I wanted the look. I didn't want to spend the money on eyelash extensions, plus I don't think my crazy reflexes would allow anyone to get that close to my eyes to apply. I've tried so many different false lashes and just couldn't get them applied. I am not able to use the tweezer type applicators either because I'd probably poke myself in the eye. Last year I discovered Thrive Causemetics, Liquid Lash Extension Mascara. It is awesome!! It makes my lashes so long, and it removes easily with water. It's my favorite mascara. But I was still determined to try false lashes. I wasn't going to allow my disability to get in the way. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Moxie Lash, the magnetic eye liner and lashes, kept popping up as an ad on Instagram. So when I received some money as a gift I decided to splurge. It's taken some practice, mainly getting the eyeliner on smoothly, but the lashes just "snap" right on. I can actually apply and wear false lashes now.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But I'm not always able to get the black magnetic eyeliner on smoothly, because of my unsteady hand, so another lash I recently started wearing, and actually like better than Moxie, in terms of ease of application and price is a local brand, "Maka Beauty". They have a clear eyeliner that their lashes easily adheres to. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're interested in ordering the <a href="https://makabeautyhawaii.com/?rfsn=5457429.a54809" target="_blank">makaLASH</a> please order through my friend's link:
<span dir="auto"><span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://maka-beauty-hawaii.myshopify.com/?rfsn%3D5457429.a54809&source=gmail&ust=1619129915843000&usg=AFQjCNHtzmZmBnOHfKvd4ha-tSd3Ccy5Yg" href="https://maka-beauty-hawaii.myshopify.com/?rfsn=5457429.a54809" target="_blank">https://maka-beauty-hawaii.<wbr></wbr>myshopify.com/?rfsn=5457429.<wbr></wbr>a54809</a></span></span> or use her code at checkout:
<span dir="auto"><span>MAKAKATBARTHELS</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span dir="auto"><span>These lashes are</span></span> reusable, vegan, latex free, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5Pxkgo1aJoKTdVYWWZy8fE9pYVsQzT6awP5GbYbEFSz_cPTIaHFthu55MXcHT8ihwVk27HHQ0tTE0wwEtF9Gd-q0FvyaPuNCvPCElJFOp-R4Ua_sKLwF1YDQ7RXfMD3x6zbGWKra5Bw/s2164/IMG_3576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="1448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5Pxkgo1aJoKTdVYWWZy8fE9pYVsQzT6awP5GbYbEFSz_cPTIaHFthu55MXcHT8ihwVk27HHQ0tTE0wwEtF9Gd-q0FvyaPuNCvPCElJFOp-R4Ua_sKLwF1YDQ7RXfMD3x6zbGWKra5Bw/w268-h400/IMG_3576.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*wearing Maui lashes from makaBeauty, new glasses too</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><p> </p><br /><p></p><p> </p><p>(Next up... Shopping for a new car)</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-60503099879790670032021-04-09T17:14:00.000-10:002021-04-09T17:14:59.118-10:00Stay Tuned, New Posts Coming Soon<p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqoOEap5yziCNr5LGa3qGyZgAAAt1pzLVXuKpkv2Yt6VbbQURiKZErGucoSiszGOcA4WMzwWuKByeo_ocge4l0pCaDmrvg_6LkVTaKu_rmWQjybi_TICclWg7cjAYK1NuxYI__tDRfRg/s848/COVER-IMAGE_Digital-Selling-Foundation-Program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqoOEap5yziCNr5LGa3qGyZgAAAt1pzLVXuKpkv2Yt6VbbQURiKZErGucoSiszGOcA4WMzwWuKByeo_ocge4l0pCaDmrvg_6LkVTaKu_rmWQjybi_TICclWg7cjAYK1NuxYI__tDRfRg/s320/COVER-IMAGE_Digital-Selling-Foundation-Program.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I haven't written in a few years. I don't feel like I have much to blog about in regards to parenting with a disability since my children are older now and more independent (ages 8 and 11). I've thought about moving over to Instagram and stories, but since I communicate so much easier in writing than I do speaking, I decided to just revive my blog (even though blogging is "old school" now). I'm working on some new content, not related to parenting but unique to living with CP. </span><br /></div><p> </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-37660060474175259032018-12-19T11:56:00.000-10:002018-12-19T11:56:13.011-10:00SDR SurgerySelective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery for patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Anyone heard of it?<br />
<br />
A friend, of a friend, told my friend about it and she told me last week. The friend's 9 yr old daughter had this surgery and I guess it improved her life quite a bit. <br />
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I haven't done any research on it but thought I'd pass the info on by posting it here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/center-for-cerebral-palsy-spasticity/about-selective-dorsal-rhizotomy">https://www.stlouischildrens.org/conditions-treatments/center-for-cerebral-palsy-spasticity/about-selective-dorsal-rhizotomy</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-71968412457746672332018-09-17T12:14:00.000-10:002018-09-17T12:14:18.707-10:00August 31, 2018 - 3rd grade Open HouseWe went to Kiana's 3rd grade classroom for Open House on Wednesday.
