Something Special

My two oldest nephews spent the night with us the other night. I woke up and said to Mama "Do you want to do something with the boys today?" She said, "Yeah, but let's wait till it stops raining."

Our first idea was to take them to a flea market Mama and I had visited that had some old metal trucks we knew the boys would love.

After checking the weather, it showed rain all in that area. Wheelchairs and wet gravel don't mix. So, plans changed.

Mama remembered one of her clients telling her about taking kids to Greenville to jump for $8 each, but she couldn't remember the name.

The client never answered her phone or texts, so I Googled it to see what came up. Finding a few places that were a little more than we wanted to spend, I suggested a nearby mall. I thought they had a place for kids to jump and Mama thought they had an arcade.

Off we went!

When we got to the mall, we saw one big jumping thing straps you in, but my middle nephew said, "I don't like that!"

The place that Mama thought was an arcade is now a barber shop. Such a bummer!

We let both boys ride a small ride inside the mall, but I told Mama, "This is not what I had in mind."

What do you want to do, Madison?
I don't know, but this is not special! (Since it was the end of their Spring Break, I wanted to do something special with them.)

We finally found out the name of the jumping place in Greenville, but we thought it might be a little too far to travel with my middle nephew, Bryson, since he is younger.

Mama said, "What about that place you found earlier?"

"That will be good if I can get the address to pull up."

On the way to the mall, I found the KidVenture Playground. It had a castle, ropes, swinging bridges...it looked like something the boys would love AND we wouldn't have to drive far!

The phone nor the GPS would pull up the address. I found a different address and tried that. Still nothing.

"I don't know. I can't find it."

"Well, most places have a phone number," Mama said. She called and left a message.
"They may not be there."
"They are open 24 hours a day. I looked it up," I said, my agitation ever-increasing.

Mama said, "You need to calm down."

Mama was looking too. She said, "We may need to go to Gravatopia since I can't find this place."

In the midst of my frustration, she said, "I probably need to get the boys something to eat.
I said, "Yeah, while you're there ask somebody about the playground. They'll know. It's a huge place."

Just like a kid, Mason said, "Let's look for a huge place!"

Sure enough, Mama asked a lady leaving Chic-Fil-A if she was familiar with KidVenture.

She said, "Yeah, it's on this road. Go down here and turn."

I smiled.

It was taking a little longer than normal to get the food due to the number of people, and I thought maybe I need to be away from the boys so I can regroup.

By the time they came back I was good.

Turns out the directions on the phone were right. The road was a parkway instead of a circle. No wonder the GPS couldn't find it!

"Here it is! I see it!" Mama said.

I saw it too. It was huge. We even saw ducks walk right beside us. Black and white ones and some with a red beak. We told the boys we would take our food and have a picnic. Mason drank some of his milk shake, but Bryson was off in a flash, racing up the castles. As Mama was getting the food out, she said, "Where's Bryson?"

He said, "Up here!"

Mason ran to play with him. Mama had to check it out to, so I watched them play while I ate.

They climbed the rock wall, swung from metal rings, and making as much noise as possible.

They had so many slides!

Then, we went down to the lake and got to see two tiny baby ducks waddling behind their mama. Mason said those were his favorite. The ducks even ate out of Mama's hand.

I realized we DID have a special day. It didn't have to be some elaborate trip with lots of things to do. The boys just liked being there with us. They didn't really care what we were doing as long as we were together.

I am writing this as a reminder to myself to slow down and enjoy the moments. Stop fussing over every detail. It doesn't have to be perfect. Kids just want quality time with you - away from the phones and distractions. 

We didn't spend a lot of money, but we made priceless memories.

REPOST: You're Covered

Since we've had some freshly fallen snow this morning, I remembered this post I wrote several years and decided I needed the reminder. Maybe you do, too.

