Broken Lives Matter

In high school and college an elevator was the extent of our accessibility. Grateful as I was for it, the elevators both felt old and unstable; I got nervous on the "destination floor" because it took so long for the doors to open. I'm gratified to know that now, at least some students are not only accommodated, but celebrated. University of Maryland announces new center for students with disabilities https://t.co/HT95lt14tR — BA Haller (@Mediadisdat) August 1, 2018

Hello! Happy New Cousin Day:) This is not a very widely observed holiday:) In fact I and my handful of siblings and First Cousins are the only ones who call it what it is to me:) But I'll have you know, it's been a holiday all day, since about 10:30 this morning! Which means after I give the little family time enough for "Baby Boot Camp"--about four months--I'll be heading back home for some newborn baby smells and cuddles!!! I'm not even worried about the tiny cost, 'cause earlier today I refunded a ticket I had previously purchased for an unrelated family reunion, and got a voucher for future travel in ADDITION to a partial refund:) The Lord provides! Like providing my transportation home to see my new baby cousin once removed is His only job:) Meanwhile, I've been working on my application for the job downtown all day; I plan to print it out and hand deliver it tomorrow. If I MUST, I'll wait another day; the deadline for applications is

What is it about dogs and people who are different? I mean seriously? It's like some dogs are meant, just like some humans, to live on a separate plane. When they find each other...the most perfect, wonderful things can happen.

Today has been extremely slow, which after the weekend I've had is exactly what I needed! That's the beauty of the freedom I have--I can "take a personal day" if I need it, and get back in the fray when the sun rises. I am always grateful for this. Grateful every day. Grateful every minute! And given that the bright red sun-burn I got on my chest yesterday lingers today with the same hot-pink intensity...I'm glad I don't have to venture out into the world if I don't want to. My plans for the rest of this marvelous day include chores and ordering groceries. Last night, it occurred to me that the high chlorine levels in the GR water just might be a little bad for my fragile human system, so I finally climbed a step ladder and got down a big box of little bottles of distilled water. I'd bought them in a survivalist panic years ago, before Management figured out how to keep the power from going out to our building every time there was a thunderstorm. No

Climbing a mountain.... in a #wheelchair ...This man from Edinburgh has climbed mount Snowdon! https://t.co/nMJcE9R0t5 @backuptrust @bbcgetinspired pic.twitter.com/OYUr1c6dzg — wheelAIR(@wheelAIR) July 29, 2018

Another busy day, though it started about a half hour later. Dealing with idiots has been the worst part about it;) But I got to spend a lovely afternoon at a friend's family's house on a lake in Muskegon, so that was worth the trouble! Getting up and down from the lake itself was a challenge; a looooong, steep stairway to the beach, then a very narrow, serpentine path through some tall grass to ANOTHER obstacle: a sturdy wooden ladder (to prevent beach erosion somehow, is what I heard). I was surrounded by helpful people though, so I had only the bare minimum of difficulty getting to the water. First song that came to mind? Zac Brown Band singing "Toes in the Water". But my afternoon was without any cold beer:( Then I felt like Dory, from Disney Pixar's "Finding Dory", 'cause I just loved the sand. Squishing it between my fingers, patting it flat with my palm; I even loved the feel of it on my dry skin; it's been a long time since I've

And the hits just keep on coming. I know I should ignore the people who don't know me and choose to hate on me. But I just stare at the screen and think--"what?" How can they say that? Par for the course I guess. I changed my settings on the other site. https://goo.gl/images/aqxYyP

This morning/afternoon was wonderful. Especially 'cause it bore little resemblance to the morning/afternoon I envisioned when I got up! Which by the way was much earlier than usual for me:) Went to an event this morning, at a high school. There were virtually NO accessibility features. Even outside! But outside the problem was that was that some smart guy parked his VAN right in front of the only ramp in the curb. And the accessible entrance for the auditorium required me to go out and around the building, off the curb to the street a couple of times...but I didn't blame the event organizers for not researching the location. It was big enough, and there was a packed house! And when all was said and done, I got to sit in the front row:) Yes, it was a little annoying that I had to go out of my way. I enjoyed myself, and it was worth it. And I know for a fact that now the organizers will make sure their future venues are accessible to ALL:) And that makes me feel really, real

