Sr's 92-HOMECOMING QUEEN (part 2) [edited]

PLANNING AND GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY
I had major outpouring of love and gifts during this time.

I have to admit I loved the attention, but still had a hard time justifying that reason that I got Queen. There was no time for justifying because I had a dress to find, an acceptance speech to write, and many more things to do and we did not have much time to do them in. Homecoming was about three weeks away. There were two attendants for each class (Seniors, Juniors, Sophmores, and Freshman), and it was my responsibility to tell them what to wear and how to fix their hair. Bubba was responsible for the guys. This must be what it is like to be a bride was what I thought (and I am still guessing on that one)! I had been good friends with one of the senior attendants, Kristy, and so I let her decide what kind of dress they should wear. After she picked out the pattern I had a meeting with all the gals and their moms. I told them I wanted this day to be as special for them as it was going to be for me. That I wanted them to do what they wanted with their hair, shoes, and jewelry decisions. On the same day that Kristy picked out the pattern for the attendant dresses I picked out my pattern for my dress. My aunt (moms sis-in-law) was going to make it, and so she was with us too. I visited with my hairdresser on a couple of different hairstyles we were thinking of doing. She wanted to do a hairstyle kind of like one that Julia Roberts wore in the movie “Steel Magnolias” for her wedding. Due to my hair being so fine it does not hold curl very well so she decided to do a trial run. She rolled it in rags! Where she learned this I will never know, but we were in Oklahoma, YEEHAW! It would have the shape of Nellie's hair on the Little House and the Prairie. When my mom took out "the rags" (that is exactly what they look like too) from a night of sleeping on them she had to struggle. When they were all out my hair it was in such tight ringlets that I could not even brush my hair. I had to wash it out to put a comb through it! It was funny. Needless to say we decided to use a curling iron and a bunch of maximum hold hairspray!! As I was at the hairdresser's she was telling me about the homecoming process at her daughters high school, and that they had to buy and wear their dresses before they found out who won. She said one of the girls had a very expensive and beautiful wedding gown. She did not win and never really got to wear the dress. She said she would have her daughter talk to the girl about borrowing it for a backup in case my aunts dress doesn't work. I was like okay, but I did not feel anything would go wrong with my aunts dress. My hairdresser had a nail technician in her shop, and set up an appointment for me to get my nails done before the bonfire the day before homecoming. The speech I wrote was short but sweet. During school we would have run throughs of the assembly, and of the half time show of the football game that night. On one occasion Bubba was helping me to walk by letting me hold onto him (he was not used to helping me walk). My knees gave out on me (this happened a lot), and I fell. I did not hurt myself but it scared Bubba pretty bad. He went over to Kristy and told her what happened and that he will never help again. He thought he was doing something wrong. Kristi set him straight and told him not to worry about it that it has happened with everyone who has helped her. The day before homecoming one of the local newspapers came to write a story on me being homecoming queen despite my physical disability. I felt all-important! After school I went to get my nails done. They were painted red and were long and pretty. Bubbas mom and little sis used my hairdresser too (Keeta was her name, and her shop was used by bunches in our area.) Bubbas mom told me that he is most nervous about dropping me at the dance (We were supposed to dance the first slow song together). I was surprised he mentioned that to be his most nervous moment. While we were there we picked up the backup dress.

Off we went to the bonfire. It was big and warm. Of course, we brought wire hangers and marshmallows! Loud cheers and clapping made the atmosphere.

Another local newspaper had come to interview me and Bubba. I was getting tons of attention because of this. I did catch some flack from being homecoming queen from the other students. I heard a few rumors that came from a couple of girls that I called friends, HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA!  One of the rumors was that I was giving one of the girls who was nominated dirty and snobby looks in the hall. So I called the girl (I considered us friends even though we did not hang out a lot or anything, but I had her number) to make sure this wasn't what she thought. She told me that we were cool and that she never thought those things. I told her who started spreading them. I guess she spoke to them. One of the girls came up to me at the bonfire to apologize. What jealous girls. There were a few other things that were brought to my attention. I tried to eliminate the rumors before they got out of hand. Other remarks I would just overlook. For the most part it was all good! After the bonfire my mom and I went to my aunts house to get the dress and try it on. For some reason it was not working though. My aunt kept going back upstairs to her sewing machine. The shoulder straps weren't hanging right. It was 11 p.m., and I was getting sleepy. We were all getting frustrated, but I am sure my aunt was the most frustrated. She makes clothes all the time. My mom went and got the backup dress out of her car. I tried it on, and it fit like a glove! It was beautiful with big ruffles going down the back. Everything happens for a reason! I was sad that my aunts dress didn’t work, but so glad at that moment we had the backup. Felt it was meant to be. I never did get to meet the generous young lady who let me borrow her dress.

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S
Next post: THE BIG DAY IS HERE!!!

Sr's 92- 10/4/91 HOMECOMING QUEEN (part 1)

THE VOTING PROCESS
About 130 seniors piled into the auditorium for the first senior meeting of our school year in September. Everyone sat with their own little clichés. It was the band geeks (as they were called), the popular crowd (cheerleaders, football players and other jocks), the head banging crowd (the rockers who would smoke, drink, possibly do drugs, party all night and sleep all day), and the loners (who would set by themselves but would always do anything just so they could fit in). I felt like John Hughes was going to walk in at any moment to direct "The Breakfast Club: Part Two"! I did not really fall under any category for a certain clique. I made my way through everyone and did not dislike any one person (for the most part). I felt like some were just misunderstood, and I knew all too well what that felt like. That was my group. The purpose of the meeting was to nominate the years King and Queen. It was a very big deal, because it would mean that you would reign over the school for that year. The day is celebrated with a coronation assembly, a reception, pictures out of a studio, crowning at the homecoming football game, and a dance. Each senior wrote on a piece of paper the name of a gal and a guy senior who they thought would represent the class and school well. As we were doing this I thought I could hear whispers of my name. I thought I was hearing things, because I never even thought I stood a chance of this. Later that day on the intercom the vice principal called out names of the top 10 guys and gals who made it, and asked that they report to the Library. I was in complete shock when I heard my name. At that time my class was office help answering the main switchboard. There was one other student in this class with me,Waco, and he was nominated as the King. He was a very good friend to me. So off we went to the library together. On our way he asked me what I thought about being nominated. I told him I was going to drop out, and that this was a big joke. We quit walking, and he told me he was not going to let that happen because I had more friends than I know. He sat by me the whole time we were in the library to in sure that I did not raise my hand to quit. My thought at that time was “Okay, I can do this, because next the seniors will vote again for top five and there is no chance that I will get that." After the seniors voted again I made the top five. I got very nervous at this time. I did not consider myself popular enough, pretty enough, not to mention my physical problems. I just did not fit the mold. After the top five from the seniors were voted on it went to an all school vote. All of the nominees were introduced at a pep rally held in the football stadium the day before the first game that night. We had to stand in front of the student body. I remember walking out with one of the other nominees. I had white Reebok high tops on (I had a white and a black pair, and I wore them constantly. They were the most supportive shoe for me walking), a pair of jeans, and my class of 92 royal blue jersey shirt with my name on the back. Hoping I did not embarrass myself by tripping over my two left feet! I did it, I just stood there holding onto my friend and waving as they said my name. I surprised myself by not dropping out before the pep rally. My thought at this time was "okay, I can do this, because now it goes to an all school vote and there is no chance I will get that." They will have five people to vote from but only three will make it. One Queen and two attendants. I am for sure sweating buckets on the day everyone votes! The decision was in, and we were called in to a classroom that was not being used at the moment. First, they had to keep us gals in suspense by telling the guys who got it. My friend Bubba got King! Don't laugh, everyone from the south has a friend or relative named Bubba. Am I right or am I right? Bubba was who I voted for. He was (and still is) an extremely nice (looking) gentleman, and a friend of mine since kindergarten! He was one of the stars of the football team, and fit the mold for being our King. I was happy for him. Then they announced the gals. Of course, they mentioned the attendants first. My name was not one of them. I let out a sigh of relief thinking that I was not getting anything. The other two gals who were not named either were very deserving of the title. So I figured one of them would get it, and that I would have been happy just to be nominated! Then they mentioned my name as the homecoming queen. I was in shock, and thinking there should be a recount or something! Maybe my ears needed cleaning for I thought they said my name! I was looking around surveying the room to see what the reactions on the other faces. Nobody looked pissed off, and some were congratulating me. Tears started rolling down my face. I could not believe it and was waiting to wake-up from this dream.

