Madison Sanders Writes

It's 10:07 p.m, and I just need to write. It's one of those things that always calms me. I've had some thoughts about my nephew lately that I just want to preserve for memory's sake. Maybe twenty years from now, he'll read this blog and/or my diary to learn a little more about me. He has learned so many words lately! Airplane, car, drink, and more are just a few. He still hasn't mastered Auntie M, but brings me things when asked. About a month ago, after he was all clean from his bath, and I got a whiff of whatever soap my mom used, I instantly wanted to bottle up that moment - and scent - to keep forever. I guess my blog is one way of doing that. Even though he's not my child, I felt so much love right then that it seemed that my heart would most definitely burst right then and there! I find myself finishing my work quickly to savor his little laugh and his new found infatuation with tractors ever since my mom found YouTube videos. He will literally

I'm happy to report that I am free for a MONTH! Free from papers, projects, presentations, and tests! What ever will I do with myself?! Blog, of course! In case you didn't know I have been nominatedf or an award from WEGO Health. I've done several posts about them before. I now have a nifty little badge on my left sidebar that enables you to vote for me in just a few seconds! Just enter your email and hit endorse me! In other news, I'm still having some foot issues, so I'm trying compression stockings. I celebrated my 23rd birthday by studying for finals. Yep. :) I'm grateful for another year!! My little nephew is growing like a weed! He's only 18 months, and already in a size 6 shoe (it is a tad big)! He is learning so much and just laughs at me when I use my headset with the Dragon voice recognition software that has been a lifesaver for me when I am not feeling well. I've missed everyone!

While looking for a specific photo one day, I found this one and couldn't resist sharing. It was at my old church's fall festival, and I was not in the mood to have my picture taken. Mama made me anyway, and now I look back on this photo with fond memories! Yes, I had an attitude!  As you can see, my brother was not fazed by my antics. :) I was some kind of princess, but that's all I remember.  My mom just said I was Cleopatra! P.S. You can nominate me for one of WEGO Health's Health Activist Awards by going here . Just make sure you put the name of my blog, which is Making my Mark. My name is Madison Sanders. The blog URL is http://dropletsonajournal.blogspot.com They just ask you to tell them why I should be nominated. Winners will be featured on the WEGO Health network, which is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, strength, and overcoming adversity. Thanks in advance!

So many things have been going on in my life lately I haven't had time to write on my blog. I've missed it so this is going to be kind of a catch-up post. I have been very busy at my internship, and I absolutely LOVE it! I will finish editing a manuscript this week and have been sending many press releases out to colleges and various print media for the book Military Fly Moms. TV and radio stations are next on the list. By the way Military Fly Moms won the Military Writers Society of America 2012 Creative NonFiction Award! Be sure to like Miltary Fly Moms on Facebook so you can stay updated on what Linda Maloney, the fabulous author, speaker, and mother of two is doing! In other news, after experiencing pain in my left foot for about 8 months at least (I wrote about a doctor visit here), visting an orthopedic surgeon, and having x-rays done, I finally have an answer thanks to a DIFFERENT orthopedic surgeon. I found out today that I had 3 broken toes and didn't even know

Last week, I woke up during the night only to realize my lips were really dry. I turned on my light, but couldn't find my lip gloss. Finally, I found a little metal tin of Burt's Bees. "This must be lip balm." I said to myself. When I opened it, I saw it had never been used. Thinking nothing of it, I rubbed the tip of my finger in it and put it on my lips. They were still dry. I rubbed a little bit more on my finger and coated my lips. Nothing. They were still dry.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw on the tin the word lemon. "That must be a new flavor." I thought to myself. Getting a little frustrated, I rubbed my finger in the balm several times to make sure I had enough. Rubbing it all over my lips. This should do the trick, I said. When my lips still felt like sandpaper, I knew something was wrong. Flipping the tin over, I read the words lemon CUTICLE butter. That explains it! No wonder it was at the bottom of my drawer unopened. I found the nea

Well, I finally squeezed out a little bit of time to do the last post for WEGO Health's advocating for another blog carnival.  Put a bow on our Advocating for Another week by sharing what you’ll plan to do going forward. Free write or choose one of the bonus ideas. I have some exciting plans in the works, but  nothing I can share just yet. I am making something that will benefit the disabled community and their friends and family. I'll update as I can! I can promise you don't want to miss it! I just want to encourage everyone to look for opportunities to help others. If you don't, who will?

