Category: Lisa’s Post

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Lauren’s Chair

There is something quite surreal about ordering a wheelchair for your child. You sit matter of factly as you choose colours and options. Lauren chose hot pink and purple. You see, to her, this is just like any other normal that she knows. And let’s face it, she makes even a wheelchair look cute! I hold back pinned up emotion and smile my teethy smile as we ‘design’ Lauren’s next form of mobility. Two years ago when we purchased her Kimba stroller chair, we had hoped that by the time she outgrew it, she’d be at least taking steps. Not so…
So, we applaud as she ‘test drives’ a couple suggested options and finally agree that the ‘Zippy’ is our choice. There is an hot pink zippy in Lauren’s future and for her, I have to keep smiling big, clapping loudly; fighting back my heartbreak as I continue to pretend that it’s all ok. Maybe one day, I’ll love her hot pink chair, but for now I must focus on its precious cargo that would have no mobility otherwise. It sure is a lot to process and it’s a coming to terms with reality. One step at a time..

Written by Mommy

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A Therapeutic Reflection

Here it is… Yet another therapeutic reflection:

Life certainly has it’s modern conveniences! Practically everything we could need, or want, is at our fingertips. Our immediate access covers from worldwide information to Keurig coffee! It’s only when there’s a glitch in the system, do we even stop to realize how good we have it.
Up until now, we have enjoyed, and have probably taken for granted, the seamless flow of life’s ease of access. While Lauren was a baby, she appeared like any other baby. Cerebral palsy didn’t show itself much at all. Now, Lauren is becoming that independent little girl who wants to “do it myself”! This is when we realize that many of life’s conveniences are not quite as accessible to someone with a disability.
It’s 2016, and some public places have no ramps, push buttons for doors, adequate space to move a chair, proper bathroom facilities, etc
You see, even at home, the required equipment for daily living is different, yes different, from others. ‘Special’ chairs/seats and required therapy items cost double to triple that of the ‘regular’ needs.
What’s my point?? I guess it’s just that we are coming to terms more and more with the additional obstacles that Lauren will have to hurdle. As her parents, our role is to keep these issues as ‘just obstacles’ and NOT
‘limitations’!
Society, too, needs to pause and take note of exactly ‘who’ our modern conveniences cater to. Not everyone will be able to see past the obvious, but those of us who love someone who has a disability will become much more aware of what is often take for granted!
Our goal is to empower our children to find their way in the world. Life has conveniences, yes;but, life is posing challenges now that were once unimaginable! Equal opportunity for all means that some will require different means in order to make it to the same place. Lauren, and other children with disabilities, are no less equal because they are ‘different’. In fact, their ABILITY to find ways to ‘do it myself’ in spite of their DISABILITY, is a lesson to all!
Lisa

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For When I Can’t Understand

Today I’ve pondered…
For many blessings, I am thankful…
From many struggles, I am battered…
For many questions, I seek answers…
For the future, I seek direction…
From the past, I long for release…
For today, I pray for strength…
For just in the hours that I’ve lived today, I have encountered love, excitement, fear, frustration, injustice, innocence…
Along with so many, there is so much about life that is unfair, even cruel… And yet we cling to our every breath, hoping for peace in the journey.
Somedays, all I can do is take all that I don’t understand and pray that one day I’ll at least be able to let go of the unanswered questions and find the courage to fully trust the One who holds all the answers to life’s ‘whys’…
So, for myself, and even those others I’ve encountered today,tonight I pray…

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Positive Attitude; Negative Reality!

Let’s just say, my feathers are being ruffled ?
Reality, defined as, “the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them”, sure has a way of keeping us in check. Irregardless of one’s electrical attitude ‘charge’, be it positive or negative, there is a set reality that exists. To the very best of my ability, I try to remain positive in the midst of much fear and uncertainty. I HAVE to approach each day in hope in order to get by.
Being a mom lends itself to many moments of pride, laughter and comic situations. Children say and do things that just make our hearts chuckle; and then the day comes when we have to share them with the world. This is challenging with any child, but as a parent of a child with a disability, I am becoming more and more aware of the challenges that certain rites of passage will bring.
You see, not everything in the real world is equally accessible to those differently abled. Whether it’s building structures, resource personnel, equipment etc., there is a gap between what is needed and what is the reality.
I would love to believe that Lauren lives in a world that offers equal opportunity to her, as to her more able bodied friends. However, more and more, I become aware of the exclusions that exist in supposedly ‘inclusive’ settings. The reality is in order for Lauren to have equal opportunity, mama and papa will have to rattle some wheels, rock some boats, fight some battles…
And as long as there is breath in either mama or papa, this battle will be fought. Back to the positive and negative attitude; I am positive that we have a lifelong fight facing us, and I’m positive there is a whole lot of support. However, there remains much negativity surrounding the reality of a disabled person setting out to live life in an able bodied world, and that’s the unfortunate reality!

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Sitting on The Knee of Jesus! By Lisa

  • I have seen many versions of this image of Jesus bidding the children to come to Him, despite the disciples’ intent to spare Him from the extra fatigue, after an already tiring day.
    This particular portrayal is my favourite by far. You see, in my imagination, I see the little girl, sitting nearest to Jesus’ heart, as representing all the precious ‘Laurens’ of the world. I even allow myself to note a slight turn in her legs, tilt of her head and her comfort found from holding Jesus’ hand.
    I’ve wondered, in my sometimes overthinking mind, how Jesus could have possibly decided who got to sit on his knee. I think I’ve finally figured it out.
    There had to have been ‘Laurens’ there that day. Those little ones needing just a little extra from Jesus. He loved and blessed each one of them, in turn, making provision for ALL to get to where He was. Little Lauren was not left out; rather she got to sit on the knee of the very One who had the power to offer her the special blessing that was just for her!!
    I’m so thankful for the knee of Jesus and acknowledge the very special place it is!
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DEPRESSION

BREAKS THE MIND

WEAKENS THE BODY

STIFLES THE SPIRIT

STRAINS RELATIONSHIPS

AND MAKES LIFE UNBEARABLE.

UNLESS THERE IS A

GLIMMER OF LIGHT

THAT OVERPOWERS

THE DARKNESS.

COMPASSIONATE

ACTIONS FROM THOSE

WHO TRULY CARE.

CAN ILLUMINATE A  LIFE

LOST IN THE BLACK OF

DEPRESSION AND

RESTORE HOPE!

I CHALLENGE US TO BE

THAT LIGHT.

WRITTEN BY, LISA

 

 

 

 

 

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Finding A Balance

  1. Every day I give thanks for my chosen career and the privilege to work in such a noble profession. Yet, at the end of every day, I find myself longing for time, opportunity and means to just be a mom. The role of most importance, sadly often gets the ‘leftovers’ from all the other roles needed to be played during the day…how to find that imperative balance?           Lisa