We have gotten an unusual amount of snow where I live. As I was looking out at the white powder slowly falling outside of my window today, I had a thought. Everything almost takes on a new appearance when covered in white. The shrubs look different, the trees look more elegant, things just look different.

As I thought about it, I realized we are like the night before the snowfall when we are sinners. All of the dirt and branches are exposed. Think of it this way, all of the raw and sensitive spots in our life are like open wounds. We go around hurting and merely existing. Then, in the midst of our depression and negative outlook on life, God comes in with His blood and heals all of those places.

Some days we might feel a lot better. Other days, memories of our past make us feel lonely. All the while, God's blood is slowly covering the cracks in our heart, just like the snow slowly covers the ground. If you know anything about snow, you know that yards aren't covered in a day. It's a process and conditions have to be just right.

We don't have to be perfect to get God to help us. We don't have to say all of the right things. We just have to be willing to admit that we need help. That is often so hard for us because we think we can handle things on our own. Then, in His mercy, he wipes the slate clean. When this snow melts away, the town will go back to being lined with cars and everyone in a hurry. I'm glad that when God heals us from the inside out, it's permanent, aren't you?

My Wow Moment

A couple of months ago, I went on an adventure. I wasn't expecting to, but I am so glad I did.

Someone told my mom about Duke's Creek Falls. I knew from researching it that it was a short hike. We were told it had a wide path that would easily accommodate my wheelchair.

Mama and I started off toward the trail. It was paved. Then, as the paved part ended, I heard Mama say, "There's steps." Sure enough, there were steps. Mama told someone on the trail that I wouldn't be able to do it.

A man asked, "Do you want to go on down? I can get Corey to carry her." The man (Michael's dad) and his family started yelling, "COREY! COREY!" He had already run ahead of them.

A few minutes passed. Corey came back to the beginning of the trail. Michael's dad told him that I wanted to go on down.

"Do you think I could walk the steps, Mama?" I asked.

"Let me count them and see. If it's a lot you won't be able to do it." It was about eight steps and then another set farther down. As Corey and my mom counted the steps, Mama told him that I had never seen a waterfall up close. I've never got to go on the trail with Mama because most trails aren't wheelchair accessible. He said, "Well, today's her day!"

Corey and Micheal picked up my wheelchair. We went down front ways, which usually makes me nervous because I feel like I am going to fall forward.

Both boys were steady as a rock. "They know what there doing!" Normally, people are shaky when picking up my wheelchair. For the first time ever, I didn't feel like I was going to fall forward. Believe it or not, I was smiling!

Mama said, "I need you boys in my back pocket!"

We continued on in our quest. Michael's dad acted as a spotter each time, and when we would reach the bottom, I would breathe a small sigh of relief.

Corey said, "I wanted a workout today!"

"Well, you've got one!"

"Good!"

About midway through, we started seeing more people on the trail. Questions like, "How did you get down here" and looks of surprise started coming.

I took great pleasure in telling them, "I had some help from some friends."

One lady wasn't so nice. "There are rocks and roots toward the bottom of the trail. She can't make it down there."

Maggie, the daughter, said, "No, she can do anything!"

I didn't quite hear all of the conversation, so I asked her what the lady said. When she told me, my response was "Yeah, I can!"

The last set of steps were the steepest and the most we'd done. They decided to take me down backwards.

Everyone was getting tired. Part of me thought, "Do we need to stop and pray first?"

Before we started down, I took a deep breath. Mama said, "Don't look down." I didn't plan on it.

With each step, I just silently prayed that neither boys would lose their footing.

After we mastered all of the steps, Corey, Michael, his dad and the rest of the group went on ahead to go to the waterfall.

I knew it was a lot to help me and it takes me longer to do things, so I told them we would catch up.

While walking the trail, I got a chance to talk with Diane, who was a special education teacher and one of the nicest people ever.

She said, "We weren't even coming here today. We were looking for another waterfall. We normally go the beach this time of year, but we didn't.