Even though school and life got in the way, I still wanted to finish the advocating for another posts. Today's post is a letter to my [blogging] community. After so many surgeries, I lost my spark. When I was younger, I would do anything my brother did. I wouldn't think twice about any limitations. Going to the doctor and experiencing so much pain made me cautious, uncertain about taking steps, rolling over in the bed. Simple things that I wouldn't have batted an eyelash at before.  I didn't wake up one day and discover my spark was gone. When I had physical issues one right after the other, it began to slip away little by little. I really noticed a difference after my spinal fusion because it took me longer than most people to recover. In all honesty, though, it started the year before when I was in agony 24/7, soaking my pillow in tears because I couldn't sleep with that pain. Just waiting for daylight to shine through my window so I could take som

"If we all did the things we are capable of,  we would astound ourselves."  ~Thomas Edison  I love this quote because is so true. So many times, we don't do something because we don't think we can. We make up excuses like I'm too old, I don't have the knowledge." Yadda yadda yadda. We never know what we are capable of doing until we try. Take Thomas Edison for example. He had thousands of failed attempts at the light bulb, but he kept at it. Look at how one idea changed the world forever. Light is everywhere now.  People are constantly breaking world records in the Olympics because they thought they could do it. What are you holding back from because you don't think you're capable? Let the fear of failure propel you forward to something better, bigger, than you ever imagined. Discover something your good at and work until you become great. Don't let life pass you by because you're sitting on the sidelines. Be a participator in lif

It’s storytelling day! Write a story about yourself, your community as though you’re a children’s book author. Be sure to include a beginning, middle, and end. Extra points for illustrations!  Since I've told plenty of stories on my blog, I'm going to do something a bit different...a poem! Once upon a time there was a young girl who stood out among the rest She was spunky and Southern, and thought no outfit was complete without jewelry! There was just one problem: she couldn't escape the stares about the colorful braces that hid under her dress. "Oh well," she thought, "that's the least of my worries!" She grabbed her backpack and headed for the bus Anticipating the adventures she'd have in room 201 Finding a friend, she started chatting. That was a first day of school must! With all of the cackling, you'd have thought we were at a chicken run! Alas, it was time for class to begin Just then my new friend whispered, "Wha

Today’s post theme is all about the reveal. What’s something people would be surprised to know about your life as a  Health Activist, your community, or condition. Uncover it and elaborate upon in stream-of-consciousness-style. This means this post won't be connected and might not make sense. It will just be my thoughts. Contrary to  some misinformed people, cerebral palsy is not a progressive disability. Whatever grade brain bleed you had, is what it will remain. Also, it's not possible to pass it on to a baby should a woman with cerebral palsy choose to have children. Along those same lines, not everyone with cerebral palsy will struggle with learning. They could be like me and have a mild case that only affects the lower extremities, not the brain. People with cerebral palsy can work. They are more productive than some able-bodied members of society. We might have to do things a little differently and a little slower than most people, but we get it done.  Not wal

Today's post almost didn't get written because I've been dealing with a cough and congestion in the middle of trying to complete things for school. This prompt is aptly titled challenge accepted because it deals with the hard things about leading a community. 1. Making sure everyone's voice is heard. I'm in the process of working on a way to fix this. There are so many people that need encouragement, it's hard to reach everyone. 2. Coming up with relevant and interesting content. I'm sure every blogger has had that moment where they question things. I try to keep the communication flowing between my readers by asking for everyone's input, what you want to know about me or cerebral palsy. Usually no one responds so I'm assuming it's because they don't know what to ask. This leads me to my third point. 3. Educating the public. So many people don't know about disabilities and how they affect the person and their family.

