Bowling One Legged

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last night we did not get to do our regular bowling night with the in-laws. Instead Dear Hubby had to work a full shift (after working his regular full shift at job #1). So I had to spend some time home alone. But that just gave me time to look into a few things.

You see we bowl with my in-laws who are both in their 70's. My dad-in-law has only one leg now. And he still bowls a really good game. But he had to change up his game. He had to learn how to throw the ball all different then he had the majority of his life. It helps that he uses his motorized chair with the arm taken off so he can swing his arm.

It was great to have help NMEDA dealer when we was getting his truck altered so he could still drive. Just as we had to get him a motorized chair and wheelchair. I was thankful to have the education and help when we were having to find out what the needs were for my father in law. It was also so helpful to find out what would be needed to help him continue driving. You would be surprised at all the aids that can help keep people mobile. We also used the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to find the right items too. Because all people are different we can not assume that the same wheelchair or motorized chair will fit everyone the same. Nor the aids to help one keep driving.

I love that my father in law is still the busy active man that he has been in the past. He did not stop with all of his activities. 70 years old and one legged and still helping with the veterans program, Santa's helpers, youth group at church and hospice care groups. I wish I was as active as he is. Do you have elderly or disabled family members? What special needs did you have to find? Was there someone or something that helped the most?

Because She Was Alone

I know that I have touched on my disability a little here and there. And that I do not mention it very often. Why? Well, mostly because I am embarrassed because of it. Most people think that a disability is something that can be seen. You know a limp, having to use a wheel chair or physical in sight. But mine is hidden from view. And I work so hard at not letting others know that when I do show it they are so surprised.

But even more so than that is my College Girl. She had to grow up with my disability and bear a great burden. I wish I had had this book for her as a preteen and teen. I'm Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness by Michelle D. Sherman and DeAnne M. Sherman would have been a great asset for her. It was awared ForeWord Magazines Book of the Year Award Finalist. And I can see why. To have an interactive book to help a teen:

• understand the causes, symptoms and treatments of mental illness
• learn coping skills
• sort through complex feelings
• deal with friends
• identify resources and find hope

I can say this book would be a wonderful asset to families who have to deal with mental illness, trauma and those who have to face their families in military deployment. How hard it is to feel so confused inside when your family is being torn apart by unseen forces. As a matter of fact there is also Finding My Way: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma. This book is part of the education curriculum with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). And is part of the National Guard's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program. I applaud that resource.

I know in talking to my College Girl, that she has tried to work her way through my illness. And the strongest part was when we opened up about it at her high school. She was in a health education class. When it came time to study mental illness we allowed a question/answer period from her teacher for the class to witness. It was hard for me to sit and try not to feel shame for my ill brain. But was great for my then School Girl to be able to allow her questions be answered for all around. And she lost shame that day.

I would greatly encourage anyone living with mental illness or with someone who has mental illness to share this book with their families. You can only find at SeedsofHopeBooks.com. or by calling 1-800-901-3480. I would like to thank Synergy Group for sending me a review copy.

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Hot and Tired and No Help from Home Depot

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Yeooowowwww! It is hot here.
And now I am hotter yet!

Today I wanted to see if I could get some relief.
And no, instead I was pushed away.

I know that y'all are aware that I am disabled, my mom who lives with us is 75 and on SS and my Dear Hubby works 2 jobs to help pay his child support to two other families. Top that with helping College Girl with school cost and you know that thing here are so tight. That is why we are not using our central a/c this summer. We can not afford it at all.
Our home is almost 100 yrs old and does not have insulation. And I can not afford to side it so we do have some insulation. Well if we run the a/c then our electric bill runs $500-$600 a month. Could you imagine paying $2400 for just the summer's electric?
Well, we can't so we have been burning up here in our Central Texas heat.

Well, today I was at the point of tears. So me and my mom drove 45 minutes one way to the closest Home Depot. (We chose Home Depot because they are always doing great things for folks in need and the communities around them.) Well, by the time we arrived, my mom was exhausted and stayed at the car. (I thought we were hot enough already.) I went in to price window a/c's hoping we could afford one. They run $200-$500 each. Well I do not have enough to get one for just the living room alone so I picked up a few more things I needed. My hips and knees were really hurting from my RA and I thought I was in luck when there was a lady dressed in Pink (my fav color) at the service desk register. Yipee! I can check out and then get to mom in the hot car so we can head back home.

NOPE! The clerk (Marlyin) told me no she would not check me out. I asked if this was the

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register for disabled people? She said I would have to go to the other side of the store to the registers. Well, I know it is wrong but I was tired, hot (have been forever I think) and hurting. I said heck with it. I left my basket in the aisle and just went to the car. I told my mom no we can not get a window unit and that it was just going to be hot.

I am tired of being hot. I am tired of being ignored. And I am tired of being looked down on.
Would you feel the same way?