Sometimes I wonder if I really DO have thick skin. I mean, I can take constructive criticism. I can take street people thinking "Are you okay?" is a good pick-up line. But through this new experience of phone banking for a cause, I'm confronting the very real possibility that maybe I'm just a big softy:( And it only takes one odd experience to "mess me up", so that I'm nervous and off my game for the next caller, and then the next, and so on. Just now I let the organizers know I won't be doing phone banking anymore, and I do feel bad. But I've been spreading the word among my friends and people I meet in town, so I feel good about my contribution. We do what we can do, and that's all we can do. On the "pro" side for me actually having a skin that is thickening, if not THICK yet, I told off a few online haters earlier, in a very decisive, almost annoyed (to be fighting over something so trivial) way! So maybe there's hope

file:///home/public/FILE_STORAGE/0726181033.jpg Good afternoon, lovelies! Why do Maintenance inspections (routine) always seem to follow a night at The Pyramid Scheme? Makes it harder to get up and out the door before those maintenance guys show up, which is what I always prefer. Luckily though, San Chez Tapas (www.sanchez.biz) came through to revive me. I may not be fresh as a daisy. but I'm sharp as a tack! Kinda. The above image is something I encountered on my way to the library after breakfast, that I encounter way too often in the city. The stairwell without a chain, obscured by the sun in people's eyes. Can't you just imagine how easy it would be to "do a Humpty Dumpty" down those stairs? It's not a great distance, but it would still hurt:( It's gotten to the point where I'm terrified of unblocked stairwells. They agitate my vertigo the way looking down from up above anywhere does; as if I were on an overpass crossing the highway far, far

When teaching ESL, quality matters! Don’t let this be you. https://t.co/AgsxPvmaq8 #languagelearning pic.twitter.com/yLGhdMrccc — Techworld Language Solutions (@Techworldinc) July 25, 2018 This little comic strip tweet reminds me of something I've noticed happens to the Disabled a lot. Nobody corrects us! Nobody respects us enough to tell us we're wrong, or to show us how to do it better. With VERY few exceptions in our daily lives. Maybe when we were kids being raised, our parents or other family were only too delighted to set us straight when we were on the wrong path. Although in my case that was not always the case either. Often I would file something incorrectly, or complete a task without supervision, and somebody "in charge" would redo the whole thing when I wasn't looking:( Let me tell you, it's maddening. And insulting. And it doesn't help the individual at all. Friends who didn't tell me they'd heard the same story from me 10

All I've got for you today; actually a wonderful story. With my right eye paralyzed "crossed", the two don't work together. This means I can't see a 3D movie; to watch one at all gives me a headache. This means I have to wait longer than others to see a nationally released movie, until the "real D" or just 2D--version is released, often after the release of IMAX and 3D. So yeah, I think this explanation is very apt; we need an "open caption" day. Or several showings a week. They do that on a limited basis in the beginning of a film's release, with IMAX and 3D. Why are they ostracizing the deaf community? Why are those of us with extra considerations STILL considered less important, less HUMAN than everyone else who goes to the movies? WATCH THIS, and see if your heart doesn't grow three sizes.

This story is so adorable. I really wish I had somebody in my life when I was younger who would go out of his way for me like this, and I'm sure I'm not alone! This is for us:

Cooler again today! I've got the window cracked and a I'm watching the yard and the street below more closely than usual. The have wrought iron benches arranged in conversational ways on the grass, and there's a woman sitting on her walker (we never leave home without a seat!) talking to a couple, who were just joined by some one who walked onto the yard from the street through the iron fence. It looks pretty idyllic from this high up:) Everyone included and engaged, just enjoying the relief from weeks and weeks of miserable heat and humidity it seems will NEVER go away. How comforting is it to know that seasons change? Maybe this one day of relief is the start OF that change, and in a few weeks everything will be Fall-like and cool again? Okay, "a few weeks" is a little optimistic. It'll be more like a few months, still. But at least we get these little breaks now and then to remind us that the good season is coming. Things won't always be so harsh a

I needed this little reminder today: Thank you to @punnysamosa for pointing out bunny sign tweets are inaccessible for pplwho use screenreaders. Deleted mine about the #StrawBan & switched to image w/ description embedded. Support Eman’swork: https://t.co/tWWRYMaPbX #SuckItAbleism #a11y pic.twitter.com/DEk2FPZXop — Alice Wong (@SFdirewolf) July 22, 2018