There was a wall of portraits that the students had drawn of a family
member and I had to find myself based on portrait and description.
Kiana makes my heart joyful.<br />
<span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f2/1/16/1f60d.png" width="16" /></span><br />
Description:<br /> - She was on the news<br /> - She was in Sarah Foley's Veritical Beauty Project<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> - She is nice<br /> - She is disabled<br /> - She NEEDS chocolate</span><br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-47578145648340744342018-07-24T17:08:00.005-10:002018-07-30T11:04:28.308-10:00Teaching compassion and independence, whether they like it or not My baby is starting kindergarten in a few weeks. Today was his kindergarten assessment/testing. While he went into one room with other students and teachers, the parents stayed in another classroom to complete paperwork. Kiana, my 8 year old, going into the 3rd grade, was with me and without being asked she just started filling out the paperwork for me, knowing it's a tedious, difficult task for me. She is amazing and I thank God for her.<br />
<br />
Although, on the other hand, the other day she was complaining and asking why she was ALWAYS the one who has to help me. She may roll her eyes and sigh, but she still does what I ask when it comes to difficult tasks. (Chores on the other hand are a different story.) She'll appreciate it when she's older. I do try to make it even and ask Scott for help too. He's pretty much always willing to help. For example, if she takes the veggie dip bowl (glass bowl) out of the fridge, I'll ask him to put it away. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-88639228172109812332018-04-12T09:21:00.000-10:002018-04-12T14:42:22.272-10:00Look for the blessings<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed this episode with Courtney Wetzel on The Happy Hour podcast. (click link to listen: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://jamieivey.com/the-happy-hour-187-courtney-wetzel" target="_blank">the-happy-hour-187-courtney-wetzel</a><u> </u></span>) When she talked about her
view of her parents (her mother with a speech impediment and her father with a cane) growing up and her view of them now was encouraging
to me. My children are
8 and 5 now, and although I am still their world I know they do get
questions as to why I walk differently or why they have to help me do
certain things, and there might be a day when they are embarrassed by me
(I realize all teenagers get embarrassed by their parents but I pray
they are not teased for having a "different" mother.). Having a
disabled mother is shaping them into independent, compassionate, patient
people. God has a purpose for them having me as their mother. Just like God had a purpose for me being born with cerebral palsy. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show">God didn't give me more than I couldn't handle, without Him. I was blessed with the amazing children He gave me. </span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-69071027991064244672018-02-18T09:03:00.001-10:002018-02-18T09:03:54.034-10:00Vertical Beauty ProjectI met Sarah Foley in MOPS. And recently I was part of her Vertical
Beauty Project. She also is the author of this blog <a href="https://www.verticalblonde.com/" target="_blank">Vertical Blonde </a>. She radiates courage and strength,
and her blog posts have encouraged me to start exercising again. <span id="goog_2115329349"></span><span id="goog_2115329350"></span> I am so grateful to have been included in this project. <br />
<br />
Here is the video from that project:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3l8QHcH7l8&feature=share" target="_blank">Vertical Beauty Project Video</a><br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-3867057127289923702018-01-12T11:35:00.004-10:002018-01-12T11:35:58.750-10:00Article<span id="goog_1342102338"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1342102339"></span>I really liked this article:<br />
<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">"16 Bloggers Debunk the Top Misconceptions About Living With A Disability"</span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://www.uksmobility.co.uk/blog/2017/12/common-misconceptions-disability/" target="_blank">https://www.uksmobility.co.uk/blog/2017/12/common-misconceptions-disability/</a></span></span></h1>
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</h1>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-19643274241224022292017-09-07T20:42:00.000-10:002017-09-07T20:43:26.961-10:00 Transparent hand prints led to transparent blog post<div>
<div>
I saw Scott's perfect little hand print on the
window this morning while
pouring cereal for the kids and my first instinct was, "arg, I just
cleaned that window yesterday!", and the OCD in me wanted to immediately
wash the window. (Two years ago I would wash fingerprints off windows
and mirrors, and vacuum floors every single day.) But then I paused,
and felt nudged to take a picture of that perfect, little, sweet, hand
print. I
want Scott to stay 4 forever. :( My phone camera wouldn't capture the
hand print so I decided we would recreate it using finger paint this
evening. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I started taking anxiety meds for my
anxiety that had developed toward walking on concrete and in public, a
new fear of falling down. The medication, and I tried several at
various dosages, didn't address the anxiety of falling down and I
eventually had to get a walker to use out in public, which I had to come
to terms with and accept, but anxiety medication did help with my OCD.
