I'VE MOVED!!!

After nearly three years of using blogspot, I have decided to start blogging on my own website.  Please check it out and tell your friends!!!  Just click the link below and select the Blog tab.  Thank you so much for the support!!!

http://www.jeanabbott.com/

The Dentist

These days, even going to the dentist is easier.   Yes, I can physically drive myself there, but the simple fact that I can brush and floss my teeth like other people make sitting in the dental chair that much easier.  

Growing up, I dreaded dental appointments.  No matter how many times a day I brushed my teeth, I almost always had a cavity.  The hygenist would spend what seemed like forever scraping the plaque off my teeth.  I would tense up and my hands would ball up from the stress.  To say I dreaded these cleanings would be an understatement!  

These days I don't look forward going to the dentist, but I rejoice in knowing that my appointments don't take any longer than that of a  "normal" person.  I feel so lucky that I can take care of my teeth and gums on a daily basis with ease.    It's something that I never thought I'd be able to say and it feels GREAT!.  

Glad To Be Wrong

Four years ago, I sat in a wheel chair as my brother wheeled me in for the doctor's visit that changed my life.  When I entered that room, I was shaking from spasms, couldn't walk, could barely move my arms and had no desire to speak.  I was exhausted from simply living my life.  

I left that appointment with a prescription for L-Dopa.  I never anticipated that the medication would work and wasn't going to have it filled.  My husband reminded me that I had nothing to lose and urged me to take the first dose as soon as we got home.  

About 2 hours later, I felt stronger than I had in months, if not years.  Yet, I still didn't believe that my life was about to change.  I have never been so happy to be so wrong!!!  

Good Friday and Easter will never be the same for me.  It is the time that I focus my attention on all that God has given me: caring parents, supportive brothers, fun children, etc.  I just never thought that mobility would be added to that list. 

Living a Double Life

It just so happend that I moved after recieving my new diagnosis.  It was part of the plan prior to my life being turned upside down for the better.  When I meet someone for the first time, I know that they are completly unaware of the road I have traveled.  Sometimes I choose to share my story and other times I decide to keep it to myself so I can appear "normal" for another day.  Overtime, I end up telling my story because not only enjoy sharing my miracle, but it can be fun to see the reactions of others.  

For the past year, I have been chatting with a woman at the YMCA either before or after my workout.  Today was the day that I gave her the short version of my story.  She looked back at me with big eyes and commented on how far I have come and followed it up with, "You should write a book!" It's definatly a conversation I will remember for a long time.  

Taking Care of My Boy

My little boy is sick and I am able to take care of him.  That's something I couldn't do for my girls.  I wasn't able to carry them when they were toddlers because of my lack of strength and poor balance (especially in the evening).  

At 11pm last night, I was tending to my little guys needs.  I put him in clean pj's and replaced his dirty sheet with a new one.  As I tipped the crib mattress on it's side, I couldn't believe that I was doing this so late in the evening.  Back in the day, I couldn't put sheets on any bed, much less a crib!  And to do it at night would be unimaginable! It's a great feeling to know that I can take care of my baby no matter what the circumstances.  

Yes, I am exhausted and other chores around the house will have to wait, but in the mean time, I will give thanks for having the ability to take care of what matters most: my family.    

Have a great day and stay healthy!  

Happy Birthday Sharon

Ten years ago I brought another child into this world and she has brightened my days ever since.  Being pregnant was so difficult and unlike my pregnancy with Winona, I did have to stop working around the seventh month.  Not only was I unable to get around the office, but I would become dizzy and light headed as well.

First Christmas

I'd rather not focus on the negative aspects of carrying a child to term, so instead I will finish this entry by telling you how wonderful my ten year old is.  Sharon has always been so accepting of my disability and never ashamed by my abnormalities.  When Sharon would meet someone for the first time she would say, "Hi, my name is Sharon and my mom can't walk."  It always made me smile and I loved that she was okay with her mom being different from the other parents at school.  Nowadays, Sharon will remind me of my new found abilities by stating, "you couldn't have done that before" and flash me a heartfelt smile.

I am so lucky that God chose me to be her mom.  Not a day goes by where I forget to give thanks for this loving girl who is so accepting of others.

First Day of Preschool

4th Anniversary

It was four years ago today, that I was wheeled into the neurologist office for a second opinion.(it was also Good Friday).  Steve and I left the clinic with a prescription that I didn't intend to fill, much less take.  In all honesty, I didn't believe for a second that with l-dopa I would be able to walk without the aid of others or a device.  I am so thankful that my husband made me try that miracle drug.

I can't believe how far I have come in these four years.  I am no longer dependent on others to get to the store, gym, church, etc.  Plus, I can volunteer at my kids schools, cook dinners, bake birthday cakes, dress easily and so much more.  

Because of this diagnosis, I feel like I am a better wife and mother.  For once, I can take care of them.  But who can forget the biggest change of all?  Because of this life altering medication, I have my son, the third child we always dreamed to have, but never thought possible.