Since I talked about my community and some things that make me and my readers unique yesterday, I thought I would branch out and do one of the bonus prompts, which says to tell what my life is like to someone looking on the outside then describe it from the inside. On the outside, I look like a stylish young woman busy attending college classes and helping out at my church all while in a wheelchair. Some people have mistakenly thought I have an easy life because I have people helping me do things, get a little extra time to do tasks, and so on. From the inside, they would see a slightly different picture. My hair looks so good because my mom helps me dry it and style it. I have a beside commode because I'm not quite strong enough --yet--  to walk to the bathroom and sit down without help. They would also see I have to get up about thirty minutes to an hour before I have somewhere to be in order to get ready because it takes me a little longer to do things. They wo

Today is the first in a series of posts about health activism thanks to WEGO Health. I advocate for myself as a patient, but I also have a community of wonderful readers who are hopefully inspired by how I fully live my life in spite of my disability, which is cerebral palsy. This post is all about my community! I decided to do a collage with some of my readers and friend's pictures who I knew wouldn't mind being featured here. I also used a few images from dreamstime to represent everyone's interests! Click collage to enlarge The people that make up my blog's community are students, grandparents, families, nurses, musicians, fun-loving. Coffee lovers. Artistic. Individuals. Creative. Black. White. Old. Young. Eclectic. Yes, some people who read my blog do have cerebral palsy. But more than that, we are all encouraging each other. You are beautiful, my friends! If you are an a parent, caregiver, or health activist of someone with a disabi

I am planning something exciting and need a logo design! Since I haven't decided on a name, I'm going to let the logo help me decide. Me and a friend were talking and had an idea about a half man half woman. I don't want to reveal all of the details just yet, but if you are creative and up for a challenge, I need your help! If you are willing to do it for free, shoot me a message, and I'll give you details! You would get credit after it is completed.

As you all know, I use this blog as a personal journal as well as sharing my heart about what I want.  Well, I've took a leap and joined the WEGO Health Network, a place where people of different disabilities who are advocating for others can come together. I so desperately want to help others! In September, they are having a conference and one lucky person will get to go free-conference and travel expenses paid.  I just wrote why it would be awesome for me to go on the WEGO Facebook page . I don't know if it will help get me there, but if you would like my wall post, maybe, just maybe, someone will be encouraged. Thanks, y'all!

Mom and I made a short trip to Watson Mill campground a few weeks ago. It's also handicap accessible! I just had to share the beautiful pictures! Where have you been lately?

My mom and I decided to go to Athens to try some places our friends had recommended or went to. The first place was Your Pie, a pizza place that lets you make pizza any way you want. The way it was set up reminded me and my mom of Subway. The best part was the brick oven. By the time we got our drinks, our pizza was done! We chose to make ours with sausage, cheese, and mushrooms. We also put onions on one half with the other toppings. I liked the fact that the toppings didn't get melted together so much that they were mushy.   The second place we stopped at was Menchie's frozen yogurt. Some friends of ours had tried this place and my mom and I wanted to see if it compared to Sweet Monkey.  I got pomegranate raspberry tart mixed with Georgia peach, topped with granola and pecans. While Menchie's doesn't have nearly as many flavors as Sweet Monkey, it was okay. I really liked the fact you could purchase a carton to go! This next place was kind o

I read the ebook Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt several months ago, but I haven't had time to post a review until now. I was attracted to the book initially because of the title. Carly Westlake is the main character in the book. She owns her own business, a chocolate spa no less, and seems to have a great life with her best friend Ivy right there with her. What could she have to surrender to that was so bad? Further into the book, I discovered she was a cancer survivor. I could relate to this because of all of my surgeries. I thought the conflicts in this book were realistic: a father having trouble with his teenage daughter, couples with marriage problems and grief. The book started to get a little cheesy for me when Carly tried to change herself when her old high school boyfriend Jake came into town. With his good looks and charm, Carly fell for him hook line and sinker. She thought this was finally going to be her happily ever after. I was a little disappoi