Ever since I was a kid I've liked organization, things planned out in
advanced, vacuum lines on rugs.... lol. I remember having anxiety every
morning before school afraid I was going to miss the bus. Now, I'm
more relaxed. I have less anxiety over getting to places on time, I
don't have to stick to a ridged cleaning schedule, I can go weeks
without washing the windows or mirrors, I'm a little more easy on the
kids about allowing them to leave toys in the living room, I snap at
them less for messes they have made, my morning mood isn't ruined if I
wake up to dishes on the counter from the night before, etc., etc. Sure,
I still have triggers, and I have my days of high anxiety and OCD
cleaning and organization. I am more at peace in my home when it is
clutter-free, but the grip of anxiety has less of a hold on me. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Praise
God I've never suffered from an anxiety attack. Prior to seeking
professional help for my walking (physical and mental, which I've talked
about in previous blog posts), for 2 years I was consumed with this
frustration that I could no longer walk like I used to. I woke up every
morning and that was the first thought in my head. I started getting
depressed. I tried to tackle it with God, through prayer, and on my own
with exercise. After 2 years I had had enough and gave in to needing
professional help. The physical therapy and taking meds to help my
muscles relax didn't bother me, but I was a little more resistant to
getting mental help. There's this stigma in society toward mental health. But anxiety and
depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain (and I'd also like to add that anxiety/depression can also be triggered by past trauma for other people), and God gave us
doctors, counselors, and medications to help. After seeking advice from
Christian mentors and reading on anxiety by Christian authors, I am open to sharing.<br />
<br />
I praise God for the help He has given me. I
am thankful for the power of prayer, for doctors, for medication, for
my walker, for the transparency of friends and other women, and for
sweet-little-4 year old boy- hand prints on windows. What
transformation, freedom, and joy those handprints brought me today.</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-66650942026472372222017-07-19T12:13:00.000-10:002017-07-22T14:14:32.070-10:00Blessing<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I had someone approach me at the
mall yesterday when I was shopping with Kiana, and asked me if I
experienced pain (I guess he assumed that because I was disabled that I
was in pain, which is not true in my case) and told me that God could heal pain through prayer. I was
so caught off guard that I wasn't quite sure how to respond, but it
would have been a perfect opportunity to see where he stood with Jesus
and to share my faith. Instead I just replied that I was not in pain
and that I prayed too, and walked off. I'm not a quick-thinker / quick-responder, or a
great conversationalist, but now after thinking about it for awhile
there's so much I wish I would have shared with him. </div>
<div>
<br />
I had a man approach me a few years ago and, referring <span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-m_-2888635489594805484gmail-il">to</span> my disability, he said, "I'm sorry. <span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-m_-2888635489594805484gmail-il">Jesus</span>
doesn't allow suffering in this world." He obviously hasn't read the
Bible! And I am definitely not suffering. I look at my disability
as a Blessing. Afterwards I came up with a million things I wish I
would have said <span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-m_-2888635489594805484gmail-il">to</span> him. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Jas-1-2"><sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum"> "</sup>Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,<sup> </sup>whenever you face trials of many kinds,</span> <span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Jas-1-3" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-30270"><sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum"> </sup>because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
I've
also had people say to me that they can help me walk better, or that
God can heal me. I don't want to walk better (except maybe to be able to walk again out in public on my own without a walker, like I was able to up until recently), and I don't need
healing. I was born disabled, God made me this way, He made me
perfectly, this is who I am, I don't know any different, nor would I
change myself. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-13" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-16253">"For you created my inmost being; </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-13">you knit me together in my motherâs womb.</span></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-14" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-16254"><sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum"> </sup>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-14">your works are wonderful,</span></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-14">I know that full well.</span></span> <span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-15" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-16255"><sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum"> </sup>My frame was not hidden from you</span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-15">when I was made in the secret place,</span></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-15">when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.</span></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-16" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-16256"><sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum"> </sup>Your eyes saw my unformed body;</span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-16">all the days ordained for me were written in your book </span></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-16">before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-indent-1"><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Ps-139-16"><br /></span></span></div>