She also told me that Corey and Michael have a friend who is in a wheelchair. They regularly take him to do things, even waterfalls. So that explained it! No wonder they were so steady and knew what to do!

I can't forget about the little things Corey and Michael did. There was a rock in the way. Mama told me to watch out for it while pushing myself. Without missing a beat, Corey picked it up and tossed it out of the way.

Mama was concerned my arms were getting tired from pushing so much, so she offered to do it for awhile. I said, "Don't get me too close to the edge." Michael's dad said, "We've got you this far. We're not going to let anything happen to you."

After maneuvering over roots and going up and over when Mama said to, Michael's dad said, "Corey, why don't y'all just pick her up?" So Corey and Michael each grabbed one side of the wheelchair and lifted me up over the roots.

Mama said, "You're like the Queen of Sheba!
I laughed and said, "I know!"

While I was in mid-air, I heard a dog bark. Corey was closest to it. As we got closer, I thought the dog might bite him. He said, "If it would have tried that, I would've kicked it off the side of the mountain!"

Michael's dad said Corey wanted to know if I was okay with him carrying me on the way back up. "Sure, I'm fine with that!"

I knew I would be much lighter, so it wouldn't be as much of a struggle for him.

He picked me up and off we went. He went up the stairs much quicker than I thought. I tried to tell Mama and the others that he said we were going to go on, but they couldn't hear me. I looked back over his shoulder and smiled at Mama. We had beat everyone else!

Corey stopped to make sure Michael was okay. About that time, I saw Michael sling my wheelchair over his back like it was nothing.

Everything about that day was a WOW moment. These people didn't have to take time out of their day to help me. They did not even know me! I have thought back over that day several times since then, and  I can't do anything but smile. Those memories will stay with me for a lifetime.

Seeing the waterfall was great, but it was more about the experience. Corey, Michael, Diane and family made this possible. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to do it. Thank you for being WILLING to help me. I honor you.

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 30

Today's writing prompt is to write about innocence. Write about childhood.  Write about ignorance.
Innocence is playing outside until dark.

Innocence is getting snow cones at the Tropical Sno place that was only open in the summer. I loved the green apple! No one's snow cones have ever compared to these.

When I think about innocence, a picture of my niece and nephews faces pops into my head. Their days consist of playing with cars and big rigs, making special deliveries...and often pestering their little sister who just wants to be close to them.

Innocence is not knowing about violence. My niece and nephews don't fully grasp how chaotic this world is, and I am thankful. They need to be kids.

Oh, how I wish I could go back to the days where every problem was solved with a game of rock, paper scissors. 

I remember getting home from school and having a Nutty Buddy that my Papa always kept for us. Childhood for me meant exploring the world around me on the four wheeler. We didn't have to worry about anyone trying to grab us. It was just us out in the open air with the crickets providing the background sounds.

Innocence is waiting for the ice cream truck to come by my aunt's house in the summer.  

Childhood dreams were crazy and fun. One day you'd want to be Superman and the next might be a policeman. Part of the greatness of being innocent is a vivid imagination. 

Things were so simple then. Sliding on the sliding slide was what Georgia summers were made of. Tea parties, painting my nails every color of the rainbow, stuffing my mouth with way too many mini Snickers candies at Memaw and Granddaddy's, impromptu concerts in the living room with my cousins...

Swinging on the swings at the elementary school and twisting it around and around until one of my friends threw up....

There were no rules... other than respect your elders, be kind, and treat others like you want to be treated.  

They say ignorance is bliss, and my childhood was great because I didn't know so many things.

I didn't know what it meant to hate. I loved everyone, period. 

In the words of Lee Anne Womack "I hope you never lose your sense of wonderYou get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger."

Just because time has passed doesn't mean you have to lose that spark you had when you were a child. Keep dreaming! Keep reaching for the stars. Don't let the cares of this life steal your joy. YOU were made for more! Don't settle for less.