 The first thing I did once I left the room was call my parents. They were very happy! The Vice Principal came into the room as I was calling them and jokingly told me congrats, and that I could pay him for stuffing the votes later, LOL! I loved him. I came home and told my brother. He was so happy that he wanted to drop me off at school, and help me to class that morning. He never wanted to do that before. I remember walking down the hall that morning with my brother getting stares and hearing whispers that I was the Homecoming Queen. That was one of the first times I felt that my bro was proud to have me as his sis.

Due to the fact me sharing my Homecoming experience is longer than expected I am going to spread it out into 3 separate posts. So be sure to check in so you can get the whole story. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S
Next post: PLANNING AND GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY!

YO BABY YO, U GOTS 2 B A SENIOR '92 OR U GOTS 2 GO!!!

Being a senior is what I had been waiting for. Physically I did not know if I would be able to make walking at school. My knees were giving out on me a lot, and my balance and coordination seemed to have progressed more. Walking any kind of a distance would make me out of breath. I had started using my wheelchair in the house during the summer which I had not done before. My mom and I had a meeting with the principal about a week before school started to make sure we were on the same page where my accommodations were concerned. For example, leaving class 5 minutes early, having two people assist me in walking, and the length of my classrooms between them. We had done this every year I had been there. And every year there was something else added to the list. The day before the meeting as a family we discussed the possibility that due to liability I would be going to another school that would be wheelchair accessible. This frightened me. I was comfortable there, and mostly everyone already knew my drunken self. So I did not want to have to start over. I had been to school since elementary with some of my classmates. The principal did not bring that up at that meeting. That was a big sigh of relief. There was other authority figures there as well. It was like they didn’t want me to leave, and were willing to do anything to keep me there. Made me feel good.

THE NEW CONCERNS/ACCOMODATIONS: Due to the fact that my brother had graduated my mom was now taking me to school. She would drop me off about 30 minutes before classes would begin so she could get to work on time. I needed somewhere I could sit to wait on class. English was my first hour class, and directly across the hall was the vice principal's office. I loved him (Mr. Henlsley-VP) as did everyone else. Mr. Hensley was always joking around with us (he was my Aunts {dads sis} driver’s ed teacher, LOL). He was at the meeting and offered me to wait in his office, and that his secretary would gladly walk me over to class on time. I had known her for a long time. She was in PTA when my mom was during elementary school. Her cute son was in the same grade as my brother. Small world, huh? We became good friends even though she didn’t get me a date w/ her cute son! Mr. H would surprise me sometimes with a cinnamon roll and chocolate milk for breakfast from the cafeteria! What a good way to start my day! That was one concern taking care of, and the next one was the bathroom. Sometimes the bathroom was not close, and I would not have enough time to go to the bathroom and get to class on time. Even if I had a pass during class it may take longer than normal for me. They assured me that it would be okay. One of my classes was accounting, and the teacher had a rolling table in which I would sit on. One of the other students (girls) would push me to the restroom. It was down the hall. I looked so funny sitting on that long table. GO SPEED RACER GO!! I remember one time going into someone else's classroom when I was on the table just waving, and saying Hi! Another one of my classes was office help. I would answer the switchboard in the main office. They would let me use the restroom in there for employees instead of having to go to the restroom down the hall. It all worked out. I still got piggy back rides sometimes. After leaving the meeting I was wore out, and I knew what little I had walked was nothing compared to what I was going to do when school started. I was very sad and came very close to throwing up my hands, and telling my mom I wanted to go somewhere where I could use my wheelchair because I couldn’t handle it. I did keep going though, and am so glad that I didn't give up. My life would not have been the same at all as you will see in the upcoming posts. This year was filled with so many wonderful and funny memories that it will take about 9 posts to talk about. Those memories kept me going! Just to give you a heads up on these future posts, and to help my memory to not forget to talk about them I will give a short outline.

SENIORS 92*Homecoming Queen
*Is it a trick or a treat?
*My first date
*The Nutcracker (ballet)
*Senior activities (scavenger hunt, hayride, canoeing)
*Playing Loto!
*Every rose has it’s thorn!
*Treasure Island
*The Season Finale
Staying in the same high school taught me some major life lessons. It taught me to never give up. There is not one person who does not require some kind of accommodations for something. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it (even know I still struggle with this sometimes), and know you are not alone. Just be yourself! No matter how unbalanced or how uncoordinated I was I was more happy, relaxed, and liked when I was just being me. I would love to hear any life lessons you have learned and how?

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

IS THIS THING ON???

The summer after 11th my grade year (’91) was full of speaking events for MDA. Since having done my first speaking event with the MDA in 1989 I have done several up to now (91). Each time I would get more confident with what I was doing, and enjoyed it more and more. Being the center of attention for my disability was a good thing at that moment. There were a couple of events that I spoke at this summer that stand out for me.

The first event was something I spoke at for a couple of years. It was for Service Merchandise, and about a fundraiser they did every year called the Diamond Dig. The first time I spoke there it was with my mom. They asked us both to speak. My mom went first and started crying as she was telling of me being diagnosed and how hard it was for her to know that both parents have to be carriers of the gene in order to pass it on. So what did I do but cry as well. After two years of speaking to the employees they asked me to come back again. Only this time due to scheduling conflicts someone from MDA was not going to be able to represent. So they asked me if I could handle it alone. I got to know throughout the years some of the supervisors and was comfortable. So I got a VCR tape from MDA to show, and they also gave me percentages on where the money goes that is raised. After that, all I had to do was share about myself. I remember feeling so good, wanted, and needed. They asked me back so I guess it was all good!

The second event was one I started this summer (91). It was at the fire department's in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and for the fundraiser fill the boot. It was to motivate the firemen to raise money in their boots by standing on the street corners, and asking people for donations. I went to 33 fire stations in three days! I absolutely fell in love with these big hearted guys. They couldn't hardly keep down the flame that was coming out of me after seeing them! But I didn’t mind them trying though! I got to know these guys so well I was invited to dinner and lunch with them at their station. When I would come to talk to them they would make me cookies, and give me rides on fire truck. I still to this day volunteer in going to golf tournaments and fill the boot campaigns for the firemen whenever I get the chance.

I have met and done some of the most amazing things because of MDA! Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

THE BEST BIRTH CONTROL EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's take a few steps back to right before my 11th grade year began shall we? My aunt (mom’s youngest sister) was due to give birth to her second child sometime in August. She was planning to deliver the baby in a birthing room. There she would be able to invite as many people in the room she wanted. My mom was there to see her first baby born, and this time she was going to let my mom and I both be in the room. I was excited. The call came in the morning as her water broke, and she was admitted into the hospital. Once we got there she was not in one of the birthing rooms, but just a regular room. All of the birthing rooms were full, and so she got stuck in just a regular room. She was only allowed to have two people in the room at the time of delivery. Without a doubt I knew one of them was going to be her husband. I figured she would let my mom stay again. My aunt looked at my mom. My mom said she would let me stay. I was very excited and nervous for my aunt. One of the nurses came into the room, and told me I was going to have to leave as soon as the delivery was to begin. I asked why. She said because I was too young! I said I was 16 years old, and that there were kids younger than me having babies. I told her that my aunt agreed I could stay. I looked at my aunt and she told her it was fine. They told me to stay in the corner out of the way. I was using my wheelchair of course. So the pushing and stuff begins. I was trying to push as much as she was! I could hear some other ladies just screaming down the hall as they were giving birth. I had seen the TV shows, and how possessed women can act and figured my aunt would be like that. Mind you she had no drugs! She had few moments when she was in pain and you knew it, but for the most part she was very calm. At one point she turned and looked at me to ask me how I was doing. I think having me there helped her not to focus on the pain. After I told her not to worry about me she then told me that the pushing wasn't hard! My eyes were big enough and she was thinking that it was a walk in the park! What a brave woman! The doctor said, "I see the head." So I unlock my breaks on my wheelchair, and scooted up closer so I could see what was happening. It was amazing to see a living, breathing, life! It was a boy! After the nurses cleaned him up they went to give him to my aunt. She stopped them and told them to let me hold him first. What an honor. I will never forget that. That baby boy is a grown man now who is going to be starting college soon. Do I feel old or what?





