<sup class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-versenum">" </sup>And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13</div>
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<br />
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240">"For
we are Godâs handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10</span></div>
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<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240"></span></div>
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<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240"></span></div>
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<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240"><br /></span></div>
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240">I
don't share much about my faith in my blog posts, but I love Jesus, and through every
challenge, every victory, every joy, all praise goes to Him. </span><span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240">Next time a stranger approaches me, I pray to be more prepared; that God would give me the
words to say. Rather than see it as an inconvenience, to see it as an
opportunity. An opportunity for God's light to shine through me. An
opportunity for growth.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240"> My prayer is to glorify His
name through my life. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-text m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541gmail-Eph-2-10" id="m_-2237278427028016933m_832757418182601195m_2443576414493410536m_4410435339999473541en-NIV-29240">(See <a href="https://thelindseyohana.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">"My Faith"</a> for more) </span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-13933799116005706722017-07-01T12:28:00.001-10:002017-07-01T12:28:53.828-10:00The other night I was walking to the table with the butter dish. I jerked and the butter flew out of the dish, hit the wall, and landed on the floor. Kiana said, "mom should never be a waitress." lol<br />
<br />
Today she asked me to help her put on her bracelet. "Hold it with you less shaky hand mom." Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-10701399679678691832017-04-06T10:39:00.001-10:002017-04-06T10:39:41.237-10:00Preschool drop-offMy husband takes the kids to school every morning before heading to work, and I always do the pick-up after school. Well, this morning my husband had an early morning planned so I had to do the drop-off. First I dropped of Kiana. When we got to the parking lot of Scott's preschool he said to me, "Mom, you have to take me to the playground, but I will hold your hand to help you walk." Such a sweet boy. I ended up waving down one of his teachers to walk him from the car to the playground since the path to the playground is not accessible using a walker. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-57078363233067995862017-04-04T13:38:00.001-10:002017-04-04T13:38:17.055-10:00LegosScott said to me that maybe when I'm older I can do Legos too. I explained to him that it's not a matter of getting older, but it's because my hands don't work as well as his and that I am better at Duplos. He thought for a moment then said that he could build the Legos and I could read the instructions. I told him that that sounded like good teamwork to me. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-20972879305973524592017-03-26T21:51:00.000-10:002017-03-26T21:51:20.957-10:00Scott is 4 years old and is in preschool. Yesterday we were sitting in the Costco food court waiting for Tim to return with our food, when Scott randomly asks me,<br />
<br />
"Mom, what is wrong with your body? Why do you fall down?"<br />
<br />
I explained to him that nothing is wrong with my body, God made me this way, that I was just made to walk differently and that my balance isn't as good as his and sometimes I fall.<br />
<br />
"Oh." Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-17844039925176061462017-02-10T09:52:00.000-10:002017-02-10T09:52:02.544-10:00Sick dayA couple of days ago I had to go pick up Kiana from the school health room because she wasn't feeling well. When I arrived at the parking lot they were waiting for me and the nurse walked her to my car. Kiana had told the nurse that I used a walker and probably wouldn't be able to come get her because of the steps up to the health room. I thought that was sweet of Kiana to consider that because I don't always use my walker. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-26636862647953186372017-02-02T16:14:00.000-10:002017-02-02T16:14:22.375-10:00I have been volunteering in my daughter's first grade classroom. I really enjoy working with children. I also hope, that my presence in their classroom as someone with as disability, will increase their awareness and acceptance of people who are different. So that if they have a classmate some year who is disabled that they would reach out as a friend rather than avoiding or teasing. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-24840618154262965442017-02-02T16:13:00.002-10:002017-02-02T16:13:44.894-10:00A little about my childhoodI haven't had much to blog about lately, so here is a totally different topic. <br />
<br />
I grew up in Alaska, 32 miles out the highway from a small town of approximately 2,500 people, and 7 miles from the Canadian border. My high school was approx. 130 students with my graduating class of 32 students (20 years later I could probably name every student in my class including their middle names). So yeah, small Alaskan town.<br />
<br />
I wrote this list in May 2010<br />
<u>Remembering Alaska</u><br />
The other day a friend from elementary school
posted on her Facebook page a few things she missed about Alaska and it
sparked some memories of my own. I decided to jot those down. It has
been 13 years since Iâve lived in Alaska. Alaska will always be home to
me. Here are just a few things I remember from growing up there. <br />
<br />
1. Really cold water straight from the tap (no need for ice cubes)<br />
2.
