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.

Life Goes On

I was misdiagnosed for 33 years and living a life without the ability to run and play like all the other kids in school.  When people hear my story, they almost always ask, "Aren't you upset that you missed out on a normal life ?'  The answer is always the same, "No."

First of all, I know that my neurologist didn't intentionally misdiagnose me.  I may not have appreciated his poor bedside manor, but I'm confident that he wanted to help me have the best life possible.

Secondly, I had a really good life!  My parents gave me more love and happiness in a week than many kids see in a lifetime.  I had friends who stood by my side and defended me when others would be cruel.  And I married an amazing man who loved me for me.  It didn't matter to him that I couldn't play basketball with him or go on long walks around the lake like the other college kids.  And because I married this wonderful man, I have three loving children that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Yes, my childhood and young adult life was challenging!  Yes, I had struggles that I wouldn't want to relive, but doesn't everyone?  Every experience I had for the first 33 years of my life helped mold me into the person I am today.  And I like me!

Being angry about what could have been won't change the fact of what it was.  Life is a gift and every additional day I get on this Earth is up to ME as to how I live it.

A Bit Tired

I didn't get a very good nights sleep last night so the amount I'm able to do today is limited.  I dropped so many items while getting breakfast ready for John that my floor was a mess!  But, that's life with DRD and I am grateful that moving slowly and dropping things are part of this new me.

Back in the day, a night of sleep like last night would have meant a day on the couch for me.  Even though, my body is having a rough day, I was able to met my mom for coffee this morning and make homemade dinner rolls (that's easier than it sounds).  And sure, I spent quite a bit of time on the couch.

With DRD, I have to rest every afternoon.  It's just a part of my life and I'm happy with that.  It sure beats being confined to a chair!

A Funny Story

My goal is to blog three times a week, but at times I am not sure what I should blog about.  How can I not know what to write?  Can it be that I'm getting so used to my new life that I'm not appreciating this precious gift of mobility?  Of course not!  It doesn't take me long and I've got my next post.

This afternoon. Sharon and I went to the mall.  We walked around for close to two hours!  As we walked the mall I was thinking how much easier it was to just walk rather than navigate my mobilty scooter through the crowd.  I do not miss those days.  However, I do have a funny story to share with you:

When Sharon was two (my parents were with our family) we went to Walt Disney World.  I used my mobility scooter to get around the busy park.  Sharon was so little and rode on my lap most of the day.  As my parents and I were trying to decide what to do next, I pulled off to the side to get out of the way. I looked up at my dad as he spoke and was started by the unexpected movement of my scooter.  I don't know how I let it happen, but Sharon had pressed the GO button on my cart and we were speeding down the Magic Kingdom street. In a panic, I turned my handle bars from left to right weaving in and out of the crowd.  Why I didn't just pull the key out I don't know.  I was so scared that I was going to run a little kid over and kept yelling at Sharon to "let go!!!"   Little did I know, he chased us until he could reach to pull they key, which halted the mobility scooter and simply saved the day.

Sure, that may seem like a funny story now and Sharon still talks about her favorite ride at Disney (my cart); but; I can't help but be thankful that I don't need to depend on a chair to get me from point A to point B!  I am so grateful that my legs can carry me where ever I want to go, no matter how tired I may be.  Does it get any better than this?  I don't think so.

Up

While cooking dinner this evening, John walked up to me, raised his hands above his head and said, "Up," for the first time.  I looked down at him and lifted him up and praised him for using his words.

This was not only a big moment for John, but for me as well.  When the girls were toddlers, I wasn't able to lift them while standing, much less hold them while I cooked dinner at the stove.  I couldn't control the tears stinging my eyes and found myself hugging my little boy.

Sure it took me longer to finish making dinner with John on my hip, but this was a moment I will treasure in my heart forever.

Independence

My husband Steve, just returned form 10 days traveling to Costa Rica and Brazil (for work).  That left me alone with our three children and a very quite home in the evenings.  Because I have never lived on my own (I went from living at home with my parents to living with Steve), I don't fall asleep easily knowing that I'm the only adult to help my kids in case of an emergency.

As I've explained in previous posts, if I don't get a full 8 hours of sleep, my physical abilities are limited. During those ten days Steve was gone, I dropped items, experienced leg cramps, tripped on my own two feet, etc.  Luckily, he doesn't have to travel for work often and I am able to take a nap in the afternoons while John sleeps.  Plus, I can take additional L-Dopa as needed.

L-Dopa...is my miracle drug.  It allows me to experience life in a way that I never dreamed.  You see, I was able to be home alone with my kids.  Before L-Dopa, when Steve traveled for work, we had to make arrangements for someone to stay with me or plan for friends and family to stop by and check in on us.  To be an independent mom is so liberating.  Yes, it's a lot of work, but knowing I can do it makes the days go by faster and worry free while my husband is gone.   Instead, I think about how lucky I am to have the ability to do it on my own.  What a gift!

Worth It

My goal in life is to help others.  I'm hoping that through my book and blog I can inform others about my misdiagnosis and offer hope to kids and adults dealing with physical disabilities.  I always felt that God made me contorted and spastic for a reason and if I could help just one person everything I went through would be worth it.

Today was that day!  Not only did someone tell me that their daughter tried L-Dopa (my new medication) after hearing my story (she is now walking without assistance), but I also got a response to one of my blog entries saying that I have given a reader's daughter hope that she too can find love and marriage despite her inability to walk.