This was a big deal in my life to witness and I wanted to share. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S.

11TH GRADE (FALL 90-SPRING 91)

After having such an awesome summer it was time to return to school. I enjoyed going back to school so I could see my friends one a regular basis. Even though I did not have a big abundance of true friends I had lots of acquaintances. One of the biggest things for me was that I was going to be an upperclassmen! Me a junior, I could not believe it. This meant I could go off campus for lunch. Tonya got a car that summer so her and I would always go to Taco Mayo, Carl’s Coney Island, Sonic, McD’s, or Arby’s. We would usually meet some friends there to eat. As the school year began walking to and from class wore me out quicker than before. I was not used to walking that much because I would mostly stay close to home during the summer. Of course it did seem to get a little easier the more that time went on (FYI, my high school was not wheelchair accessible in case you forgot). Like always I would set up my classes so I would not have to travel far. During this time I started having two people to help me walk. One person on each side to hold on to. I cannot remember who started it but I would get piggyback rides sometimes from the cute boys! You heard no complaints here! To be honest I think they did it just so they could get out of class early, but I didn't care because I was getting piggyback rides from cute boys!

I was enrolled in the same business class that my brother was when he found out that FA was a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I was also excited to be able to participate in the fundraiser for MD they were having that year. The club that was affiliated with the class was DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). Every year they would hold a state wide competition in Oklahoma City. It was on a weekend and would be about business opportunities and politics. They held several different competitions throughout the weekend. One of them was for public speaking. Because I was in speech class and had gotten an award everyone wanted me to go represent in the public speaking category. I was nervous about going for none of my good friends were in that class and going to go, but I had agreed to go. The topic of my speech was to be about leadership, but writing the speech was the farthest thing from my mind. I was all worried about who my roommate was going to be in the hotel room, wondering about getting in and out of the shower, if things would be easy for me to be able to do my normal routine, and who would help me with the small things. I ended up borrowing a couple of dresses to wear during the weekend from Tonya. Then I only had a few dresses that I would wear to church on Sunday mornings. I had an extremely difficult decision to make. I knew what I had to do. Since I would be wearing dresses/dress shoes for the weekend it would be so much easier to bring my wheelchair. This was the first time that my classmates saw me in the wheelchair. I was so afraid they would look at me differently and not want to be near me. I was so afraid of what other people thought of me so much it would put a haze on who I really was. As usual I was the only physically disabled person there. Everything ended up being okay. Everyone excepted the wheelchair, and some even liked sitting in it and trying to pop wheelies! My classmates were helpful when asked. I still had issues with asking for help. In my mind I appeared more disabled when I would ask. So I tried to do things all on my own. Instead of trying to take a shower and fall or something I just would wash up at the sink using soap and a wash cloth. To avoid having anyone see me make a fool of myself I would spend and lot of my down time by myself. I do remember spending some time with several girls in one of their rooms singing at the top of our lungs to “Hotel California” on the radio. I ended up getting third place on my speech! I was exstatic considering my focus had not been completely on the speech. All in all I had a good time. It was stressful for me and was glad to be home, but was glad I did it.

Did you ever take an overnight trip with a class from school? Did anything crazy happen? Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

BRINGING HOME THE BACON AND DESIGNER LABELS!!!

What a hilarious and wonderful summer this was for me. Summer camp was great as usual and then getting a puppy, what could be next? My friend Tonya and her sister worked for a survey company in the mall, and told me they would help me get a part-time job there. To think someone would want a drunken person to represent their company was hard for me to imagine. So I didn't hold my breath, but I thought how cool would it be to work in the Mall. So I put in my application, and J Lo and behold they hired me. Tonya and her sister would let me bum a ride with them when they worked as well. I always used my wheelchair. It made things easier on me, and thought of it more as an asset to use it. Even though the sadness didn’t go away. Tonya and her sister were those ladys that you would run from in the Mall so you wouldn’t have to participate in those silly surveys! Sometimes they would just ask them questions, and sometimes the company would offer money to try a product. A product like cookies, crackers, diapers, deodorant, and even tampons! Folks will try anything for money. Especially when you are at the mall. I was hired to be the holler back girl! So the folks would try the product out for a week or two, then I would call them and ask them questions about it to see if they liked it. Even about the tampons! Can you imagine? So I would sit in a cubicle in the back room by myself usually and just call away! It was okay, but sometimes my voice would throw the folks off, and frustrate me. Thinking I was a little girl and was going to ask them if there refrigerator was running? Embarrassing when I had to ask the ladies if the tampon leaked a lot, a little, or not at all!! I even had some ladies hang up on me. I ended up not calling for those type of products. I told my supervisor that there was not enough maturity in my voice to call back on some things. She agreed, and was more selective when she would give me stuff. The best thing about the job was the money!! Even though it was only minimum-wage and part-time I thought I was rich. I would sometimes have my parents drop me off early so I could purchase those designer labels that my mom would not get me because of the price. I also learned to be frugal with my money and save it up. Making the dollar made me learn the meaning of it.

I only did this job for three summers, and it was only part time. It gave me something to do, and gave me a little extra money to play with. Thanks so much to Tonya and Shannon for all their help. The last summer I worked there (I was 18) I ended up meeting two of the gentleman I “called back” over the phone. One of them I went with on a lunch date. Nothing major happened, we went to a little Italian place. He was a very nice guy, bit we weren't meant for each other. Don’t even think we spoke after that (normal occurrence for me). I do not remember his name, but I do remember he had thick, shiny dark hair. The other guy worked for the pro soccer team that my parents and I would go to see every home game in Okla. I love soccer! The guy and I just talked and found out that we were at the same place at the same time, and so we met. Nothing major he was nice.

That was my first job now tell me about yours? Thanks for taking the time to read,
Miss S

THUMPER 5/31/90 - 1/11/06

I had to mention my pride and joy for 15 1/2 years. I do not have a scanner/digital camera right now, but had this pic taken of him.

After Spanky died my parents were like exne on having any more pet's. One day while my mom, my aunt, and I were sitting outside in our backyard drinking tea and basking in the sun a few folks from my youth group came over for a visitation (personal invitation to come back to church) to see my brother. This guy (Sean) I had a major crush on was one of them! He was the same guy in the previous post who gave me his Bible to rest my head on. (This crush started in Middle School. In art class I drew his name out of macaroni, it was so cheesy I got the blues!!! LOL) As we were all in the backyard there were several little poodles next door that were outside. Sean asked me if I liked poodles. I said yes and that the dog we had lost several years ago (Spanky) was one of their brothers. He told me that he could get me a poodle for free. He said his mom breeds poodles. I looked at my mom with excitement, and gave her those begging eyes. She said she would have to talk it over with my dad first. For some teenage crush reason I thought it would bring the two of us closer by him giving me the dog. After much discussing, and pleading with my parents they said yes. I was so happy.

A litter was born at the end of May so we scheduled to come near the end of July to pick one out. It just happened to fall during the time I was recuperating again from knocking my knee cap out of socket. So I was in my wheelchair at the time with a knee brace on. I did not feel I was looking my best for Sean, but what ever I was getting a puppy! As we went to her house she brought out about eight puppies for me to choose from. The minute I saw Thumper I knew he was the one I wanted. He had an apricot color on his ears and down the middle of his back, he was the runt, the smallest one of the bunch and very energetic. Mom and dad saw this little chocolate colored poodle and fell in love with him. Knowing Mom and Dad would be doing most of the physical care taking I gave in, and we took the chocolate poodle home. After several days of being with us he did not seem he felt well. So we called the breeder, and took him back for observation. She said it was going to take a little while for him to perk up without his mother. She says It’s rare but some puppies do that, but he is okay. I was already attached to him. We named him critter. I understood that he needed to go spend some more time with his mother. She asked if I wanted to try another one and immediately without question I wanted the apricot one. So dad took me, and I never got out of the car.

