Monday, July 18, 2011

Say Cheese!

Last month I talked about “flying” to your best potential and living life in balance. And Scott Crane a friend of mine was the epitome of this. He unfortunately lost his life to a rare form of muscular dystrophy. However his memory and philosophy of life will always be in the people he touched. Here is a quote from him, "I am planning on trading in my body for a newer pain free model. I am keeping my original face and heart. When some things are that perfect there is no need to improve them…I want to keep my disease [as well], I do not even mind having that. It is a HUGE part of what has made me the kind, compassionate, sensitive, selfless, and helpful person that I am." He also would end his emails with “spread smiles.” Like Scott said, I have been spreading smiles by working on a project with my mom that originated in Canada we want to help educate junior high and hopefully high school students about disability and social justice. The idea is to have them work on something related to disabilities weather it be a poem, song, or plays and bring it out into the community. I have always wanted to work in a school setting and this is once again following one of my dreams. I also have been working on setting up a book club for people with communication difficulties because I believe everyone deserves the right to say what’s on their mind.
The disability pride parade is just around the corner. My dancers and I are really excited! It is on July 23rd and we would love to see you there. If you can’t make it then don’t worry because it will also be performed at the studio where I dance on July 29th and 30th. I am overjoyed because I just found out today that my piece is the opening number for the show. I am speechless. In terms of smiles and happiness this is in a league of its own.
I have been feeling very fortunate lately in addition to my dance, two of the young adults that I work with are now happily living on their own with supports. The fact that I am not only living on my own but helping others to do the same makes me feel wonderful.
As you can see I am extremely happy. My new assistants are amazing and everything is great but I would love it if you can help me with something. You see with only three months until my birth day I would really appreciate if you could do one of three things one tell your family and friends about keep on keeping on and what they do, , volunteer for them or donate money to them any amount will do. Let’s make a difference and spread a smile or two.
Say cheese!
Jessi