Hello,
My story is one of Love, Faith and Hope. We all have a story, some just more interesting then others, and yet to each of us, telling our story helps not only us, but those who read it. That is what is intended by telling my story. I wish to encourage others that if they possess three qualities they can come out a winner not only for themselves but also for many others.
I am a woman who was born with disabilities, starting with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. My parents had nine other children, I was the tenth. When I was born my parents could not keep me. Why, I to this day, do not know. I was placed in foster homes, one after the other. My time and efforts was spent on trying to prove to others and doctors I was not retarded. Back in the forties the majority of people were under the impression that if a child had Cerebral Palsy, they were retarded. They didn't allow me to go to school like other children, and yet that did not stop me from trying to find the good in all those I met.
As young girl, I did not give up but I knew that someone had to love me because I had so much love in my heart to give to others. I somehow learned about the creator from the many homes I was in and so I made my Creator my family. I would pray to him when I felt frightened or afraid. I would call God, my father. When I was asked where my father was, I would say in heaven.
When I was 16 years old and still in an institution for the retarded children, I had started a work program where I was able to leave the grounds and go to work each day. Well, at that time I took the opportunity to run away from the institution. I lived on the streets and one day I went to a church where I told the nuns I was 18 years old and looking for a job. They told me I could help clean rooms in their retreat house, and I would get in return a room to sleep and food to eat and a small income of 50 dollars a week. At sixteen, this was great! I worked very hard and remained with them until I was 23 years old. I then met my husband who and soon had a daughter who still lives and a son who died. I returned back to school and got my high school diploma and soon became a Minister of God. I enjoy helping others and teaching them about God and the Bible.
I was on top of the world because I knew I had God's blessings and was able to see that I was truly loved. My attitude was always positive and hopeful. I never gave up. Soon though, my world would cave in around me when another health issue hit without warning. . In 1990, I contracted Transverse Myelitis, Which causes the spinal cord to swell, making it difficult to use or feel certain parts of my body. I became very sick and was taken to intensive care unit at the local hospital. I thought this would be my end. My family and I prayed to God over and over again. I remained in the hospital for three months. My family was told to place me in a nursing home because I would never improve. You see, I could not walk, was partially paralyzed and also could not feed myself, dress myself, or even take myself to the bathroom. All this and I still had to contend with my Cerebral palsy.
I still tried though to remain Positive. You see, I Knew that if I kept looking on the bright side of things, it would help me. After all, I was still alive! I went to rehabilitation for 3 months and then my family took me home against doctor's advice. The doctors wanted my family to place me in a nursing home. The family though, out of their love for me, did not listen to the doctor's advice. I remained in a wheelchair from 1990-1997.
It was without a doubt the positive attitude and my faith and the faith of my family in our Creator that helped get us through the really tough times. I can now walk, and I care for my family. I still of course have Cerebral Palsy and some residual nerve damage due to the Transverse Myelitis, but it was my positive attitude and always looking on the bright side of things, and above all, my faith in my Creator, that kept me going and to succeed in my efforts.
I am now a full time Minister, and not only care for my dearly loved family but also help others in the neighborhood who are disabled or suffering from health issues. I give my time and efforts to help all to learn about their Creator and the hope that we all can have, if we only have faith the size of a mustard seed. That's all I had to start with in my life and those same three things can help anyone get through the most trying situations. Yes Love, Faith, and hope. If we have these three qualities we can move mountains. These fine qualities can give us a positive attitude no matter what we must face in life. Remember too, when we help others we tend to forget our own difficulties and even learn that no matter what we are going through, there is always someone else who is going through a far worse difficulty. Rather then concentrating on our problems, try to help others get through their problem, you will be helping others and at the same time, you will feel great! Remember our king's words at Acts 20:35: “35 I have exhibited to YOU in all things that by thus laboring YOU must assist those who are weak, and must bear in mind the words of the Lord, when he himself said, 'There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.'”
Thank you for reading my story and I hope by telling it to others, has somehow encouraged you and others who may be suffering. Never give up and always live positive even if you are dealing with disabilities, and other difficult situation. Have faith in God, Love for others, and hope for the future and that things will get better because our Creator loves each one of us personally. He does not wish any of us to suffer but He promises us that soon he will make all suffering end. God's love for us is also shown by his being the “Hearer of prayer.” (Psalm 65:2) How is that so? By turning to God in heartfelt prayer and following the guidance he provides in his Word, you too can experience the peace of God that excels all thought, and helps keep us positive in tying times.
Written by someone who loves others and who wants to help them with whatever they suffer from to remain positive. Your problem might not go away, but a positive attitude will help you deal with it.
Love Hope12
PS; I hope my story has helped someone. Please If you are dsisabled, please write me. I like to get to know you.