I was reading in Isaiah the other day when I became burdened to pray for our nation with earnest. Isaiah 1:4 says, “Oh---sinful nation people weighed down with iniquity, brood of evildoers, depraved children! They have abandoned the Lord and despised the Holy One of Israel.” Even though this was in the Old Testament, it reminds me a lot of the United States. Everywhere you turn people are sinning and trying to ensnare others into their traps of wickedness. Lying tongues and deceitfulness of riches are common. Where are the men and women of God who are going to stand up for what is right? We are supposed to be a living example of what it means to walk in power and authority, but we are NOT using it.  Sadly, being a Christian is nothing more than a label these days. Lest you be dismayed, there is hope! Isaiah 1:16-17 says, “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Seek justice.” In other words, God is

Well, I've been busy with my new internship! You read that right. I am a publishing assistant intern for Tannenbaum Publishing Company! I'm in the process of editing my first manuscript. It's very exciting knowing that I am helping someone else make their dreams come true. I've also gotten my senior project approved. It will be an inspirational 12 page magazine about people who happen to have a disability. Parents and people who know someone with a disability: What would make you want to read a disability magazine? Colors? Overall feel? The more opinions I have the better.  Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

I realized while on my computer yesterday that I had not shared the fabulousness of dropbox with everyone! I couldn't believe it because it's a wonderful free program that is like a backup place for all of your files. I've been using it a little over a year and love it. I store almost all of my schoolwork on there, personal files, pictures, as well as church things that the publications team is working on together. What's great about it is it can be accessed from anywhere! Even on your phone, which is great for people on the go that don't want to keep up with lots of flash drives or external hard drives. Click this link to be invited by me and automatically get 500MB of space added to your account! I use the free version. Dropbox doesn't even know who I am. I just love their product!

I wasn't feeling so great yesterday or this morning, so I didn't post a winner yesterday. No one commented! What's up with that? If you would like the gift certificate, email me before the day is out because it expires today. I'll be glad to send it to you!

I recently received a $10 gift certificate from shoebuy.com in my email. I don't have any plans to buy anything right now, so I thought I'd give it to one of you! They have lots of things on their website, and I'd hate to see this go to waste! To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me what you're reading or plan to read this summer! I'll pick a winner on Friday since the certificate expires on Saturday, the 16th. 

It takes a few minutes for the book to load. I just had to share this beautiful book I created with the help of Shutterfly! We haven't had family pictures made since 1997 so I am thrilled to have these memories preserved thanks to my friend Randi Green of Z & Lei Photography ! Didn't the book turn out awesome?!

The older I get, the more I seem to question the way I am. Well, that's not true. I guess it was just when I realized I'm not like everyone else. I like to do things right. It doesn't matter whether that's an assignment, an exercise program, or speech. Someone at church tonight said, "It's good to question why you think the way you do." So, I did just that tonight. After digging in my memory bank, I found it. When I was about nine all the way into my teen years, I was with one physical therapist. I would stop several times during the session and say, "Am I doing this right?" The physical therapist said, "I have never had someone be so conscientious." Well, at that age, I didn't feel conscientious. I felt weird. Most of the people I went to school with were overjoyed just to pass. It wasn't that way for me. If I knew I could have better, I wanted better. Even as a college student, people called me insane for striving to get a

Well, my summer has consisted of lots of playtime with my little nephew. Even though I try my hardest, he still hasn't said Auntie. His personality is developing more and more and his little laugh is beyond sweet! He has the most energy ever! He was going constantly for two days and only took one or two naps. If I had his energy, I could build a house, run a marathon, cook dinner, and who knows what else! Haha. It's so cute to see him explore my room and hide behind the door and then go play and find the door again and be SO excited! He has really brought joy to the everyday things.  He also likes the toasted peanut butter crackers that come in little packs. These were originally for me because I love crackers as an afternoon snack, but after discovering that peanut butter can increase inflammation, I've decided to switch to almond or cashew butter. Not one to waste, I decided to let Mason have a taste. He loved them! I'm also working on a final project for one o

