MY MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

The idea for this post came from this article on Yahoo.  

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/message-foun

d-bottle-97-years-under-water-goes-170210979.html;_ylt=A2KJ2PbSI85RAnMAmmLQtDMD  

After I posted the link on Facebook, a friend asked what my message in a bottle would be.

2113, a century from now, I am trying to imagine what things will be like. The first thing that came to mind is that space travel is commonplace for ordinary citizens.  People will be zipping around in space like the Jetsons, discovering other life forms, and learning from them.

No more typing on computer keyboards or using voice recognition software.  You’ll be able to use a computer by just looking at the screen.  The computer will be able to complete tasks for you by reading your mind.

I may have gone a little too far talking about the computer.  Here's what I hope is happening a century from now. I hope that all major diseases like cancer have been eradicated so that no one has to suffer anymore.  Disabilities are a thing of the past.  I hope that all the people of the world are at peace with each other.

If I put a message in a bottle/ Threw it in the Missippi River and watched it float away. Here's what my message would be:

Remember those who came before you.  Their struggles made life better for you. I was here.  I did my best.  I'm not perfect.  I tried, failed, and tried again.  Try to do your best.  That's all you can do.  You'll be okay.



.

POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?

The most positive thing that happened to me was being able to share my blog in two online newspapers. it goes without saying that the best thing to happen to me was being able to publish my children's book.  I'm blessed to have neighbors who look out for me.  

During a recent storm, when my power was out, my neighbor gave me a flashlight with a button that is easy to press to turn the flashlight on.  It also has a beam of light that is big and bright.  My neighbor knows I get nervous during storms.  

I  volunteer at my library three days a week.   I love signing people up for the adult reading club.  I treasure my days at the library being a greeter is a fun way to meet people.  

I went to Jilly's Cupcake Bar and Cafe.  I had a Twisted Pink Velvet Cupcake.  I didn't know cupcakes could be so delicious.  I can't wait to go back.  Why didn't I blog about any of these experiences?  Because I didn't think they were important enough,.  

Our experiences make us who we are.  I write about my experiences growing up because I want people to know what it was like for the disabled community before the Americans With Disabilities Act was passed.  Before the word inclusion existed.  

It was a time when disabled children had very few rights. It was a time when children with disabilities were segregated.  We had very little exposure to our able-bodied peers.  I wonder if we were even thought of as people by some of the staff who worked at the school I attended for thirteen years.

When I write about something you might perceive as negative or depressing the positive message to take away from it is that I got through a tough situation and survived.

 Life is tough when you have a disability, but you can get through anything.  You are just as good as anyone else.  You matter.  You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  Have faith in yourself.  When people tell you that you can’t do something don’t listen to them. Keep trying.  If you’re striving for a goal that’s meant to be it will happen.  If it doesn’t think of a new goal to strive for. 

The important thing is to never give up.