Sharing a phone line with 3 other neighbors (and having to get in the
car to drive over to the neighborâs when they had left the phone off
the hook)<br />
3. Being able to play outside until 10pm in the summer because it doesnât get dark<br />
4. Swimming holes<br />
5. Not being able to swim in the swimming holes until your body went numb from the cold glacier water<br />
6. Snow<br />
7. Snow forts and snow mazes<br />
8. âbirdâ size mosquitoes <br />
9.
Coming home from school and having to start the generator in below
zero temperatures (it didnât always start so easily and sometimes my
fingers would go numb)<br />
10. Getting ready for school by the light of kerosene lanterns and candles<br />
11. Eating breakfast and drinking hot chocolate next to the wood cook stove <br />
12. Mosquito Lake School (K-4th grade, 2 classrooms)<br />
13. No t.v. <br />
14. Snow days<br />
15. Bears<br />
16. Counting eagles on the 32 mile drive to town as a game (although most of the time it ended in an argument between my sister and I)<br />
17. Peopleâs addresses were in miles (I lived at Mile 32)<br />
18. Ice fishing<br />
19. Fire place fires<br />
20. Snow pants, boots, jacket, gloves, and hat were just part of every Halloween costume<br />
21. Having to drive to the neighborâs to Trick-or-Treat because they were miles apart<br />
22. Having a good bear dog - a dog to warn you of bears when you were outside<br />
23. Northern Lights<br />
24. Stars<br />
25. Moon light reflecting off the snow<br />
26. The absolute quiet of snow falling<br />
27. Sledding<br />
28. Wild strawberries<br />
29. Blueberry picking<br />
30. Logging roads<br />
31. Stacking wood to heat our home for winter<br />
32. Mountains<br />
33. No stop lights<br />
34. Knowing everyone in the entire high school by first and last name<br />
35. Common question: âcan I flush the toilet?â<br />
36. Outhouses<br />
37. The closest âneighboringâ town was either a 4 hour drive into Canada or a 4 ½ hour ferry ride<br />
38. Salmon<br />
39. Halibut<br />
40. Fishing<br />
41. Camping<br />
42. Making your Christmas Wish List from the Sears catalog<br />
43. Having icicle sword fights<br />
44. Painting the snow with the left-over Easter egg dye in April<br />
45. Only one radio station and it was pretty much on all day<br />
46. Never having to lock your house or car<br />
47. Wild flowers<br />
48. Taking evening drives in the fall to look for bears<br />
49. Moose<br />
50. The Little Red Store <br />
<br />
Yes, I grew up stacking wood every fall with my sister. There were many afternoons, coming home from school in the dark, in below freezing temperatures, where I had to start the generator because my mom was still at work. Or when I was 5 and 6, before I could walk, crawling around outdoors with my friend having "adventures". My parents eventually got me one of those battery powered vehicles to drive up and down the drive-way so I could keep up with my sister. (Side note: I remember when I started walking on my own, at the age of 7, I only walked at home for awhile. I put off walking at school because I didn't want to draw attention to myself. Before that I had used a 4 wheeled seat thing that I pushed myself along using my feet. It was blue and I called it my "horsey". And sure enough, one day without thinking about it, I walked down the hall, a classmate saw me, was amazed, and then the entire class was out in the hall watching me. I was embarrassed.)<br />
<br />
In my teens and 20's I feel like I've done things to "challenge my disability". I've always been stubborn, persistent, and patient. One summer in high school I went away to a college camp for 6 weeks at one of the universities, as a "practice" for college. To see if I could handle dorm life, walking around a campus, getting food in a cafeteria setting, being away from the support of my family and friends who knew my physical abilities. And then in my senior year of college I took a leap of faith and studied abroad in Australia for 5 month and traveled on my own. That was an adventure, one that taught me so much.<br />
<br />
I'd like to think that tough, independent Alaskan spirit is still in me. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-36487990314845727382016-09-25T14:47:00.000-10:002016-09-25T14:47:31.909-10:00Sunday<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I made it to church this morning despite all of the
