More than one way to believe

“If you’re silent you’re complicit”

When I was little I was brought up catholic. On Christmas we celebrated the Birth of Jesus .

The lights on the tree were not only pretty but, shining bright like the star that led the three wisemen to the manger to meet the baby Jesus.

Many traditional Christmas carols were learned and sung with pride.

Christmas wasn’t just about faith. Christmas was about Family.

We had the family favorite hamloaf and ambrosia. Logs glowed in the fireplace as the couches were filled.

Sometimes it was the untraditional that was memorable. I’ll never forget having Spaghetti as part of Christmas Dinner when visiting my Great Aunt & Uncle and Family.

In School we sang songs about Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and Hanukkah. In art we learned about Kwanza and made art in celebration.

I had neighbors who celebrated Both Christmas and Hanukkah.

I’ve always had curiosity about the other religions that are celebrated.

One of the great things about the country we live in is the Freedom we have to celebrate religion.

It’s not up to us to judge whether someone’s religious are right or wrong.

The candles that glow on the menorah bring happiness and awe similar to the lights on the tree.

Songs that are sung on Hanukkah are a celebration of belief and nostalgia like the traditional Christmas songs sung.

Hanukkah, Christmas & Kwanza allow families to come together and celebrate belief.

These holidays allow people to come together to celebrate tradition or create new traditions.

Little eyes are full of wonder celebrating a holiday for the first time.

Religiously I don’t know what I believe.

I’m glad that I was taught that there is more than one way to believe!

Truffles in the fridge

A box of Godiva truffles sits in the fridge.

My mind reminiscing and I smile.

Holiday entertaining gone awry!

Bailey always seemed to consider herself the “star of the show”

Attention, Affection and Food was probably her motto.

This December night she stealthily visited the room of a guest we had staying.

A cry of displeasure!

ALL attention turned.

Heartfelt dismay amid misfortune.

While disappointment and embarrassment were felt around

There was One who felt content!

Bailey again had pulled off a steal.

Anticipation!

A box of truffles waiting to shared.

We laugh at the memory and hope for that taste.

Disabled people have their own day ?!?

December 3rd is “International Person’s with Disability day .”

I’m a day late and a dollar short but, yesterday was busy.

1.Wake up

2. Get breakfast

It doesn’t feel different from any other day.

Yesterday I had a snowshoeing competition that depending on the outcome of it I would qualify for state games later this winter.

Disabled people contribute to the work force.

We have ideas that can be revolutionary.

I’m learning first hand that adaptations are helpful and allow you to be productive.

A pencil with a grip

Compression gloves

I’ve learned how to use the speak to text on my watch and phone

These adaptations are just a few of the many ways accessibility has become available for disabled people.

We wouldn’t have Accessibility if it weren’t for Disabled people who have advocated for our rights.

A Disabled person on television or in the movies should be an actor of actress that has that disability.

Authenticity and Representation matter!

Disabled people are human.

Love is something that being human we experience too.

We still Lose our social security and healthcare benefits if we marry.

Why is this something that hasn’t been changed?

Stuck.

Overlooked.

There is a lot that happens in our country.

The “ International Day of Person’s with Disabilities” day reminds us of capability, adaptability, accessibility ,Representation and our rights.

It didn’t feel any different then any other day. I moved my legs and swung my arms to power myself across the finish line. The practice of each motion had paid off. I was headed to state.