Those of you who know me know I have a passion for special needs kids, so when my mom told me of special needs kids being abused at Hopewell Middle School in Fulton County, I was coming to my blog to take action. This link tells the stories of several children, some who can't even talk who were slammed into lockers, covered in feces, and subject to vulgar language by their so-called teachers. This is an open letter to Fulton County Schools: Dear Boards who hire Teachers, Do a better job of monitoring the teachers. This abuse happened over several years. My question is why? Are you blind? Were you too busy to make sure that children who can't defend themselves were taken care of? All children deserve a safe environment. Although the teacher and principal who covered up the abuse are now gone, you need to take a serious look at your leadership. What happened to people with character and moral integrity? One teacher was discouraged from saying anything because nothing would

Even though my Printrunner giveaway ran for a week, only one person entered. That person was my mom, author of the blog, Dance Even in the Rain ! Congratulations, mama!!

My family and friends helped celebrate my nephew's first birthday this past weekend. I wanted to share a sweet moment that was captured on video by my mom. You can click the full size button to see the video better. I thought it was so sweet that he wanted to share! His little car from Mommy and Daddy that he LOVED! Could he be any cuter?! I had a wonderful time celebrating my precious little man!  My life is so much richer than a year ago because of him.

 Jian from Printrunner recently contacted me about hosting a giveaway. This company allows you to print online using their easy tools. Among things like stickers, business cards, and flyers, the also offer custom postcard printing. The prize is 100 5x7 postcards that will be printed on the front only using the 4 color printing system(CMYK). The paper will be 14 pt. with a UV coating on front. After the giveaway is over, you'll receive your postcards in 4 days! (You do not get to proof your order). *Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above. To enter: Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite summer activity along with your email address so the winner can be contacted! Optional entries (leave separate comments for each thing you do): Like Making my Mark on Facebook Blog about this giveaway linking back to this URL: http://dropletsonajournal.blogspot.com/2012/05/postcards-from-printrunner.html Like Printrunner on

I love sharing good things! A few months ago, I made my first purchase from Best Insoles , a fabulous website that carries insoles for different shoes among other things. Since I have a leg length discrepancy, I have to wear a heel lift in my one of my shoes. With all of my foot pain, I decided to go ahead and get a new one just to be safe. It is SO much smaller than the one I got from the guy who made my last pair of AFOs. Now I won't be so stressed when looking for shoes. The best part is they're having a sale! They don't have a clue who I am, but I wanted to share the code with everyone I got in my email. Use the code SPORT10 for 10 percent off! They have insoles for men and women as well as things for orthopedic shoes and those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Hey everyone, In the midst of studying for a final and finishing a portfolio for a class this semester, I wanted to update you on things. I have been super busy with my internship and church stuff. My church just celebrated its 25th anniversary and we just finished hosting a four day conference. In the midst of that, I helped edit two mini books and help prepare and transcribe a 300 page book to be ready for printing. I just have to say that I LOVE holding books that our team worked so hard on in my hands! Sadly, that left little time for blogging. Summer is in the air  and that means more blogging!! I have some posts planned and a giveaway, so check back often!