If you are in a funk, do what scares you. Get out of your comfort zone! That child within you says, "What are you waiting for?!? GO FOR IT!

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 27

Today's writing prompt is to write about work. Work meant something very different to the older generation. To them, work meant getting up early and working a job that usually required hard physical labor. They worked on the farm taking care of animals before the sun came up each morning. They tilled the garden months in advance to prepare the soil for the seeds. 

The women worked, too. They took care of the home and the children, which was a full-time job that demanded their attention at all times. Women also picked the vegetables in the garden and prepared them for canning. That is hard work! 

When I was a little girl, I'd help my Granny silk corn from the garden. That meant I would have to take a brush and go over and over the corn until all the fine "hair" was gone. The "hair" was thin yellow strands that you definitely didn't want to eat. Then, Granny would cut all the kernels off the ear of corn. We'd do that over and over until every ear of corn was done.

I also remember standing over a simmering pot of tomatoes that were cooking over the burner Granny and Papa had set up outside. The fresh tomatoes they'd picked that morning were now being cooked down so Granny could can them later.

It was usually hot and humid when we did this, so as I watched the tomatoes bubble up in the pot, my face would bead with sweat. It was made worse by the heat emanating from underneath the pot. I knew it'd be worth it, though when I wanted some homemade tomato soup in the winter.

The generation of young people today weren't brought up in the same manner. Things have been a lot easier for us. We have the conveniece of technology meaning everything is at our finger tips. We don't know what it means to be patient because all companies are striving to make everything faster and better. Many of us don't know the value of hard work because we haven't had to struggle.

If there is one thing my grandparents have taught me it is that anything worth having comes by work. If you don't work and apply yourself, you will never succeed. In a day where everyone is taking shortcuts, I choose to be different. I choose to take a little extra time and give a little more effort than is required.

Why do I do this? I do it because I know the value of work. Work isn't just something you do to get a paycheck. Work is necessary in all aspects of life, in the home and on the job. If you don't work to maintain something, it will eventually fall apart. May we all remember the saying, "A little hard work never hurt anyone."

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 26

Today's prompt is to write about disappointment. I've been disappointed about things and people many times in my life, but I'm going to share a story that marked me.

I was in middle school. It was the time when everyone was invited for sleepovers. I invited one of my friends over and I was SO excited!

My mom bought me a new comforter that day. It was light blue with little white daisies. I made sure my room was clean. I wanted everything to be perfect for my friend!

After awhile I started asking my mom, "I wonder when Lily(name is changed) will be here? I can't wait for Lily to get here! We're going to have so much fun!"

I waited and waited. I never got a phone call. "Maybe Lily's mom is just running late." I couldn't think of another reason why she wasn't here yet.

The darkness outside my window let me know it would soon be nighttime. Still no Lily. I crawled into my bed and tucked my clean sheets around me. "I bet Lily will show up!" I said, still holding out hope that she'd show up at my house any minute.

Finally, Mama said something. She'd been quiet in the midst of my excitement and never-ending questions about Lily. "I don't think she's coming, Madison."

"What? Why would she do that? She IS coming! I know it!" I went to bed half sad and half mad. I was sad because deep down I knew my mom was right, and mad at Lily and myself for wasting all my afternoon waiting on someone who probably wasn't even thinking about me.

Lily never came for the sleepover. I was hurt. I wanted to spend time with my friend, but she didn't want to spend time with me, and I didn't know why.

I didn't let that experience break me. I still tried my best to be friends with people - even Lily. Even when you are disappointed, you have a choice. You can let it make you bitter or better. You can shut down and close off from the rest of the world, but you will be limiting yourself. 

You will be missing out on laughter and great times. Don't let one bad experience taint your view of everyone. You won't be friends with everyone, but there are people out there who will love you for who you are.

If you're wondering, I have forgiven Lily for what she did. I learned to not let my happiness be determined by someone else. 

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 21

I wrote this yesterday, but my Internet was out until just now. 