On the way home I was holding him and we were thinking of names, but could not come up with any. A day or so later as he was in the front yard taking care of his business he went to throw up dirt using his back legs (their way of wiping). I am so glad us humans have other techniques like toilet paper! It was the cutest thing I ever seen because his legs were so short that he would just thump on the ground. It was then I said "look its thumper!" And that is how he got his name. (And my screenname!)

We all loved playing with him. He had a toy steak that when we would throw he would go get it then wanted you to chase him to get it back. He also loved pulling off your socks! Sometimes when he would come in from outside it was like he had gotten in to some loco weed! He would run around really fast and in circles. My dad would always say "He is just a funny guy, I wonder what he is thinking?" Thumper learned quickly that mom was his go to if he wanted anything. She was always giving him tablescraps. Ice cream was his favorite! He was a mama’s boy no doubt, and his throne was with her at the foot of the recliner. Anytime I moved he would stay w/ my parents. He would moan and act anxious if she were not there. He was a yapper and would bark at anyone that was not my mom, dad, bro, or I. There was only one exception, he never barked at my grandma (dads mom). We always used to say that he was my dog, born on my brothers birthday, and sleeped with my parents! He was not a big fan of being held. My mom could hold him the longest without him squirming. My dad would do it just to aggrevate him! He used to freak out at the thought of me holding him. My parents said he could probably sense the unsteadiness in my hands. We think he might have gotten claustrophobic from when he was born. Maybe the other puppies squeezed him. I am not sure it is a guess. When he was 14 he ended up having all of his teeth pulled except for 8 of them. His tongue would hang out of the side of his mouth. Gene Simmons had some competition during this time! He was no longer able to control his tongue and eat right. So we would hand feed him, and he was picky. Yes that we includes uncoordinated me. Can you just imagine that one! He would devour Chick-Fil-A nuggets from anyone’s hands though! That's my boy is all I am saying! He got that from me, I love me some Chick-fil-A as well! As time grew closer to his passing he began having troubles holding his bladder. Now I think he may have had troubles but he knew where he was making his deposits, because he would barricade me in with his poop! If I went anywhere I would roll over it. I have been there and done that, and having poop in your wheelchair wheels is no fun. So I would just sit there till someone came home. He was like having a kid or part of the family, and letting him go was so extremely hard on us all. My mom told me that her and my dad both cried themselves to sleep that night. I still find myself thinking of him and getting teary eyed. For example, typing this post has not made for a dry eye!

My parents are both saying exne on getting any more pets, but my moms knees get weak and her eyes light up when she sees another dog.

Do you have a pet story you would like to share? Thanks for taking the time to read,
Miss S

CAN U SAY 'EMBARISSING'???

At the end of May I turned 16 (1990). My brother and I never had parties growing up, but my grandma (dads mom) would always make us a cake, and we would get gifts from the immediate fam. As we got older we would just have a Twinkie, and put a candle in it while the fam would sing to us. Also, we would normally get money for our day to spend on what we wanted. So with money in my hands from the birthday, and from making A’s on my report card (we got a dollar per A!) My cousin Syl and I went shopping at the mall.

My wheelchair had come in that I ordered, so I decided I would use it at the mall, since there would be a lot of traveling. Going anywhere with Syl was great. She had a way of making me feel like I was no different. That is what helped so much for me to be comfortable taking my wheelchair. Beside that it was an awesome candy apple red color, and Syl's Mom wrote my name in calligraphy on the back!

Syl and I had been in the mall for several hours, and was yet to find a piece of clothing to try on. So we stopped at the food court to quench our thirst on a Chick-fil-A soda. We ended up getting a big gulp and sharing it. I am not a big drinker (alcohol or any other kind) but I was thirsty. It did not take long for us to finish the drink. The mall was going to be closing soon, and I had to go to the restroom. So off we went, but on the way there with this outfit hanging in the window and being to cute. It was just my luck that we have traveled every store in the mall and did not find a single outfit to try on except when the mall was ready to close. Not to mention that we were on a mission to make it to the bathroom. But I really liked this outfit. So I had an all important decision to make. I could go to the bathroom, or hold it and go try on the outfit. Syl told me that if I felt I could hold it that we would stop at a station when we left. I was going to her house to stay the night, and she did not live near the mall. I felt as though I could hold it even though I had to go pretty bad. So into the store we went (the store will remain nameless, and the reason you will see) grabbing the outfit, and heading for the dressing room. We had 10 minutes to do this, and anyone who knows me knows it will take more than 10 minutes. With Syl's help I knew I could do it. The pants was the first thing I tried on. They were long, black, with a stirrup style. I was surprised how easy that was to get on. Now comes the top. It was made to look like you had on two blouses. There was material sewn in to the sleeves, bottom, and top of the blouse giving it the layered look. Because the top of the shirt was sewn together so well it was tight getting it on over my head. I lost my balance as it went pitch dark from the shirt being pushed over my head several times with force because it was so tight! I fell against the wall. I hit hard the wall hard, and know the people next to us in the dressing room had to have heard it. I have a tendency at times to laugh when nothing is wrong. I was not hurt, so I began to laugh. Syl quietly told me to be quiet because the people in the next room would get suspicious of what we were doing in there. The visual that took place as I thought of what the people were picturing as they heard the noise on the wall from my head hitting it, and the laughter from the room made me laugh even more. At that moment my kidneys decided to release, and go right down the pair of pants I tried on! I was trying so hard to stop it before it became a stream, but it would not stop. The next plan was to get them off without Syl noticing. So I looked in a mirror quickly, and decided that the outfit was not for me (I wonder why?). She took off the shirt, and while she was hanging it back on my hanger I began taking off my pants. I was also afraid she was going to start smelling it (EEEWWW, I know)! I got the pants off in record time, and told her that I could hang the pants backup. So she let me. We left but not before putting back the outfit on the rack. Syl had no clue as to what just happened. I just wanted to leave quickly. As soon as we made it to the parking garage I started laughing at what I did. Another tip about me is that when I am laughing I cannot do anything else. Syl knowing this does not say a word to me until after I am in the car. She started the car, but would not drive off until she knew why I was laughing. Talking about it made me laugh too. It took her a minute to decode what I was saying, but she did. She couldn't hold back her laughter at that point! She was probably scared thinking that I might finish in her car if she didn't hurry!

So off we went to the Quick-Trip down the street. As we arrived I left my wheelchair in the trunk for it would take too long to assemble, and I still had some business to finish if you know what I am talking about! We go up to the cashier and ask him where his restroom is. He proceeds to tell us that they do not have a public restroom here that it is for employees only. Syl gave him the emergency look mixed with a little deer getting caught in the headlights look, and told him that I was disabled, and really needed to go to the restroom. So to please make an exception. Of course he didn't want to be the bad man who deprived the poor little disabled girl to potty:) So he agreed. After that we had to go by my house so I could change, and then we left. I laugh so hard when I think about this story, and even had a hard time typing it due to laughing!

Moral of this story: Wash everything you buy before wearing it, because you never
know who tried it on or what they did in it!

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

MY 10TH GRADE YEAR! 89-90

On a general spectrum 10th grade was okay. It was weird without my sidekick (Kari) around. I felt as though I didn’t have to try as hard at friendships. I automatically belonged just by being in her presence, so that made things different for me. Due to the new found confidence in myself that I got through my amazing friendship with her, my wonderful summer at camp, and that empowering event for MDA that made things easier for me. Yes, my bro was now a senior but we were Only bro and sis if you get my drift. Physically I did not seem that I really progressed much, and was still stubborn.