To say I've  been busy this month would be the understatement of the year! I will spare you all the details and just share some fruits of my labor. Does that sound good? I worked on two articles for Athena Magazine for Girls this month.  They are now live on the website. One was about the Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood controversy (Website no longer exists). I'm sure everyone one has heard at least some parts of it. I learned a lot about two very different organizations while doing this article. It was a whirlwind month that tested my patience, but perseverance paid off! The second article was about a very mysterious work of article called the Ghent Altarpiece. Since it had such a unique history, I would have loved to have shared this with my granddaddy. I learned about lots of techniques (that were new to me at least) while working on this piece. I hope you enjoy both articles. While I'm at it, if you want, please drop Sarah, the editor-in-chief a line to tell

I thought I would do a picture recap of Easter weekend. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend celebrating the TRUE meaning of Easter! The above picture of my nephew was taken by my sister-in-law. Didn't she do a great job?! The food and family are wonderful, but without Him, we would be lost.

Recently, I began to see how a lift chair could benefit me in my everyday life. I have been doing all of my college coursework from my bed, but that is not God's best. I get tired sitting in the wheelchair for long periods of time, which causes me to slump. That is not good for my posture, so with a lift chair I could be in the living room looking out the window while still being comfortable. Unless you've been sick, you don't know how depressing it gets to look at the same four walls (even though mine are a cheery yellow accented with purple) day in and day out. The lift chair will give me the opportunity to be more comfortable when I am working on my laptop, because it hurts my back to bend over a table at normal height and work from my wheelchair. Something else that most people wouldn't think about is that being in the bed for a long time puts you at risk for losing your mobility. Having a lift chair would make me want to get up more because it would be comfo

I've been having some physical issues lately. After being in pain and the swelling in my feet not going away, I went to the doctor last Thursday to discover that I had blood bruises underneath my foot and lots of fluid from the weights that I use to physical therapy with at home. The doctor said every time I did them(which was once a week like I was told to do), the weight was slipping below my ankle and essentially bursting blood vessels and cutting off my circulation. The medicine they prescribed is getting rid of the fluid, but I am very weak and experiencing some tingling. Lots of rest is what the doctor ordered, so I'm being a good patient even though I have a million things to do. I also had fluid building up in my stomach and didn't realize it. I thought I had just gained a few pounds, but after I started taking the medicine to get rid of the fluid and swelling in my feet, my stomach started shrinking! I am sharing this with everyone because it is so important not

Even though I have been busy with schoolwork, some good things have been happening. In late February, Deborah, my very first baby sitter came to visit me from Kentucky. They used to live in my hometown but they moved for work purposes. It's great when we can catch up with them.   Last week I went to visit my little nephew, my brother was not home to carry me into the trailer, so my mom carried me.  I walked holding onto her into the bedroom.  Even though wasn't the easiest thing. I was determined to see my little nephew. At the end of our visit,  I was able to ease myself down from the wheelchair to the floor with my mom's help. That's the first timt I've been able to do that without serious back pain in years!  We did this so she wouldn't have to carry me a second time. I could just slide into her arms.  I'm not where I want to be in terms of progress just yet, but I'm not where I was even a few months ago! Woo hoo!  

After a few technical issues, my second magazine article is now live on Athena Magazine for Girls website!  Click this link to read it. (The website no longer exists, so the link has been removed). I can't tell you how great it was to talk with Lauren Ricks about her mission trips in various countries. Although we are thousands of miles apart, we are united in our desire to change the world around us. Read the article to find out some of the best and worst parts of her adventures so far!  No matter how old you are, you will definitely come away feeling so incredibly grateful for the life you have.  I know I did.

For years, people tried to talk me out of becoming a writer. There was a particular instance in middle school that I will never forget. My teacher had given me an assignment to pick the career I wanted and to present a Powerpoint presentation in front the of class. As she was walking around the classroom, she said, "What did you choose, Madison?" I distinctly remember telling her "Journalism." My Powerpoint had a very colorful cover slide with a picture of a quill.   "Oh, you will want to pick something else," she said. Hurt, I continued to listen because she was my teacher, someone who I trusted to lead and guide me. "You won't ever make any money being a writer," she said and walked off. She never knew how much those words impacted me. Subtly, my mind shifted to other careers. "Let me look up the salary for a nurse," I said to myself, knowing the health care field was always promising. Seeing the numbers on the screen settl