Today’s prompt is about sharing a confession. Boy, do I have a story for you!

It was a sunny day and our science class was going outside to do an experiment. We needed to find leaves around the playground. I think the lesson was something about how reflection works.

Ms. Merritt handed each of us a magnifying glass. “Class, if you hold the mangnifying glass over the leaf, with the sun directly piercing through the middle of the glass, it will burn a hole in the leaf.”

We were so excited to do this! I crouched down on the pavement, careful to follow Ms. Merritt’s instructions. Soon, I saw smoke coming from the leaf. It was no longer a vibrant green leaf. Now, it had a hole in the center with black char around it.

I did it! Ms. Merritt let us take the magnifying glasses home. When Granny picked Eli and I up from school, my mind was still on the science experiment. Just before I got out of the old Caprice, affectionately known as “The Granny car,” I got an idea.

“I wonder if I could burn a hole in something else,” I thought to myself. For a few minutes, I held the magnifying glass up to the roof of the car. The sunlight hit the glass just right. Boom! A little puff of smoke started forming. Then a flame that scorched the gray material.  I blew on it, still in disbelief at what I saw. This wasn’t how I pictured it…at all. The once grey car roof now had a nice black spot where I burnt the roof of Granny’s car. Yes, you read that right!

I’m sure the conversation between Granny and me went something like this:

“Um…Granny?

Granny: What is it?

Me: I burnt a hole in the roof of your car.

Granny: You WHAT?

Me: I burnt a hole in the roof of your car. We did a science experiment at school and I just wanted to try it at home.

Granny: (rushing outside to look at the damage) "Oh, my Lord! You really did burn a hole in my car!”

I don’t remember what my punishment was, but I know I didn’t get to see or touch a magnifying glass for a very long time! Papa gave me a lecture about it, saying, “Now, Madison, what did you do that for? You know we don’t burn holes in things.”

It’s been years since that happened, and I still remember it. Granny did get the roof of her car fixed, thankfully.

The moral of the story is this: It is okay to get excited about learning something new, just don’t take it too far.

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 19

Today's prompt requires me to borrow the voice of one of my favorite authors, which would be Denise Hildreth.

She crept down the hallway, careful not to wake the kids. As she cracked the door, her heart swelled with pride. "I played a part in creating these awesome little humans," she said, smiling.

The day started out like any other day. Working in the rose garden as the sun bathed the surroundings in a glorious light. Jeanne was thankful for these quiet moments before the whole world woke up.  It's when she liked to talk to God the most.

"God? Can you hear me? I know it's been awhile since we've talked. I need your help. I don't know if I can be a mayor's wife. Many days I don't even feel like I am a good wife period. If this is really what you want Paul to do - what you want our family to do - please give me a sense of peace. Let me know this is really the right thing."

Jeanne finished pruning her roses and clipped a few dusty pink ones to put in the vase near the kitchen table.

"Mom, I'm hungry! What's for breakfast?" Jack yelled.

"I made some blueberry muffins. They are warming in the oven."

"Thanks, Mom!"

As she suspected, Lily hadn't moved one inch since she checked on her this morning. Her brown hair was tousled in every direction, but Jeanne didn't mind. Paul was already eight, so she was determined to savor Lily's babyhood every chance she got.

Finally, Lilly plodded downstairs to the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She, too, woofed down a blueberry muffin. "More!" she squealed delightfully.

After everyone was fed and dressed, it was time to take Jack to school. Jeanne loaded up the kids. When they got to the school, Jack and Lily were very popular with the teachers. 

"Hey, Paul!" one said, as they helped him cross in front of the line of cars.

"Miss, Lily! Just what have you been up to today?" Mr. Robbie asked. Mr. Robbie was the school security officer. His job was to make sure everyone stayed safe.

"I'm going to play with my dolls!" Lily replied.

"That sounds like fun! Wish I could join you," Mr. Robbie said.

