A Video and a Podcast (and my Walking Day)

Happy Walking Day to me!



13 years ago I took my first prosthetic steps.  My journey has many milestones, including the day I was injured and the date of my amputation.  My Walking Day is the most joyful to remember, and the anniversary I choose to celebrate.  This is the anniversary of the date I reclaimed my life.

On another note, yesterday Dave and I spent an hour recording an important podcast. In our non-partisan recording, we systematically dissected the healthcare proposals of both President-elect Trump and the Republican Party.  Although we cannot definitively detail the future of prosthetic care, we were able to glean enough insights to make some solid predictions.

This is a long podcast (an hour) but we cover a lot of information. If you are curious about the potential impact of the new administration's policies on your prosthetic care, please listen and share. While Dave and I have our own personal opinions, we worked hard to produce an even-toned, non-partisan recording explaining the implications of the combined plans on prosthetic care.  I understand that everybody has reached political saturation, but I promise you this recording does not bash nor praise a political party or official. It simply conveys rather complex information in an easy to digest format.

Click here for the link to download the podcast.  If you would prefer to listen to the recording in this blog, you can simply press the play button below.  Enjoy!



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It's Okay

I won't lie, yesterday was difficult. Today I am taking a deep breath and moving forward. In a way we are all living in our own version of reality, true to ourselves but probably strange and foreign to anybody else.  If I needed to try to explain or justify my feelings surrounding this election, then you wouldn't understand anyway and that is okay.

That's my point today; it's okay to disagree. It is okay to debate, tease and even gloat a little bit. If you want to sing "We are the Champions" at the top of your lungs because your candidate won the election then that is your prerogative.  But don't devalue the emotions and reactions from the other half of the population, the side that did not win the electoral college. This election was vicious and brought out the worst in our country. Unfortunately, it seems that the conclusion has not silenced the vicious rhetoric.

We all need to calm down, push the feelings to the side (yes, again I will rely upon avoidance) and move forward. Let's agree to talk with friends and family who understand our reaction to the election, whether it be on the side of victory or defeat. For the time being, I would like to see an end to the debate, the constant bickering and the fruitless attempts to change opinions. At this point, opinions are set and are not vulnerable to influence. Attempts to sway are only increasing the divide within our country. 

Later this morning I will be recording a podcast exploring the possible implications with prosthetic care as a result of the change in leadership. Of course we do not yet know definitely what will happen, but we will attempt to decipher the clues that have been given throughout the campaign. I hope that you will tune in and listen. Regardless of where you land on the political spectrum, information is power.

In Our House- Love will ALWAYS Conquer Hate

I am not sure how I am going to explain the results of the election to Robby when he wakes up. He is old enough to comprehend the erratic and undignified antics of our President-elect throughout this election cycle. Robby knows that bullying, degrading and intimidating people is wrong, yet last night the poster child for these antics was elected to the highest office in our country.

From mimicking an individual with disabilities to the fear mongering of other ethnic and religious groups, we do not condone the behaviors that have been demonstrated. I can only hope that he will settle down and veil himself in the dignity of the office he is about to assume. At this time, I do not want my boys to use our President-elect as a role model.

I made this last night as the results started to filter in throughout the country. Each link features a different random act of kindness. Every day we will open a link and follow through with the challenge. We will little sparks of compassion and love throughout our community, hoping to ignite a fire of acceptance and inclusivity.

In our house, nobody will be excluded or mocked because of disability or accents.

In our house, we will never tolerate bullying.

In our house, we always pay our debts.

In our house, we welcome those who need a fresh start.

In our house, we never turn away somebody in need.

In our house, cultural diversity is celebrated and never feared.

In our house, we seek knowledge not sound bites.

In our house, we do not manipulate and scheme to avoid paying our share of taxes.

In our house, we aspire to be better than those whom we just elected.

In our house, we work to make a difference everyday because we know that real change always starts with grassroots.

In our house, love will always conquer hate.

Happy Election Day!

Happy Election Day!

This election cycle has been especially repugnant, and I'm delighted to see it finally come to a conclusion. A few weeks ago I reached my negativity saturation point, prompting me to become proactive. I started unfollowing everybody who posted vitriol memes, distasteful or nasty posts/ comments and blatant political lies. Regardless of party affiliation, if a post violated one of my parameters, the offender has been unfollowed. Since that time I have been forced to unfollow so many "friends" on Facebook that my wall is sparse with new updates.

After today, I'm looking forward to returning to a civil social discourse. Of course whoever wins today, 50% of the population will consider themselves the vindicated victors while the other 50% will begin expounding rhetoric blasting the President-elect. I just want to return to the world of simple status updates, sharing funny cat cartoons and swapping recipes. Much to my chagrin, I'm fairly certain that the social experience has been forever changed. 

Sentenced to Hard Labor

Robby Rotten came out in force over the weekend. Despite numerous warnings, stern lectures and forced reflection, he continued his snarky and disrespectful behaviors. I was left with no other options but to abandon our weekend plans, drive home and sentence him to hard labor outside.

Scott and I are in agreement that we need to act both swiftly and strongly to make an impression on our little pre-teen. He was most displeased when we repossessed his Xbox controllers and handed him a rake. He was sentenced to working outside until the sun set. After numerous pleas for mercy, each one becoming more desperate, he finally relented. Five hours later he came inside, tired but lacking the snarky arrogance that was previously oozing from each pore.

Today after school he will continue to serve his sentence, finishing our work outside. Once everything is done in the yard he can come inside, where he can begin vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms. He really shouldn't complain. With all electronics banned for the week, in a way I am showing mercy by helping him fill his empty hours.

I really don't enjoy being a disciplinarian, but I accept the role because I don't want to raise a little hellion. I much prefer the role of fun Momom, always planning adventures and orchestrating special treats. Being the disciplinarian is not a role I relish, but I am committed to correcting his behavior. Hopefully coming down swiftly will leave a lasting impression.