Real Love Conquers What Could Have Been A tragedy

I have read numerous articles about Rachelle Friedman's journey.. Her story can teach many lessons and is an inspiration of love, friendship, strength and self confidence.

Rachelle was a happy bride-to-be ready to start her new life with her fiance, Chris one year ago. However, at her Bacholerette party, a bridesmaid pushed her into a pool. Rachelle sustained spinal injuries that caused her to be paralyzed from waist down.

Stories like these always grasps my attention. I love to read about people's lives where they overcome the hardest obstacles they are dealt.They give me inspiration and reminds me that my life is not so hard after all.

I've been in a wheelchair for short periods of time and I can tell you I hated it with a passion. It was claustrophobic and mind you, I only spent a couple of months at a time living in one. I can't imagine having to live your whole life in one as many do. Bless each and everyone  who have to live in one.

Years later I joined a Cerebral Palsy sponsored soccer team that entailed all players to be in a wheelchair so I had to use one. My coach time and time again reminded me that it was only for a few hours.

Anyway back to my original thoughts concerning Rachelle.

Rachelle is a very strong woman. She is a very loyal friend. Not once have I seen her mention the girl's name who pushed her. I would hope I would have the same reaction if I was ever in that situation.

Imagine how her best friend feels. Imagine knowing you put your best friend in a wheelchair not to mention almost caused her to lose her life. How many people have done the same very thing to someone else at a pool but not cause injury.

Then imagine being the groom  realizing the girl he was going to marry is not as mobile. I give Chris much credit for sticking with her. It shows he is a loyal man. It shows that he will be there for her every day for the rest of their lives. It shows he loves her no matter what.. .He has honored her as he will promise her at their wedding "For sickness and in health..."

I know few men who would have stuck around. I know there are those special ones like Chris.I have one. He had no idea what CP was but was willing to meet me. That was a plus. Then as our relationship grew he has shown me that he accepts me for who I am. He accepts my "limitations" and adapts to them for me. Rachelle and I are very lucky women.

I just love their story.  I would have not wished her injuries on her or anyone but I believe God makes things happen for a reason. I think one reason this time was to show everyone that life is short and how love can continue through the most horrific incidents. Another is to how to forgive others for any wrongdoing.

Chris and Rachelle are finally getting married Friday. They are strong. I wish them a very happy long lasting marriage.

Layla surgery/Special Needs Dream

Dream/Layla Surgery

Last night my dream that I remembered took place at my Granny's old house on the Island. Her kitchen backyard window was a huge drive up window. My mom and Aunt Sharon was in the dream but I do not remember their purpose.

We had Special-need kids come by busload. Some had Down's, a few had some other retardation, and some were physically challenged. The buses would stop in front of the window about 20 feet back and they would all RUN to the window making their preferences perfectly clear what they want.

They commanded, “Coke with Ice.” “Coke without ice” “Dr. Pepper” “Dr. Pepper with ice.” “No ice in Dr. Pepper.” Some just wanted water. We didn't have water. Their little faces told 'us' (I just feel there were some other people helping.) what they thought about no water. Some we convinced to try a Dr. Pepper or Coke. Some just weren't swayed.

Between busloads I would go into the living room to watch TV and before I knew it someone (Maybe Mom or Aunt Sharon?) was yelling bus is coming and I had to rush because for some reason we did not want them to wait.

You have to understand to get from the kitchen to the living room, you have to pass through a large dining room and bedroom. Her house was big but it was twice the size in my dream!

Reason I dreamed this: Hmm I've been thinking of Granny a lot and I guess 'reconnecting with my family on that side” is triggering things. Special-needs kids: Although I hate admitting it, I was a special needs child for my mom and it was so rough for her with society as it was in 1960s and the ADA wasn't around then. Also I was looking at a Christmas postcard of my long time cyber friend who has a special needs child explaining to My Love who they were. Maybe its telling me to get off my butt and join the advocacy for disability rights.

For those who don't know yet. Layla is having surgery tomorrow, Thursday on her shoulder. She has had shoulder problems for a couple of years and had surgery on it once before last year. The doc said 9 out of 10 patients do not need to have the surgery again. Layla is unfortunately that one that does. She will need to deal with her possible limitations concerning karate and her athleticism. Please pray for her recovery and her coping. Unfortunately, she didn't win in the stubbornness department with parents concerned because her father and I are both stubborn. I learned long time ago, do what you can and take it day by day.