CompuServe Messages

>> DO NOT sell yourself short by GROSSLY UNDER ESTIMATING the >> determination, resolve, and imagination applied by the disabled, you may >> miss the opportunity to spend some time in the company of GIANTS of HUMAN >> ACCOMPLISHMENT and SPIRIT………keep smiling, I AM 😉 😉 😉 Well put, Daniel! This touches on a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I never realized the invisible barriers that disabled people faced until I became disabled myself. Granted, my disabilities are not visible or easily recognizable, but they are there just the same. I began experiencing severe pain after disc surgery in my neck and found it difficult to sit at a desk for eight hours a day without causing weakness and numbness in my left arm and left leg. I also live with the knowledge that I may need another surgery within the next ten years or so, as arthritic changes are still taking place in my neck. It took a lot of time for me to adjust to the fact that my body can no longer maintain the endurance that I used to have – however, what the experience HAS done is vastly increase the amount of determination that I have (even though I was already quite a determined gal!), and I entered into this new career knowing that it is only as limited as my imagination. Do I let my physical disabilities get me down? Well, sometimes, but it doesn't last for long. I have more important and positive things to think about! When I look at what I've accomplished in the last two years, I am amazed – and many have commended my perseverance toward building a new life and career for myself in spite of my daily battle with pain. They think I'm quite courageous! <G> This disability has changed my life – but in my opinion it has changed it for the better. I am more in tune with who I am, more accepting of people's limitations, and more determined than ever to succeed in a field that is along the lines of what I've always wanted to do. I commend both you and Jeffrey for your achievements….keep it going, guys! You're doing great! Another GIANT 🙂 Denise