roadblocks Satan tried to put in my way, and I am proud of myself. Tim
is in training, and that alone was a big enough excuse for me to just
stay home, but I really wanted to go. And after the kids had breakfast
they were busy, and my bed just looked so inviting, that I layed down
for 5 minutes and could have easily got in another hour of sleep, but I
fought it and forced myself to get up and get ready for church, knowing
I would feel much better about myself and my day having gone. Then,
when we got to church there was no disabled parking, which <u><i>never</i></u>
happens, and no where close to park. Kiana wondered if we were going
to go home. My anxiety level was high all morning, but we did it. I
used my walker. I calmed down during service, and had a nice visit with
a friend after church while the kids played on the playground. God is
good! <br /><br />Kiana asked
before church, "So we're going without dad? How are you going to get
in? How are you going to check us in to Sunday School? Will you be
able to pick us up afterwards?" Part of my motivation for doing things like this on my own is to show my kids that I am brave, I am confident, and that I can do this on my own. I want them to be brave, have confidence, and be independent so I need to be an example of those qualities to them. </span><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-1573402721473021032016-08-12T11:46:00.000-10:002016-08-12T11:46:02.833-10:00Okay, this is ridiculous. I am getting a walker. I can walk just fine, no cane, no assistance in some situations, like the public pool. But then last night and today I went to my son's preschool to meet his teachers and I could barely walk at all even with my cane. It's mental. And it's frustrating. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-90661545980284131472016-08-07T22:07:00.000-10:002016-08-08T09:20:48.905-10:00My HusbandLast year I had someone ask me how I met my husband and what attracted me to him. I replied that it was his kindness and patience that I was attracted to, but after further thought it was not just this, but actually how he didn't "see" me as disabled. From the moment we met he treated me as "normal". There was no awkwardness. He was completely comfortable around me. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, even I, when I meet a disabled person I feel awkward around them. I don't know how to approach them, how to feel at ease when talking to them... yeah, it's weird. Maybe because I don't "see" myself as disabled. (I know "handicapped" is the P.C. term, but I figure I can use whatever term I want since I am included in that demographic.) Even if I wasn't disabled, I'm not an outgoing kind of person anyway.<br />
<br />
It's hard to explain but it's a first impression thing that I can just feel. That people want to get to get to know me and don't see me as any different from anyone else. Although I don't mind talking about my disability and like it when people feel comfortable enough to ask me about it. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227708465997902006.post-34729443120694595842016-06-20T16:22:00.000-10:002016-06-20T16:22:25.324-10:00BotoxYes, I got Botox. But no, not as a beautifying treatment to get rid of wrinkles. :) I got Botox in my foot and calf. Now I have a young looking foot, right? LOL. No. It's amazing what they use Botox for these days: muscular disorders, excessive sweating, to treat chronic migraine headaches, etc. I got it to relax my toes on my right foot so they don't curl so tightly when I walk. They curl more when I'm nervous, and it makes it difficult to walk or stand with curled toes.<br />
<br />
I got 2 injections in my calf and 2 in the bottom of my foot. There was no pain when injecting into my calf, but the bottom of my foot was very painful, and it wasn't a "quick shot" sort of pain. But once it was over with there was no pain. It took 3-4 days to notice a difference. My toes are definitely more relaxed. I can still curl them, but they no longer curl up when I walk. And it does make it easier to walk. I took Kiana to the doctor today for an ear infection and I barely needed her assistance in the parking lot, just a light touch, and inside I was walking on my own. While standing at the counter I was relaxed, my toes were relaxed, and I didn't feel off balance. It's supposed to last 3 months. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741915149862407778noreply@blogger.com0