As the door had opened up for me the summer before with my speaking engagement I decided to take speech class the following year in school. This was also the first year that speech was offered in my school. Our teacher had informed us that there would be a contest near the end of the semester. It had to be a debatable speech and that we should start preparing for it. This was the first speech contest that our high school had ever been entered into. I wanted to give it a whirl, so me and a few other students signed up. I came home a nervous wreck not knowing what I was going to speak about. I told my parents what I was doing, and my dad goes “hold on a minute”. He goes into his bedroom, and comes out with a bunch of notecards. He said he did this speech in Junior College over abortion, and got a B on it handing me the notecards. I read it and it was really good. It was not pro-life or pro-choice per se it was more like I am going to give you the facts and let you decide which road to take. I read it over several times and every time I read it I liked it even more. Of course I had to do a lot of tweeking to it to make it sound like it was from 1990 and not 1965! I was happy with what I had done. My dad had a Barney Fife look (Andy Griffith Show), held his head high, and often reminded me that it was his speech and that I owe him! So off to the contest I went. Still being stubborn I did not bring a wheelchair and wore a dress with dress shoes! Everyone looked so sophisticated and very smart in their. That was intimidating to me, but I went in there with confidence of knowing I could bring it! Right before it was my turn to go on my palms got sweaty, and the butterflies were in full force in my stomach. When it was my turn I began to speak and all my anxieties went away as I was in my element. We went to an assembly where they gave out the awards. I knew I did well, but did not expect to get an award. There were people that had competed in these kind of contests for a long time, but J Lo and behold it I didn't get first place! It was an awesome feeling. Of course, my dad was strutting around like he was the winner. He couldn’t believe it because he only got a B on it! I told him that is what happens when you leave things up to a female!! LOL

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

I LOVE THE 80'S (THE OTHER HALF) [edited]

What a time of reflection, and a time to say "What in the heck was I thinking?" Where do I begin! I guess I will start with my fashion statement from my head to the toes.

THE HAIRSTYLE
The bigger the better! We used to call the waterfall look to my bangs the doener! Aqua net hairspray was my best friend as it was the only thing that would hold my hair so stiff that nothing could tear that baby down! For a couple of years I tried to go with a short hairdo. But needless to say I looked like Raggedy Ann as she got her finger stuck in a light socket! Several years ago as I was visiting my friend Jen I showed her some pictures of me back in the day. I showed her one when I was sporting this hairdo. She could not get over how hilarious it was. We call it the JT hairdo because it is like Justin Timberlake's hair when he was on N'sync. The group was popular at that time when I showed her the picture. I would sing, "It's gonna be me!!" That's all I have to say about that!


THE CLOWN FACEI started wearing makeup in sixth grade (85-‘86). I did not have a makeup trainer, and it showed! I was all about the blue eye shadow, and liquid foundation that I would use so much that it would leave a mark on my chin line. I was also wearing eyeliner and mascara. I know what you must be thinking, How do I still have eyes right? Even the mascara was blue. Forget the fact that I was a drunk, I think this was the real reason I never got any boys!! That's all I have to say about that!

THE WARDROBEAs far as the clothes arena goes the fashion police probably would have arrested me! I wore the long t-shirts that I would bunch to one side and weave through this jewelry thing. I don't even get that, but okay! There was no way that my mom would fathom the idea of spending $60 on a pair of jeans for the triangle label that said “Guess” on the back pocket. But one of my Aunts worked at a thrift store, and they had a pair of bright green carpenter guess jeans. Instead of the triangle logo on the back it was a little rectangular patch on the knee of the pocket. You had to be up close to see it. They cost me two dollars, and I wore those pants until I could wear them no more! I have long legs, and after a few washes I was wading in some high water, but that did not keep me from wearing them! And when I wanted to “get physical” Olivia Newton-John style I had some leg warmers and sweat bands! It was cool to own a pair of jelly shoes. I had a hard time walking anyway I do not know what made me look cool in jelly shoes. I also had a generic pair of Keds with the shoe laces that had the “totally awesome” sayings on them. I am still alive, and without therapy I might add! And that is all I have to say about that.

Music was even a bigger part of my life. As I would hold my tape recorder to my alarm clock radio so I could record the latest songs from Casey Kasem. Or sing along on my little Star Studio (Karioke machine). It was my refuge from the storm! Concerts were also an enjoyment for me to go to. My first concert was in 1986 when I saw Bryan Duncan, a Christian singer, with my youth group. I even got my picture taken with him at the time! He was a cutie patootie. I absolutely loved him, and saw him three more times in concert after that. I also had been to see George Strait and Clint Black during the 80s. It was awesome! It was around the time when YO MTV raps and hip-hop began to surface. My brother loved that. Two songs that I remember hearing that most was, "The Freaks Come Out at Night" and "Money, Money, Money, Money, Cash Money!" My cousin, who lived with us, was getting ready to go into the Army, and gave my brother and I a bunch of his stuff. He gave me his cassette by the group Poison called "Look What the Cat Dragged in!" I played that thing until the cassette tape broke. If my hair would have only looked as good as some of those 80s rock bands, LOL! I always thought Sebastian Bach from Skid Row’s hair was the bomb! Bon Jovi and his tush was up there to in my book!

In the movie category I was all in to anything directed by John Hughes. For example, 16 Candles, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club. There is more I know, but I cannot think. That was until 1987 when I put them in the corner so I could see Baby and Johnny have the time of their life! I was so obsessed with the movie Dirty Dancing that I remember buying a pound of peanut M&M’s, renting the movie, and watching it like four times in one setting while eating the entire bag of M&M's. The next morning I had the biggest zit on my nose. I wonder why? I knew that movie by heart, and had both of the soundtracks for it. I had the biggest crush on Patrick Swayze. I had five or six posters of him hanging on my pink walls! I bet I could have danced in a straight line with him as my dance instructor! I still show the movie my love and watch it every time I know it is on TV. I also have a DVD of it.

Most of my TV viewing pleasure was found on MTV, but there were few shows that I could not miss. My friend Tonya and I liked Doogie Howser M.D. so much that we would record it, and get several hours of it on their. The episodes would come on Wednesday night's when we were both at church. I would go over to Tonya's house, and we would watch it while sharing a big bowl of popcorn. On Saturday mornings I was starting the day getting my Zach Morris fix with Saved by the Bell! I also loved the show Life Goes On. Finally, someone with a disability gets an acting gig! LOL God love Corky!!

I cannot forget to mention that you were too cool for school if your locker in middle school was all decorated and guarded with a pound puppy. I also had a cabbage patch kid. Carrying the birth certificate around made me feel like a grown up!

This was fun reminiscing with you, and now it is to your turn to share. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S1

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Sometime in August MDA asked me if I would want to go to a fundraiser on behalf of everyone with neuromuscular diseases. They said that all I would have to do is just be there and smile. I agreed to go. I went with one of the ladies (Cecilia) who worked for MDA.

The fundraiser was something that the Jaycees had done, and they were holding a convention about it (and overlooking their whole year) at one of Oklahoma State University's buildings in Stillwater Oklahoma. For those of you who do not know much about the Jaycees it is a nonprofit organization held for men (back in the day) and now women 18-40 to help gain knowledge about business and everyday life. They do a lot of volunteering and service projects.

When we arrived their were about 350 people there. I was thinking that it sure was a good thing all I had to do was smile! Then Cecilia asked me if it would be okay to say a couple of words. I said, “You want me to do what?" She said thank you would be fine. I then go into freak out my mode! So we both when up to the front microphones. Cecilia did most of the talking about MDA and the things they provide. As we were standing up there everything she is saying sounds like an adult figure from the Charlie Brown cartoons! Yes I was standing. I didn't bring the wheelchair along. I knew we wouldn't be walking very far or very much. In my mind I looked more disabled when I was in it. I am sure I was paid more attention to with my drunken self walking instead of rolling! I had so many butterflies in my stomach from looking out over the crowd. Thank you was all I had to say, but I went over and over saying that in my head so I wouldn't forget! It was my turn and she was about to hand it over to me. I was not sure any thing would come out of my mouth as I looked out over at the crowd in fear. I got close to the microphone, and the words came rolling off my tongue like I had done it before. It wasn't that bad and felt kind of good being the center of attention in that way. I remembered what it was like in middle school when I won the Wheel of Fortune contest, and how it felt to be in front of all the other students. Can't remember exactly what I said, but it was more than thank you. When we left the stage I got tons of complements for doing such a good job. It made me feel so good. Cecilia told me that I looked like a pro and seemed so comfortable being up there! It all gave me so much confidence. We went from there to this really good pizza joint, and then stopped by the ever so famous Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater Oklahoma. I had an awesome time.