"Maybe you can come over to my house one day, Mr. Robbie."

"I'd like that, Miss Lily. I'd like that very much."

Mr. Robbie had to help other kids. Jeanne and Lily pulled away from the school. They were going to an awesome place - Wilson's diner.

Jeanne stopped at Wilson's diner at least twice a week for their scrumptious scones and lemon pie, but also the company. You never know who would be at Wilson's diner, but there was always at least two people you knew.

Jeanne and Lily sat down at the table.

Not long after someone stopped to chat. "Is that Lily?" Virginia Stapleton exclaimed. "She just gets prettier and prettier each time I see her!"

"Yes, Virginia. That's Lily."

"Is everything going alright?"

"We are fine."

"Are you sure you want Paul running for mayor?" Virginia asked.

Jeanne felt a surge of strength and confidence pulsate through her. Just weeks before, she wanted to pass out every time she heard the word mayor, but this time things were different. Maybe this was God's way of letting her know everything was going to be just fine.

"Yes, I will support him in whatever he does." 

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 6

Today's challenge is to write someone's story - to put myself in their shoes.

Each day I get up and get myself dressed. I am only five, but I am used to it. I have not seen my mother in months, and I do not know my father.

My home is not a home in the traditional sense. My brothers and sisters all pile up beside me using a garbage top as a shelter from the rain. When our mother left to go find work in another village, we cried. "Mother, can we go with you?" I asked.

"No, child. You must stay here and keep watch over your brothers and sisters."

"But how?"

"You will find a way,"  she assured me. "Whatever you do, stay together."

"I promise, mother."

As I watched her walk away, I stood as tall as I could. I felt so small. It seemed like the Earth was going to swallow me up.

All of us went into the village. The market was filled with mountains of mangoes, plantains, and sugar cane. I had never seen so much food! My rumbling stomach reminded me it had been a long time since I had eaten.

I went around to the side of the mangoes to avoid the watchful eye of an older woman. I quickly snatched a juicy fruit and tucked it into my shirt.

"Hey!" A voice boomed into my ear as he tried to catch my shirt. I was too quick for him. I darted away, hoping I would blend in with the crowd.

My siblings saw the chaos, but I did not know where they were. "Mama would be so mad at my foolishness," I thought to myself. Why was I thinking about Mama? She is not even here! NONE of this would be happening if she were here!

Tears streamed down my face as I felt of the fruit. I said a prayer for my brothers and sisters and hoped they were safe.

"Alec, why are you crying?"

Startled, I looked up to see my younger brother, Mattis, standing in front of me.

"How did you find me? I asked
"We followed you when you ran away from the mean man!" Mattis said.

"Man, that was a close one, eh?"

I made a plan to go to the market at night or early mornings from now on to avoid repeating my mistake.

I washed my clothes using the rain water from a massive puddle near us. After such a long day, it was time to sleep. Survival was hard work.

The next day I was up before sunrise with the roosters to keep me company. I looked at my siblings sleeping peacefully on the ground. I left them there while I searched for food. I did not have to go far because food could always be found in the trash heap. You just had to dig for it. 

Once I found a few scraps of food, I gathered them up and brought them back to my brothers and sister. 

"Alec, thank you for bringing us food!" they cried with excitement as they each took some. It was becoming clearer with each moment that we would have to work together if we wanted to live. 

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 5

The challenge for today is to write about a day I will never forget. A day that forever changed my life is the day I became an aunt.

My brother and sister-in-law were already at the hospital, waiting for their son to be born. They had just called to say her water had broke, and if I wanted to be in the delivery room to come now. 

It was a surprise that I was going to be in the delivery room because I didn't know what my brother and sister-in-law would want. She wanted her mom to be in there, so Eli wanted our mom to be in there.

I was nervous. I wanted Papa to hurry up and get to the hospital because I did not want to miss anything. It was my nephew, and I could not wait to meet him. I still remember the tank top I chose as I threw on a necklace and headed out the door.

