People are often commenting on how lucky I am to live life the way that I do. I felt it was time to share my story as to why I have chosen the life that I have. I was recently at a conference with a speaker that shared his story of life with no arms or legs and how he hasn’t let it stop him. Everything we do in life is a result of the choices we make. We are only a victim of our circumstances if we CHOOSE to be.
I was shown from a very young age just how short life truly is. You see, I grew up the oldest of 3. I was the only girl and the only one not in a wheelchair. I had 2 younger brothers with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and often had people telling me how sorry they were that the boys were physically disabled and in wheelchairs. I always responded that that was the exact thing that made me who I am and there was nothing to be sorry about, especially since they were born with it so they didn’t know a different way of life. Growing up I started volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the age of 8. I was helping my mom as volunteer coordinator by the time I was 12. Through this, I got to know so many other kids MY AGE, that would never live to be adults. I have watched kids pass while I was still in elementary, junior high and high school. My brothers taught me to never let my circumstances control my ability to live my dreams or live life to the fullest. It is a lesson I have worked hard to teach my son since he was only 2 when my youngest brother, and biggest inspiration, passed away. He was 6 when my second brother passed. [Read more…] about My Inspiration