That day sparked something in me, and have been public speaking, been an ambassador, chairpersom, motivator, and doing volunteer work for the past 17 years for them! I have done some amazing things, and met some of the most amazing people. The list could go on forever. I will continue doing what I can for MDA. For all they have done and are doing still for me I feel that this is the least I can do to pay them back. Due to my FA my speech is effected. I sound like a little girl who got into her parents liquor cabinet! It has gotten worse throughout the years, but has not stopped me from talking! Just ask anyone who knows me!!

Tell me about something you enjoy doing, and the effect it has had on you?

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

HELP! I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP!!

One week after camp…

I was so excited about the previous week that I was telling everybody. My friend Tonya wanted to hear all about it so we arranged for me to stay the night at her house after church on Wednesday night. So I wore my camp T-shirt and brought my annual so she could see it. There were no elevators to get to the upstairs to go to the youth room for the service, not to mention the steps were very steep (of course isn’t that always the way it goes!) So, after the service I grabbed Tonya’s arm and off we headed to go down the stairs. Only right before we began that journey I fell back and landed on the floor. I was screaming because I knew something was out of whack. I raised my head up to look at my body, and realized that my knee cap was not where it should be. All I needed was some help to straighten my leg so that I could pop it back into place. It had happened before, and I could do it myself but this time I was needing help. People were running to my rescue, Tonya was freaking out thinking she did something wrong, I was cussing, people were praying, and someone finally got a hold of 911! It was crazy. Meanwhile this guy who I had a major crush on gave me his Bible to rest under my head. Now I am in pain but got caught up in the moment of the sweet gesture. While he is probably hoping that God's Word would somehow seep into my brain to fix my language! No one would help me try to straighten my leg to pop the ankle back into place. They were afraid to screw it up even more, so we just waited on the ambulance. I do not blame them, although at the time I was not a happy camper! My grandma was also an onlooker who never left my side. Neither one of my parents were home. I did not know where my dad or mom was to get a hold of.

As the ambulance arrived they would not straighten my knee either, so they put something on their to stabilize it until I got to the emergency room. Tonya and her family, my grandma, and majority of the youth group met me at the hospital. In the ambulance it was the two drivers and myself. They had given me some laughing gas to ease my pain. We were having a good old time in the ambulance after that! I was telling some of the stupidest jokes that are gut wrenching funny when you are on something. Probably something like: What did one tomato say to the other tomato when it realized it was going to slow? KETCH-UP!!! ROFL, LOL! I remember those guys saying that they wished all the sick people they picked up were like me!

While I was on the stretcher waiting for the doctor I remembered where my Mom was. So they went to give her a call, and she was on her way. The doctor came in lifted my leg and popped my knee cap back into socket. I was like, “pop pop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is!” I thought I would just be able to get off the table and go on about my business. WRONG, due to the fact that my knee had been out of socket so long fluid had built up a round where the knee cap should have been. They put a knee brace on my knee, but even then I was not able to put pressure on that leg. My mom had gotten there at that time. Tonya and her family jokingly said to me, "If you didn't want to stay the night with us all you had to do was say so!” LOL.

For the next month and a half I wore that leg brace. Every day got better and I seemed to be able to put more and more pressure on it. It was like I had to learn how to walk all over again. My dad was so patient with me during this time. Again I felt I had no other option but to walk. I started my 10th grade year using the brace. After the first few weeks I would just wear it for security during school but take it off at home to gain confidence without it.

After going through the headache of borrowing the wheelchair again from MDA we decided that it would be a good idea to get my own wheelchair. This made me so completely sad, but again motivated me to fight to stay on my feet longer so I would not have to use it. The doctors were shocked that I was not already permanently using the wheelchair full-time. Some people think that going to pick out "a new toy" would make them happy. I am always sad any time I have to get "a new toy" because of my FA. I go through those five stages of grief again every time.

I have decided to not end this post on a sad note. So here is another joke for you: What do you call a ghost bee???? A boobee!!!! HEHEHOHO, ROFL! Don’t get me started!

It is your turn, got a joke to share? Or a trial in your life to share? I would love to hear. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

MY VERY FIRST SUMMER AT MDA CAMP:)

David D. had a method to his madness when he brought Bobby Jo and I together. Not only was it for friendship, but also to encourage me to come to MDA summer Camp.

What is summer camp you ask?
It is a weeklong experience for those with neuromuscular diseases (MD) ages 6-21 years. It is divided into two different weeks, 6-12 year-olds and 13-21 year-olds. It is held at an accessibly friendly camp site where there are no barriers. We have a one-on-one counselor to help us with our daily tasks and activities. Everything is geared so that we get every opportunity to participate in the activities. You name it, and we can do it. There is horseback riding, power soccer, hockey, arts and crafts, talent shows, dances, fishing, boating, swimming, and the list could go on. I have never known one person who did not like summer camp. Even the counselors a lot of times get more out of it than the campers. Ask monkeyposh (aka Jen)? Memories and friendships are two of the favorite things that come from MDA Camp (I feel). This sounds like a great opportunity to do a plug for MDA summer camp!! So, if anyone is interested in being a counselor at summer camp you must be at least 16 years old. I know there is always a need for volunteers to be a counselor. You would not regret it, I can promise you that! If you are within the ages of 6-21 and have a neuromuscular disease I encourage you to go to camp if you have not already. From one former camper to one another it is a week of no worries and nothing but a good time! To find out where your local MDA office is to inquire about camp you may go to www.mda.org. There is also more information about camp (by the by, it is free!) there!

After hearing all of the wonderful things about camp I still had apprehensions about going somewhere where I did not know anybody. My self-esteem was not the best, and felt there would be a room full of people to single me out to make fun of. Bobby Jo had been to summer camp several times. Knowing her really made all the decision easier for me to go. We would write back and forth, and she would share of her fun times there. Not only did I know that she would be there, but my friend Kari agreed to go as my counselor! Kari was also in the same business class as my brother, and wanted to go to camp before she knew about me. There would be too familiar faces there for me so my nerves grew calm, and now excited to go!

Because I did not own a wheelchair at the time David D. called on me to borrow one while at camp. I was not sure I was ever going to use it that week, but Bobby Jo and David D. kept telling me that the walking distances were far, and it would be good to have one around just in case. I was stubborn though, but agreed he could bring it. About two days before Kari and I were to get on the bus to go to camp I stubbed my big toe. This was a regular occurrence when I would walk without shoes. That was my stubborn streak yet again, because I knew better! Now every time I would step on that foot I would be in pain, and it through my balance off even more because I would try to use that foot less than the other. I began to cry and wonder about even going, but Kari gave me a pep talk and off we went.

The actual camp site in Oklahoma was about two hours from where I lived. So everyone that lived by me also took the bus. That was quite the experience for me. Majority of the campers who were going on the bus used wheelchairs. I was taken back and suddenly did not feel different. Everyone was very nice so far, and I was excited to see what was to come.

