A Differently Abled Woman's Fire to Inspire

This past weekend, I took part in the most exhausting, yet one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was given the honor to be the keynote speaker at the Northport High School commencement ceremonies. See, there was not one graduation, but 10 amazing graduation ceremonies. Yes, phew!! I have never been so excited yet nervous for an event (besides having my children.) You can watch the graduations, along with my keynote speech on the link below. The graduation took place over two days, so there were five ceremonies on each day. By day two, my confidence was up, and I knew that I would truly miss the tribe of friends I had acquired, along with standing up on that stage, and doing my best to empower everyone listening to me. On the second graduation morning, I happily adorned myself in my pale yellow dress. (You will appreciate the reference more if you watch a ceremony or two.) I packed my meals for the day, and looked forward to a full day ahead of me. Each speech went off witho

I did it!! You're probably thinking I achieved another personal record on my handcycle, (which I have) by "booking it" fast, but I have been "booking it" in another instance. I finally finished writing my children's book! *Shriek!!!* I have been working on it for entire year, and finally have brought years of notions to fruition. It feels exhilarating to have it completed, and I am currently working on submitting it to publishers that I think would be a great match. Fingers and toes crossed! I would be lying if I said it has been easy. When the pandemic came about, I started really putting together ideas from my jotted on napkins and scrap paper. This was simultaneously being done while homeschooling three children. After hours of virtual schooling, then assisting them individually for hours on their written work, I would dive into my work like an eager child into a pool on a hot summer day. I would look forward to writing my story more than anything. My kid