I did not know what to expect. I had never been in the room when someone gave birth. I had only only watched the Baby Story on TLC. Many mothers on there screamed and yelled in pain. I wondered if Brittany would be like that during her labor.

We got there just before she started pushing. My sister-in-law didn't't say anything during labor. She kept her eyes closed almost the whole time. When she had a contraction, she did not make a fuss. She did not scream and yell at my brother. The whole thing was surprisingly calm. 

My mom, her mom, and my brother were at the head of the bed during the labor.

I will never forget when Mason came out. He was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. As my brother held him, he didn't have his eyes closed. His big eyes were open, looking all around at us and the bright lights in the hospital room.

As I held him in my arms, I was in awe of each little movement and sound. He looked so peaceful as we talked to him. I don't remember him crying much that day. He just watched everything. The funny thing is he is still that way.

I never knew I could get so attached to someone so quickly. I will never forget being at my grandparent's house when Mason was just a few days old. They were staying with my grandparents for a few weeks. I was holding Mason, and Mama said, "It's time to go." I said, "I want to stay here with Mason." 

Granddaddy said, "I've never seen somebody love a baby as much as you." I was almost in tears because I had to leave him. I just wanted to be near him.  My mom was shocked because I had never said anything like that.

She assured me Mason would be okay and Memaw and Granddaddy would help watch after him. I left that day, but a piece of my heart remained with him.

Mason has brought so much joy to my life! Being an aunt is one of the greatest jobs ever, although it does have its challenges! It is a privilege to help mold his mind and teach him about life. Thank you, Mason, for teaching me what it means to love unconditionally. As you have grown, I have, too. I am a better person because of you (and my other nephew and niece)!

My 500 Words: A Writing Challenge - Day 2

What am I thankful for today? I am thankful for the ability to move. Everyone comes to a crossroads at some point or another. A time where you keep moving forward or you stay where you are and die.

People are always trying to impose the limits they see with their eyes onto you - or me. They look at you physically and say, "You can't do this. It is not possible." Or they say, "You are not smart enough."

What they don't see is the fire inside you. That flame doesn't go out when the pressure comes. It just grows brighter, pushing you onward to greatness.

I refuse to listen to the naysayers. The only person I am in competition with is myself. How much I do or how far I go in anything isn't determined by my size or race. It is determined by my inner strength. When someone says I can't go ten steps, I will go twelve. If I stopped making progress just because someone else thought it would lead to my disaster, I would never do anything. In fact, I wouldn't be as good as I am now.

A good story to illustrate my point happened a few days ago. As I was buttoning my shirt, I was thankful I could do it myself. It reminded me of all the times I struggled learning to button things as a child.

My mom and other family members took me to occupational therapists so I could learn how to do simple tasks like button things. It took forever for me to master that skill, but through all the frustration, I did it. I also learned some valuable lessons.

I learned that things don't always come easy. I learned to never give up. Sure, I cried and wanted to give up MANY, many times, but my mom always encouraged me.

These lessons have become invaluable to me. When I am faced with a hard situation, I don't run from it. I don't shy away from the challenge. I say, "Okay, how can I overcome this?" Some times I don't know how it will all work out, but the answer is always, "One step at a time."

We all have a choice. I am celebrating every step. I may get knocked down, but I will not stay down. Celebrate where you are today. Celebrate WHO you are! All of the things that you think are your imperfections make you who you are. Keep striving! Keep fighting against the current of what people say is normal or expected. You were made for so much more than what you can see right now. 

Look negativity in the eye and laugh. Laugh because you have the upper hand. I know you may not feel like it, but you do. I challenge you to do something outside of your comfort zone today. You may be surprised at what happens! After you get over the fear, you should feel a settling. All of the butterflies may not be gone yet, but do it anyway! I promise doing something afraid is better than doing nothing at all. 

So, what are you waiting for?!