When we got to camp we met up with the other people from Oklahoma who were already there. We got settled in to our cabin. I was in a room with Bobby Jo as we had planned. Everyone met up at the mess hall. The first thing we did was to have a hug-a-thon. This is where everyone just hugs everyone. I was not a very affectionate person at that time so I was just kind of staying to myself. This counselor named Jason came over to me and gave me the biggest hug, and told me how glad he was that I came. I was so incredibly speechless. Not only was he a guy, but he was a cute guy! This just doesn't happen to me ever. From that point on I was the most affectionate person! LOL. Just kidding. We all went into the next room for dinner. I caught myself staring at this guy while he ate. He did not have any arms and was in a wheelchair. His counselor was feeding him. They were both laughing and having a good time. At that moment I thought to myself, "What the heck am I griping for?” He had to deal with so many more obstacles than I did, but yet he was still happy. I definitely reevaluated myself at that moment. After dinner we had a meet and greet party. When we returned back to the cabin for the evening I took off my sock and my toe was black and blue. It was a relief for my toe, and it was then I realized that David D. and Bobby Jo were right. So I swallowed my pride, and used the wheelchair when getting place to place after that. That was a huge deal for me and felt like I was giving up in a since. My stubborn mind was not focusing on the fact that it was safer for me, and would give me more energy to focus on having a good time. I later did realize that, but was not a happy camper!! Every year there is a theme for camp. This year it was called "making the difference" and one evening we all watched that movie "The Wiz" with Michael Jackson. This was when he was actually black! I even got an award for having the best Dorothy hairdo at the Talent Show! Throughout the week I learned how to laugh, give warm fuzzies (complements), to look at myself in a different light and realize that differences aren't always bad, to have confidence in being me, to have more of an open mind, and tons of camp songs. There was not one thing we did during that week that I could not participate in. What a feeling! Not only did I get to know Bobby Jo better, but there were tons of folks that I could relate to. I felt like I was one of the majority instead of being one of the minority. Near the end of the week we had a dance. It was so much fun to let loose and not worry about dancing with my two left feet! I had my very first slow dance with a boy! This was very different than the broomstick I was used to at home, LOL! We danced to the Richard Marx song "Right Here Waiting." Could I have a moment so that I could reflect on that one, LOL! On the last day everyone was filled with the emotions of leaving. We all took time to sign annuals, take pictures, and give many hugs. I had promised to stay in touch with everyone. I never thought I could have had this much fun, and have met as so many wonderful people. I left with anticipation of going back the next year.

My life was forever changed by this. I ended up going to camp for five more great summers. I will talk about them in a future post for I have rambled on long enough about my first summer at camp. Truly, there is not enough room to say what I want to say. Blogger would give me the boot if I tried!

I would love to hear about your camp stories? Thank you for taking the time to read,
Miss S

Some may say you cannot go back in time, but in my dash I say I can!! If American Idol can do it (Idol Rewind) I can to! I know I have only mentioned about my summers at Camp in the past. I did not have a scanner until last year and I had to be very selective about what photos I did end up scanning because I was using the library’s scanner. Now that I can scan any and all the pictures I wanted to do a little rewind so you could see (and with a little more detail about the weeks happenings!). I could just go back and put them on the posts from long ago but I figured they are not many people who go into the archives and just check everything. Summer camp always meant the world to me and I wanted to be sure everybody got a chance to see.


Before I begin talking about what happened that week I will refresh my readers about summer camp. MDA summer camp was held for individuals with Muscular Dystrophy who were between the ages 6 to 21 for a whole week. Ww would each have a counselor. There were two different sessions one for ages 6 to 12 and the other session was 13 to 21. It was held in Guthrie Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Christian Camp. At the time it was one of the most accessible and barrier free places I had ever been. It was free to campers and counselors for the week. I gained so many different things from having attended. Friendships that will never end and memories that will last forever. I met one of my closest friends during my first year at summer camp(that was 20 years ago…EEEEKS). I love you Jen! I am also still in touch with quite a few folks thanks to e-mail, myspace, and facebook. I have also gotten the joy of going to the *MDA Adult retreat that started over 2 years ago. (Many warm fuzzies Josh!!) Even though some folks have come and some folks have gone, we are always family! Camp helped my self-esteem sooo much as I was one of the majority instead of one of the minority.

I am saddened to say that my cheap camera broke the first week of camp. My friend Jen tried to send me some photos that she took but could not get them to do right. We did not have digital cameras then, and were working with the little disposable ones a lot. Here is a picture of my counselor, Kari, and I that was taken before summer camp. Kari went to the same high school as me. I was always envious of her. She was so pretty. She could make wearing a T-shirt look good! Look at her T-shirt then look at mine. They are the same shirt just different colors. (I have a post on here in 1989 that is dedicated to her.) I unfortunately do not talk to her anymore. We lost contact about 13 years ago:(

You might not be able too make out real good just by what the annual says. Since I lived in Tulsa my counselor and I loaded a bus that took us to the campsite in Guthrie. The theme that year was “Over the Rainbow”. There were different colors every day. During the middle of the week we would put on our camp T-shirts that would normally apply to the weeks theme and take a group picture by the waterfront.

(CAPTION: I am located in the back on the left side standing next to Kari. If you went to camp and can name anyone in the picture I will give you a prize, LOL!)

(CAPTION: Not too long after posting this I became friends with David D on Facebook and he posted these pics, and I stole them!! So now I have pictures to share! I had every intention of putting them on here before now, but you just can't rush these things!! A huge warm fuzzy goes out to David for not only sharing his pictures with me:) but for also being the person who introduced me to MDA but also to summer camp! Lots of love to you<3 u="">

At this time I was not in a wheelchair but rented one for the week. I tried not to use it all the time, and was told that I was very independent. I had a hard time asking for help. The first night we were there we watched “The Wiz” with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. I think we all gave it a big two thumbs down. On the first full day I got the bonehead award. The bonehead was like a headband with a bone sticking out of each end. You had to wear it all day and not be caught without it otherwise you would have to go around the mess hall as everyone sang a song as you went. The bonehead award was just given if someone (normally a counselor) did something clueless! I locked myself in the bathroom accidentally at the MDA office as we were coming to camp! It was funny and I was glad that everybody else could find the humor in it and not be hesitant to giving it to me. What a way to start out your first year of summer camp than by getting the bonehead award (I think this was the last year they did that too)! We also gave out warm fuzzies, which are complements given to anyone (everyone got one) from anyone (they still do that). I cannot forget the many hug-a-thons we had throughout the week. Besides family members hugs were not a normal in part at all in my daily life. When we first did a hug-a-thon I was a little overwhelmed with all of the hugs I was getting! By the end of the week it was one of my favorite things. Camp would not be camp without camp songs! They were the best! Majority of our early afternoons were spent at the waterfront trying to fish (mostly the guys did that) , canoe, or do the paddle boat’s. Afternoon’s we would go to the swimming pool. Camp was on Fourth of July this year so we watched fireworks, ate ice cream, and had watermelon! On one of the night’s we had a talent show. The talent shows were always a big deal because they were hilarious not to mention that some people really did have talent (that does not include me). This year the skit that sticks out in my mind was the one where Eric D. and Heath T. dressed up like a lion (Eric was the head and Heath was well you know!), and the rest of their boys cabin sang, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”! It sticks out for 2 reasons: 1. I was rolling, and 2. THEY USED MY SHEET TO BE THE LION!!!

(CAPTION: I am not too sure if this was the actual skit, but nonetheless it cracks me up!)

(CAPTION: This is the skit where someone keeps their arms to their side and someone behind them is their arms! Done by counselors. Wish I could tell what they were making them eat, or maybe I don't want to know, EWWW!!)

(CAPTION: I have tried several times to move the pic on the right. I thought I was moving it up the first time and then in stayed stuck where it is at, ugh! I am not computer literate, and have horrible mouse control thanks to my ataxia. So that pic will be sitting pretty right where it's at! And Greg and George do not seem to mind as they are the only person looking at the camera!)  I do not know how but I got it kinda fixed:)

Talented friends would end the talent show by singing “Friends” by Michael W. Smith. They handed out awards and I got one. Don’t kid yourself it was not for my talent but because I had the best Dorothy hairdo (hence the theme)!

One of the days they had a carnival where you could go to different stations and do different things. One of the things was that they held mock marriages! Yes, I got mock married! The lucky guy was Heath. He is the goof in the group photo who is hanging from the tree. Below is a copy of our marriage license and the ring that he designed for me out of yellow pipe cleaner! Now that is love! But the love did not last long for I have not heard from him in about 13 years!! HOW RUDE!!!! I would love to hear from him again and ask him what went wrong!

(CAPTION: Noo, Kari and Greg did not get mock married!! However, if I remember correctly Greg did have a schoolboy crush on Kari! You can kind of tell it to by the big cheese on his face, LOL!)