I am so appreciative for the life I was given.  And I mean All of it!  Yes, all of it.  I would relive my  life of falling multiple times a day, painful surgeries, body cast, being stared at and teased all through middle school.  I am so blessed and hope that I can continue to help others through my blog, upcoming book, Twitter and Facebook.  Never in a million years would I have thought that little ol me could make a difference in this big, big world.

The Loss of A Friend

This morning I woke up feeling refreshed and grateful for a good night of sleep, which means I will have better mobility and dexterity today.  I turned on the news and saw that it woul be sunny with a high near 50 (it's been months)!  I shot out of bed thinking Nothing's going get me down today!

Sadly, when I was leaving the YMCA (after a great workout),  I was told that the gentleman who takes care of my son in the childcare had passed away last week.  It came as such a shock since I had just seen him earlier last week, with his usual happy greeting and a high five for my boy.  Dropping John off in the childcare will never be the same.  

This is a reminder that life is short and we really need to take the time to appreciate the little things in life.  When you go out to enjoy the nice weather this afternoon, I ask you to take a moment to think about John's friend and give thanks for all the people in your life who may not be close to you, but make your days a little bit brighter, like Darrel did for me and John.  

You will be missed Darrel.  

Falling

Today has been a great reminder that I am not normal.  I have fallen twice today and find that frustrating.  Yet, at the same time, I am so grateful that falling is no longer a daily occurrence for me.  Years ago, when I would tumble, I would have to crawl to the couch and pull myself back up OR call for help.
Yes, my ankle hurts and my knee is slightly skinned, but I could get myself  up off the floor without any worries.  I would call this a good day and I am so grateful!

Run, Jeanie, Run!

Now that I'm on Twitter, I've been thinking a lot about inspiring quotes to share with others.  Forest Gumps' "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get," came to my mind and made me smile for many reasons.

First, I think the quote is spot on! When I wake up in the morning, I'm not certain what will happen, but I can choose how I react to it.  I try my best to stay positive, but I am human and can overreact (just ask my husband).

Second, Forest Gump came out the year I graduated high school.  For the first time, I felt like I related to a character in the movies because Forrest wore leg braces as a child.  I'd tell my friends that those braces looked like the ones I wore and they'd smile and say, "Run, Jeanie, run."  Of course, we'd burst out laughing and repeat our rendition of the movie a few more times.

Lastly, Forrest stopped having issues with his legs and became quite the runner.  Sure, I am not able to run like Forrest, but I'm able to walk on the treadmill, yoga and chase little John around the house (all things I never dreamed would be part of my life).

So, yes.  I really do believe life is like a box of chocolates and every one of them has been a blessing!  

My Wonderful Father

The other day I did a post about my amazing mom, but she didn't raise me alone.  My dad is just as wonderful, and I am so grateful for all the times he was by my side.  I know that I don't always give my dad the credit he so deserves in raising me to be a strong woman and feel that this post is long overdue.  

My dad was always good for making me laugh when things seemed difficult and helped me when times were tough.  He would drive me to work when I phsyically couldn't, bring my family dinner when I couldn't cook and cheer me up on days I felt like I couldn't smile.  Ever since I can remember, my dad has been there for me.  I can honestly say that I am who I am because of him.  Thank you Dad.  I love you.

A New Challenge

I have always been one to appreciate the little things in life, even when my mobility seemed to fail me daily.  I guess that's why I am even MORE grateful for all of the little things I have in my life, especially my new physical capabilities.  I often think about what I'm able to accomplish these days and am amazed at how much others have helped me along the way.

So, here's my challenge for you.   If you didn't have the use of your hands, legs, sight, hearing, etc., what would you be unable to do or enjoy.  I urge you to pick one limitation and think about what you would have been unable to do today.  This would be a great activity for your kids too!   Have them wear a pair of mittens to do their chores, put a pebble in their sock or cover their eyes with a bandanna.  Can they imagine living like that for the rest of their lives?

The following is a list of things that I did today that would not have been possible not long ago:

cooked eggs for breakfast
stood on a chair to put away a pan
carried out a big bag of recycling
rode 35+ minutes on the stationary bike at the YMCA
walked on the snow
carried 3 bags of clothes from my car into my condo
used a can opener easily
changed John's diaper quickly
lifted John into his crib
washed my hair in the shower
typed this blog entry without hitting the wrong keys

Looking at this list, I know that these aren't monumental items to most, but they are to me!

The Toughest Mom

I cannot watch this video without getting tearing eyed. Growing up,  I faced challenges each and every day of my life.  Because of my mom I never gave up hope and never expected to be anything but the best in whatever I set out to achieve.  

When I watch this video, I can't help but be grateful for my mom, who too is the toughest mom out there.  I don't know how she did it, but I do know that I will be forever grateful for all the times she pushed me to do my best, all while showing me how much I was loved.

I love you. Mom!

I urge you to take a moment and watch this 60 second  inspirational video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RR-r2n5DLw&feature=youtu.be

Paralyzed By the Snow

As the snow falls from the sky and the clock shows that the girls will be home soon, I can't help but think about the days when weather like this confined me to my home.  Before my correct diagnosis, once the winter hit, I wasn't able to meet the girls at the bus stop and walk them home.  My scooter didn't have good traction and would likely get stuck in the snow trapping me in my home.

Winona and Sharon would run the one block home from their stop because they were so scared of the neighbors dog, which was never tied up.  The dog didn't chase them often, but when it did, my heart would break and I would feel as though I had failed as a mom.  How could I not protect them? 

I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself, but being a mom to Winona and Sharon is the most important thing to me (and of course now John).  At least now, thanks to new medication, I can be the mom I want to be day and night.  Life is Grand.