Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

The "H" word

This week in my SPED 1010 class one of my assignments was to read the following article then post a respose to how I felt about the position taken. It is a great article, which I think everyone should read if they want to be more socially aware of the words they choose.


http://www.thenthdegree.com/hword.asp

My response:

Being completely truthful, I didn't know that the "H" word was not an acceptable word. I read the article 4 times because I thought it was written so truthfully.I appreciate the authors opinion and the differences pointed out between the words.

I am not physically disabled, I am obese and because of that I have been handicap at certain times. For instance when I go to fly on a plane, the seat belt doesn't fit, or when I go to ride certain amusement rides, I weigh too much, or when I can't fit in a booth at a restaurant. I have also self imposed some handicaps on myself, like I never go swimming because I would have to put on a bathing suit.

To me there is a huge difference in the words, and actually I am not in love with either word. Frankly, I really don't like any word that is used to describe a person whether it is disabled, handicap, short or fat. Those words don't come close to defining a person. I like how the author put a person is a Teacher, Athlete, or in my opinion a Mother, a Scientist, a student....define a person by what they do , how they act, their abilities not by their appearance or condition.

Three Little Girls.....Sisters, Companions, Gaurdians and Forever Friends.

I have a friend who has 3 sisters. One of the Sisters is lost. I don't know the all of the circumstance, but, I do know that the missing sister is battling serious addiction and has lost everything. As I communicate with and observe the other 3 sisters, my heart breaks for them, as they beg and plead for her safety through prayer, and they plead with her to come home on Facebook, not really knowing if she ever checks her Facebook.

I was thinking about it today, and of how painful it would be to loose one of my Sisters in a similar way. My relationship with my two little sisters is so unique. Only they know exactly what life was like growing up with the struggles we did, only they know the pains and happiness of our childhood the way I do. Only my sisters can love my children almost as much as I do, and I theirs. Sisters are a gift that I treasure dearly.

This is me and my family. Mom, Dad, Me in the back, Amber on the Left and Nat on the right. This picture survived the tornado, no unscathed, but still beautiful.

When ever I hear this song, it reminds me of my sisters. Love you Amber and Nat.

Winding Down

February is winding down. I can't believe how fast time goes by, rather scary! So, here is a quick wrap-up for the month.

• New Beginnings:

Every time I am invited to speak about my tornado experience, I always say this is the last time! However, every time I am asked, I feel a deep confirmation in my soul that my experience is unique and was not just for me, it was for me to share and hopefully touch others with the miracles I witnessed. That said, it still scares me to death. Earlier this month I was blessed with the opportunity to share again with a Lewiston Ward for their Young Woman's New Beginnings. You would think that after doing it 8 times I would be a pro and have it all memorized. This is not the case though. I thought I had it all planned out, but 3 hours before I had a strong impression to start over, I was FRAZZLED, to say the least. I rewrote everything, and used completely different conference talks than I usually use. Everything went really well. I am not sure still why I needed to switch it up, but I am sure it was the right thing to do.

• Valentines/Las Vegas

Wes and I celebrated Valentines a week late this year. We decided to take a 5 day trip to Vegas, by ourselves! We had a great time. We laughed the whole time. We didn't have to worry about the kids because we knew they were in good hands, and they called us every 15 minutes the whole trip....last time we leave Hayden and Gracie each with a cell phone. While we were down there we went to several different hotels and walked around. We stayed at the Aria Hotel. It is right at the center of the strip and beautifully modern. Everything in our room was controlled by one remote. When we entered the room the drapes automatically opened. Very high tech. It was nice to be pampered for a few days.

• School

Is still going! I am taking 9 credits. Rehab 1010, FCHD 1500 (Human Development over the Lifespan), and Life Science (USU1350?). I have been doing really well, I love all of my classes. I think going back to school has been one of my best decisions...ever, really. Besides marrying Wes, it is the number one life changing decision that I know I will never regret.

• Diet/Health.

I am done with the supervised diet around March 7th. This doesn't mean I will stop weight watchers or anything. It just means I will be sending my paperwork for my bypass surgery in on March 9th (my birthday) I am at peace with what ever happens. I have done all I can do, if they reject it I am not sure if I will pursue it, I will still have the option to appeal. I have tremendous faith in my Heavenly Father, I know he will not abandon me and he knows what is best for me. I am so grateful for this knowledge. I pray daily, and I am adding a special fast to the cause over the next couple of Sundays. I know I will be blessed either way.

• March

Will be here before we know it! I am looking forward to a girls weekend. It's always fun to play. My birthday is on the 9th, Wes will be on a snowmobiling trip for work that whole week so we will be celebrating early. Then the following week he will be on a golf trip for a week, for work; so I am not sure I will see him the whole month. When he is home he will probably be tied up with High Council duties. I am so glad we got away this month. I will miss him, no matter how I feel he always makes me laugh. He is my best friend and a rock star to boot.