There was a dance the last night there. All of the girl campers were asked to be dates with guy counselors and the same thing with guy campers and girl counselors. This was a big deal because campers find it very rare in getting the attention from the opposite sex. My date this year was of course my mock husband Heath! We danced with everyone though. This is where I experienced my first slow dance or just a dance period. One of the songs I remember dancing to was “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. I was dancing with a very cute guy named Wes and he kissed me on the cheek. I will never forget that and think of that every time I hear that song.

(CAPTION: It was common for us ladies to pose for pics outside by the trees, great greenery, or in front of the cabins! What Jen did not realize was that her Shaquille O'Neal shorts would not be that years fashion statement!!)

Saying goodbye to everyone was the hardest, but the anticipation of the next year started as soon as we got on the bus to return.

Hope I did not bore you to tears with all of that. Going to camp was one of the greatest times. If you had an unforgettable moment at Camp or elsewhere I would like to hear?

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

*MDA Adult Retreat is not affiliated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.Coming soon: MDA summer camp rewind-1990 (with more pictures!)

MEETING SOMEONE W/FA!!! [edited]

A couple of months after my surgery MDA set up another clinic visit for me during the time that another girl with FA was going to be there. This was not a surprise to me, and I was very nervous. I was thinking, Is she going to act like me? Is she going to talk like me? Is she going to walk like me? All I knew was that she was my age (15) and had FA. When my mom and I first arrived at the clinic we saw someone in the waiting room, but we were not sure if it was the girl I was suppose to meet. The girl was in a wheelchair, and I didn't think that was her. So we just sat and waited for David D. (patient service coordinator for MDA) to introduce us. He came, and then we all met. It was her. Her name was Bobby Jo, and we were both not very talkative to one another at that time. I did not mean to, but I did stare at her. In my mind I was trying to answer those questions I had been thinking about. My mom was full of questions for her Dad. I could not get over the fact that she was in a wheelchair already. I did not really realize that there was different onsets, and that everyone is different in the way that their symptoms react. I felt because we were the same age we would be on the same page as far as our FA goes. Her diagnosis was several years before mine and she had quit walking at the age of 11. Even though we were in different progression stages of FA we were the same. I was not alone, and had someone I could relate to for the first time in my life. Because of that we had an instant bond. We lived in different towns, and knew we wouldn’t get to see each other often. We ended up exchanging home addy’s (no email yet), and became a gossiping duo! I saw her every summer at Camp from that point on until we were 21. That following winter Bobby Jo passed away. I was sad to lose a friend, and even though her passing was not due directly to FA (it was a bad case of pneumonia I think) it made me wonder. But I know I have to keep going and going strong for everything happens for a reason.

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

FRESHMAN YEAR- BACK SURGERY

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

My mom called the MDA as soon as she got the business card from my brother. The first thing they did was sign me up for a neurologist at their clinic. After checking me out the neurologist referred me to a orthopedic surgeon who specialized in back surgeries. The neurologist was quite concerned with my scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The orthopedic surgeon made me feel so comfortable. He was so nice and personable. He told me I had a 54% curvature in my spine, and that he could do a procedure that would correct it as much as possible. I never felt it was curved that bad. Not my old neurologist or even my family doctor at the time was concerned. Not anyone since the elementary school nurse. Although I did know it was curved some because of the teasing I got about being a "hunchback of Notre Dame" in middle school. The surgery was new at that time, but the surgeon had done this several times already successfully. I am not sure what the exact procedure is called besides scoliosis surgery. They put these metal rods (called CD Rods) in my back to hold my spine up straight. I would not need a back brace or any thing to wear after the surgery. I trusted him, and agreed to do it.

I went in the hospital during the week of spring break. The day before I was scheduled my friend Kari spent the night at my house. We stayed up late, ate pizza, and watched E.T. on video (VHS). On the day of the surgery I kissed my parents, and was wheeled from my bed into the ever so cold operating room. One of the nurses came beside me to help me stay calm. All I could see of her face was her eyes for everything else was covered. She had very pretty eyes and long eyelashes. She was also wearing a nice smelling perfume. We were chattin about that stuff when a mask was rudely put over my face! I was told to countdown from 10. Of course, I did not make it and went to sleep. After four hours of surgery the doctor came out to tell my parents that everything went better than he expected. He was able to correct my curvature to 23%! He did not think he would get it corrected that much. When I woke up my eyes were almost swollen shut, and my mouth was like cotton. My mom said my dad was a nervous wreck, and wanted to make sure I was not in pain. I had an IV that would send me pain medication when I pushed a button. It was time released so that I could not overdose on it. My dad knew the schedule, and my mom said he was always going up there pushing the button! It was a couple of days before I even tried sitting up. This is when I really learned that privacy was thrown out the window. From getting sick, going to the bathroom, and taking a shower it was crazy. It was another realization for me not to sweat the small things, and that it is okay to have help. I ended up having a big scar down the middle of my back. I keep thinking I will set off the metal detectors at the airport! This scar makes for a good conversation piece. I usually tell people it was a failed attempt of being cut in half! I spent two weeks in the hospital. I had lot's of visitors. Friends from school this time came, my family, and youth group. I felt very loved. My favorite class was Spanish. Mrs. B’s (Spanish teacher) husband was a very talented and sweet man who made for me a poster that everyone who wanted signed from school. They also had a spring dance the Thursday before spring break began. I did not go and Mr. B had taped it for a senior video he was making. Mr. and Mrs. B brought the video and poster up to the hospital. He rigged up the TV, and showed me the video! It was very sweet. I cannot forget this guy that my brother would pick up for school every day that I thought could have buttered my popcorn quite well If you know what I'm talking about!! He came to see me, and got me the Debbie Gibson cassette! I was thrilled and was such a cheese ball that I dedicated the song from that cassette “Lost in your Eyes,” to him (I am still 14 at this time don’t forget!). I was also in the hospital during Easter and got several Easter bunnies (stuffed animals). My cousin made me a big bucket of noodle nests! I am not a big sweet eater, but love these things. It is like these Chinese egg noodles, and you pour white chocolate over them, and make them into a nest then put jelly beans in them. I haven't had any in a couple of years, but I can make myself sick eating them. Enough about those, but I may be able to talk to my cousin and get the recipe if you would like. They are very easy. Let me know. During that time I was in hospital my grandma (mom's mom) also had went to the hospital. My grandma had lung cancer, and made several trips to the hospital during the past couple of years of her life. We both ended up leaving the hospital on the same day. So we set it up to meet each other in the lobby, and have a wheelchair race! Just kidding.

I knew the road to recovery would be very long, and sometimes painful. It was like I had to learn to do everything differently than I did before because my balance had shifted due to the fact of the surgery. Even getting comfortable sleeping was weird. My grandma (dad's mom) stayed with me while mom and dad worked during the day. Learning to walk again was rough, but there was no other option in my mind. I had to get my strength up so I could return back to school. My dad was very patient with me in helping me to walk. It was then I knew that my days of walking without help of a wall, person, or rail was over. I think I was at home two weeks before I started back to school. I only went half days for the first two weeks. During spring break they had moved my history class from the farthest prefab building to the main building so I wouldn't have far to travel. The great thing about my high school was their support of me. The faculty and staff always made me feel wanted. I was still in my typing class for the first period, and they had rolling chairs to sit on. I had sat on one and it tipt backwards when I leaned on it onto the concrete floor. The teacher felt so bad, but surprisingly it did not hurt. With every passing day it got better and better. If I am in the right position you can feel the rod sticking out of my right shoulder blade. Sounds gross I know, but it does not hurt. The surgeon told me that I what eventually probably need to get the rod restraightened. It horrifies me to think of going under the knife again for that, and dealing with the recovery now that my progression is worse.

Several years ago I went to a orthopedic surgeon for some bursitis in my back. He did an x-ray of my back, and told me that everything looked fine. I was happy to hear that. Everyday (almost), I try to keep my back strength up by doing a stationary hand bike. I think it helps.

I would love to hear your scar stories????????

Thanks for taking the time to read, MISS S