Happy cooler, quieter, slower, softer Sunday to you all! I've been to and returned from church; I consider my "trips" for the day taken; I'm in no hurry to go out walking. But I will go up and down the stairs to the top floor; I've decided that's how I'm going to "get my steps in" so to speak. No need to leave the building, no need to worry about transportation or a faulty sense of direction; I'll get my workout without leaving home, thank you. But I WON'T surrender another day to watching TV, just 'cause it's too dang hot to go anywhere. It's definitely not too hot to go anywhere. But nor do I feel like going for a walk or to a gym. I don't even have a membership anywhere so you know...today would be a poor choice to start my workout plan there! My mind wandered during the service; I couldn't tell you one thing that it was really about:( Singing "Rock of Ages" as our closing hymn is the only part that my

This comedian has it right. The UK has a problem with Ableism. This article made me so sad for people with disabilities who HAVE to travel; as if the airport customs routine wasn't enough to put people through. It's not enough that daily life at home for people with a disability is difficult and can be embarrassing. It's not enough that we must find ways to kindly deflect well-meaning but dim-witted or purely unkind comments. We must also, once we set foot in another country, contend with the backwards thinking of antiquated systems that aren't quite "ADA level woke" for lack of a more eloquent phrase. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/tanyalee-davis-comedian-disability-train/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=US_July_20_2018_content_digest

Ended up taking a tour of downtown today, just looking for the restaurant where I met a friend for lunch. I was VERY "fashionably" late, of course:( Happens a lot. But I figured out more about where things are/which streets to take where, so I guess it was a lesson in spatial awareness? Complicating matters was that MOST of the downtown area seems to be under construction. This posed problems even for me as an exclusively "sidewalk kinda girl"...everything's torn up! So I had to go out of my way to avoid obstructions almost everywhere I went. Lunch was so worth it though--kudos to my wonderful new friend for hanging in there 'til my sorry sense of direction finally got me there! I do tend to overestimate my own command of the area, that's for sure. And I tell myself I'll be able to navigate just fine through instinct alone, which is yet another fallacy! I'm hopeful that the construction is to smooth over some of these hopelessly uneven sidewal

Good evening! Well, I'm feeling very professional, which for a girl like me is rare. I admit I'm a little ashamed of this, but it is defensible, and I hope understandable, since I am currently unemployed. What has caused this surge of professionalism to come from nowhere is that I have just been volunteering on the phone, doing what I can do despite my lack of mobility and fitness (something I intend to work on very hard for the next few weeks), and now I am writing in my blog, which reflects the life I lead and I suppose is more an expression of how I live as a disabled person than the all-encompassing statement on life with a physical disability I imagine it to be, but that might only be temporary. In my wildest dreams, this little blog will take off into the stratosphere, with everyone interested in the daily lives of ALL physically disabled people, thanks to the determination of one to share her story. A lofty goal! But why shouldn't it happen? Why CAN'T it ha

Okay, so this is a blog for people with physical disabilities. And I suppose there are no limitations on how LONG one has suffered with that physical disability (or facial malformation, as in the case of the kids helped out by My Face), really. But today I've begun to ask myself, what constitutes a real disability? I mean, one that affects one's life? There are certainly varying degrees OF disability; especially one that is life-long, as those tend to be less severe in childhood and then get progressively worse, like in my case. But that's not ALWAYS the case. Sometimes there are kids born with CP confined to a wheelchair from childhood, who can hardly speak or express themselves at all. So does that mean that I'm any LESS physically disabled than they, just because I can do the things that they're unable to? We technically have the same disease. And you wouldn't say somebody with very high functioning Autism is NOT on the spectrum at all. They're still

The lawn maintenance workers below me are in rare form; weed whacking and mowing as if their lives depend on how well they cut the grass:) My slightly itchy eyes and stuffy nose protest the open window, but it is just too beautiful a day to close it out. Plus I love the breeze; it's kind of cool and reminds me of Fall. It's a nice reassurance than another season IS coming, and we won't just have this relentless heat and sunshine forever. In these so-called "Dog Days", which I don't actually think happen heliacally (when the "Dog Star" Sirius is visible in the night sky just before sunrise) until next month, it feels like it's going to be summer forever. Not unlike "in the bleak midwinter" around February, when it feels like ice and snow cover the world, and we'll never get out from under it. But for now, the weather is absolutely perfect for people with a disability to get out of the house and get things done, allergies be damned:

Today was s surprising day:) First, my favorite radio station that usually just plays local or non-label artists, played one of my favorite old rock songs while I was getting ready to head out! Put me in such a good mood, I left the radio playing when I left, to maintain the fantasy that the same song would be playing when I returned. Later, I found out that an allergic reaction to latex balloons, for me, now starts with increased saliva and a cold sensation on my tongue. Secondly, I learned that if I get the heck out of the area, it's no longer a problem for me, and the symptoms stop before they even become a problem. Then I tried a different branch of a pharmacy I frequent, in a part of town where I lived with Michael but RARELY go to any more, and found myself once again praising "the curb-cut effect", as I used a real ramp they had installed at the end of their sidewalk, rather than just a steep little slant that's supposed to be sufficient but really just means

We offer comprehensive care for patients w/ craniofacial conditions so they can live w/o being judged & keep smiling pic.twitter.com/0aDbt665ws — myFace(@thisis_myface) October 13, 2016 Does this constitute a disability? I mean obviously because of the general public's potential reaction, it's a dis-ADVANTAGE. But it doesn't prohibit the sufferers from living their lives. If anything, the stigma and the judgement attached to looking different are a disability. And THAT, I can personally attest, discourages one from going out and joining the world whose comments and states make it difficult to smile. Thank goodness for these folks! They're ENCOURAGING those smiles in every sense:) And that would actually "cure" some of the disability! Which is a double miracle, if you ask me. And clearly these smiling faces deserve it; just look at the joy! Who could deny human beings the chance to experience such a lift to their self esteem and confidence? God ble

This is the sweetest thing! What is a "disability" to an infant? It might be "easier" for the baby with fingers to grab and replace his pacifier. But his little helper could help out too, in his OWN way:) So he did, and everyone's happy!

Aren't connections wonderful?! Over the weekend I've found myself with utterly motionless sails. That is to say, I had no motivation to do or accomplish much of anything--not even add to my blog:( Maybe it's just that I was holding my breath for the tiny bit of rain that finally arrived yesterday, or the subconscious need to see if the world would miss me if I "checked out" for a little while--the experiment was a success! Despite very little sleep last night, I got myself to church this morning to fulfill a commitment I'd made months ago. In May or June when the nursery had been heavy-handedly recruiting volunteers to help out, I signed up to help out every single weekend in July! I told myself that was the right thing to do, and would make up for every other weekend during the year, when I'm NOT volunteering. Well wouldn't you know it, I forgot to sign in to the nursery this morning! In my rush to find a seat in the cool, reverent, surrounded b

You know what was the big, big, BIG draw today? The Corpse Flower. Yep, a flower that smells more or less like it's dead or dying, just VISITING our little city for a few days while it "blooms". There was a serpentine queue (I use the English term though I'm American to avoid a silly-sounding rhyme) through all of Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture park, which is open hosting wonderful horticultural curiosities all throughout the year. In the winter it's Christmas trees from all over the world, in the Spring it's butterflies hatching and swarming all over the tropical "room" like a dream in a fairy tale, Fall it's mums in every variety by the thousands, and today...it was a dead-smelling flower! A friend of mine accompanied through the entire building, only partially air-conditioned on this hot, sweaty day:) It was indeed a challenge! After an hour and a half of barely moving or just INCHING closer to the smelly flower of mythic proport

Cuda's not a person with a physical disability, no. And you'd certainly never think of her as a disabled DOG even, the way she races around and doesn't let anything about her skeleton get in her way:) So I'm sharing this as my virtual "tucking you into bed" because Cuda wants us all to accept ourselves and each other. Don't tell HER she has a disability! And in fact, let's all take a page from her book. Forget about looks, forget about challenges--and love your asymmetrical face! I do:)

Good morning! Last night was an interesting one for me; still processing, really. I spent a few lovely hours with some adults with Asberger's who really put life into perspective. I started going to their events, I thought, as a "volunteer" to help. But actually they helped ME, and it felt more like fun than an obligation. So that's what drew me to them last night. The rest of the "able" world so often acts like it revolves around them, like the things that concern them are the only ones that matter. But last night, I realized what an absolutely erroneous perception that is. The people I spent time with adults with a life-affecting, learning-and-function debilitating disorder--and surprise! Many of them seem to have their lives much more under control than a number of the "average" people I speak to. I'm not sure where that puts me in the scheme of things. I'd like to think I fall in with the Aspies (as one of the ladies calls her gro

