Yesterday I told a friend of mine who is in a wheelchair, about the Association of Individuals with Disabilities and how I am trying to get it started and he said he would join. So I am finally getting support. Then today I met another guy in a wheelchair and he said he would join. He told me there are actally 16 or 17 other people on campus in wheelchairs and there is a blind professor on campus. And I thought I was the only disabled one! I really enjoyed talking to him. He didnt go into detail of how he got into the wheelchair but we talked for about an hour. He told me about how his wife left him 3 years after his accident because she couldnt take him being in the chair by himself, in his chair. He told me about how he works, go to school, takes care of his two kids, and volunteers at the rehab center. It was motivation I really needed. He also told me about the APA. He is actually a pro at playing pool from his wheelchair and he has a friend who is better than him and uses one hand to play pool. He told me a story of a quad who started walking 7-10 years after the docs said he'd nevr walk again. He told me about how he exercises his legs at the gym and not just is arms even though he is paralyzed waist down. He reminded me that anything is possible. It was so motivating especially knowing that it has been 7 years for him just like me and he still has so much hope. I put a couple of things on my to do list:

1. Learn how to play pool so I can feel like Im good at something besides school

2. Exercise my left side

3. Believe anything is possible

4. Never give up hope

5. Attend the stroke support group and tbi meetings at the rehab center

6. Volunteer with rec therapy helping the stroke and spinal cord injury patients

7. Dont be afraid to get my club out there and be an advocate for people with disabilities

I actually feel like he was a blessing sent to me. The perfect motivation 3 days before my 7 year anniversary. Confirmation that my labor for this club might not be in vain. and another reason to be proud to be a survivor. After we talked, I walked away with pride. I didnt care that my arm was bent. I wanted people to see me as different to see me as inspiration. For once this year I actually wanted my disability to be obvious. I WILL be riding in the parade as Miss Disabilities on my 7 year stroke anniversary, I will be at the homecoming game, and I finally hung out with my friends from last year and they invited me to the step show with them. Thanks everyone for your prayers! I realized that the 1 thing that makes me most happy is when my disabilities are looked at as a blessing instead of a curse. When i get positive attention, when I feel appreciated, when I can help others with disabilities.

Right now it doesnt matter to me that I lost my "bestfriend" to her boyfriend. It doesnt matter that I havent gone to any of the homecoming events this week. It doesnt matter that I only got 2 As out of 5 of my classes on my midterm.

What matters is that I have been reunited with my old friends. I will be at the all 3 of the best homecoming activities on Saturday. I have As in the 2 clases for my major which is most important. I still have time to bring my grades up. I made a B in a class where I failed the first test.I made a C in a class where I failed the first test and my teacher hasent showed up since. And I am making a B in a class about vampires! Before I found out Im going to be in the parade, before I met my new friend, it was hard for me to find this motivation. So I am thankful for the blessings God sent to cheer me up including every one of you all who care about me