Isn't this the best thing you've ever seen?! This popped up 'cause I'm following Bitty and Beau's now, in anticipation of my trip. Look how they treat their employees! I was just thrilled for Brent, and for my chosen birthday destination:)

I have so much in common with owls! Loners both, now it looks like we both occasionally embarrass ourselves:)

Yesterday at church I chatted with an older lady I admire. She softly touched my arm to get my attention (perceptive; she's noticed that I don't respond well to people just coming up and beginning to talk to me), and we commiserated about the summer. "I would like to be outside more," she said, and I know JUST how she feels. I've penciled so many events in my calendar, and tentatively invited friends out to lunch with me...IF the weather allows me out:( Today for example is an "Ozone Action Day", where riding the bus is free so more people are inclined to use it (hopefully), and home owners are asked NOT to refuel their cars or use lawn mowers, or do anything really that increases ozone/decreases air quality. Since air quality is already at a minimum. This includes using charcoal lighter fluid! Did you know that was a concern? I had no idea, but it makes sense. All that smoke and ash in the air, plus that hazy, distorting plume that forms around it--fr

Today is not only gloriously sunny (like it's been for days), but also not TOO warm, for which I am EVER so grateful, considering the sudatorium (defined by Dictionary.com as "a hot air bath for inducing sweating") that it's been. And I've had a varied and interesting study-of-the-human-reaction kind of day. Which I guess I have more often than not, since I've been writing this blog. It has finely sharpened my observational skills, and made me a little bolder. Today the only grocery store downtown gets a pass because it's Sunday:) So here's what happened. First I went to church, where I got a hefty dose (in the sermon) of the Nature of God, which I always enjoy, being a Christian. The minister almost made me cry (again, for about the millionth time) talking about how I would be received by Him if I "knocked on His door" by praying at Midnight with a heavy heart:) It's not at all unusual for me to cry at church, and whenever God is pr

Fourth post for the day, but I found it so poignant... Disabled people are legit afraid to look too happy in public. We are afraid of being called fakers or suddenly become viral bc Abled people have been fed the lie that you can’t be disabled and enjoy things. 😓♿️ —  (@hijade2madre) July 6, 2018

Well, does this mean individuals could SUE to get married without losing their benefits? And would they be taking on the Federal Government or just local? 'Cause if so then...there might be hope for me, the way the gubernatorial race is shaping up. But maybe that's too much to hope for and too much to ask of a long-established, rusty, dusty, archaic law that probably harkens back to the establishment of the ADA or longer ago. But I do see just the faintest glimmer of light at the end of my tunnel. "Rehabilitation Act The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. The standards for determining employment discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 501 Section 501 requires affirmative

Cute story! Wish somebody would carry ME through some exotic locale I want to visit, but the walker doesn't allow me to see:)

Good (almost) afternoon! Still steamy out there, and I am putting off my outdoor obligations as LONG as possible! But fortunately, I talked to a friend enduring the massive HEAT WAVE they're experiencing in Orange County, California right now--last night, and he steeled my resolve to buckle down:) Because if he can take this weather in stride, by gum...I sure can! But I'm still kinda wimpy about it, so no need to rush! Hence, I'm getting in my early blog before I set out. I'd much rather be writing than walking on the gritty, hazy streets anyway. And while we're on that subject, there's something I have to say about it--of course. Another of my friends (a recently arrived local who I met at a UICA event) just got back from an amazing trip to Mexico! She shared with me some of the pictures she took at touristy spots, and one of a sign for Amelia's Panaderia (bakery)! It looks adorable; burned-wood lettering and hand painted embellishments; made me pro

This is wonderful. Not only because of the selflessness and kindness of some amazing kids, but ESPECIALLY because you rarely see a completely unsighted girl's story. With an active lifestyle and dreams! Which I only mention because it's so much more common for somebody with a disability to be ignored by society, or stay inside and avoid the world's unfeeling scrutiny:( Not to mention, a story about Autumn, when the weather is currently at its most sweltering, is like a breath of fresh, cool, air:)

Ever since my post entitled "Imminent Vacation", I've been thinking I should add posts featuring individuals and organizations supporting the "cause" of helping and advancing the Disabled claim their rights. Right here in Kent County, we have someone on our side more than capable of fitting that bill. There are so many, many disabled people here--and a growing number considering more of us are aging and BECOMING disabled. They're just beginning to see what a lot of us have known for a while; we need as many people in our corner as possible! The Disabled Community needs advocates! Myself, I've been extremely lucky with a supportive circle around me that expands all the time. And I've been blessed with the ability to advocate for MYSELF pretty well if needs be. But there are so many others--passing below my apartment window as we speak actually--with no one to fight for them, and without the words or wherewithal to fight for themselves. That's w

People are down on the police a lot these days. And I must admit that I find them a little intimidating sometimes, if there's too many of them around me in a small space with just my walker. But then every once in a while, one of them saves me from the drunken advances of some street person on a dim street corner, or then there's this: And I honestly believe the police are ALL good people just trying to good.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable, safe Fourth of July! I did for sure. Got two see two good friends and make a few more:) Even saw a few fireworks, though I had the pleasure of experiencing some great ones TWO nights ago at one of those two friends' houses, so I really felt like I'd had all the fireworks I needed by late night of the 4th:) And here's a little thought. I had assumed it was just me; disability can be a lonely life sometimes. But I've always lamented (in my head) that no one can see a great outfit--or that they even bother to look twice once they see my walker. Talking to a new acquaintance on Facebook, I learned once again that I'm not alone. This woman is wheelchair bound, and she said she always feels bad that no one can see her "dope" outfits because she's sitting down! So it's NOT just me. Man, I could got to therapy for years without getting as much out of it as I have out of just scrolling my Facebook feed! Can you imagine h

Saw this, thought I'd close with a final thought of determination. We should all be limitless.

Tomorrow the City bus (and presumably the "short bus" for the Disabled that's run by the same company) will not be running. I count my blessings that a friend who no doubt knows this, has invited me to join her and her family! But what of those who have to get to work? Or who will miss their family and friends who've gathered just for the holiday? Trust me, as some one with mobility concerns, I can tell you we're all a little sick of having to "miss everything" because we don't drive or can't afford a cab in this town. I understand why the bus is giving its employees a day off; they've been working especially hard lately with a cluster of super hot "Ozone Action" days where riding the bus is free. But even so, I'm seeing a lot of "Ableism" in this decision. Especially since pretty much the entire state of Michigan more or less just ASSUMES that everyone has a car or other means of transportation. This is not the cas

I have to share a little note of civic pride: Grand Rapids made the list! I would NEVER have thought a national publication would know how great it is here and how much we have to offer, but it turns out I was wrong! Those that made the list are ranked by quality of life there, and the value you get for what you put into living there! In that case, I would agree that my town works hard to give all of its residents a good experience. And we have art and culture! Things that our outside the necessities of survival, though I would argue--just as important! And overall, their accessibility features are increasing through the city (so I'm told), which makes me SO proud. The article is just pictures with scores; I made a list of my favorites to visit and rank THEIR accessibility in the future! http://www.newsweek.com/50-best-places-live-us-2018-880794

Several weeks ago I experienced a revelation. Trying to be "just like everybody else" would only backfire; it would come across as awkwardness or aloofness, or like there was something ELSE wrong with me. So I had to use what I have. It's been a turning point in my life; everything has been exciting since! With this in mind, and the hopes of learning how to bring it to fruition, I also recently bought the book "You Do You: How to Be Who You Are and Use What You've Got to Get What You Want" by Sarah Knight (http://a.co/hqR8POH). I plan to glean more wisdom from that book:) The story below is proof to me that I'm on to something, and that puts me in a special class of people:

Good (hot) Day! Went to church today (I the last week or two, and it feels like its been a year!)and was approached by a woman who joined last year, whom I featured in the church newsletter at the time:) It was great to catch up chat for a bit, and I have to admit I do enjoy being approached in my solitude! After this very week's church fellowship, I went home and discovered an invite to a friend's family reunion! Touched as I was with THAT thoughtfulness, I had to decline 'cause I'm otherwise engaged that day, long before her Noontime party. It's wonderful to have people in my life who treat me like any old friend they have; you wouldn't believe how rare that is. Or how difficult to find! There are lots and lots of sympathetic, pitying individuals from church or otherwise who think everything I do must be SO hard for me. Every week I get invitations to or from church whether the weather is bearable or not, which today it most certainly is not! I declined th