Life is like a time bomb. It could blow at any minute, any second, and it seems like there is nothing you can do to stop it. I was recently in that situation and when I thought I had nothing left I tried doing the unthinkable. But that's because I wasn't thinking.
Life is a game that hits us with challenges that seem impossible. they make us upset, bring us down, and more often then not, a person won't be able to complete the task at hand.
But does that mean you give up and throw everything away? Absolutely not! Things happen that are not our fault. You can do everything right down to the tee and life will throw a punch that knocks us to the ground.
But the person who I know, who is my best friend, and who I love with all my heart is far from being down for the count. Because she is a person who I have faith in more then anyone. And no matter how impossible things may seem to be she always finds a way to make that impossible situation possible.
Know that when you are upset and crying...I'm crying with you. And the people who care about you will always be there to pick you back up and wipe your tears away. It's not the first time something like this has happened and I guarantee you it certainly won't be the last. But when you're presented with grief you learn from it, you grow from it, and it makes you a stronger person in the end.
Everything happens for a reason Piglet and I know you will find a way to make things better again. You are my hero. I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it wasn't for you. And the people who care about you are there to do the same for you.
The one great thing about life is that every day is a new day and we can dust ourselves off and try again. Just take each day one step at a time. Today's history and tomorrow's a mystery. Keep your chin up piglet...we're all here for you whenever you need us. Love you.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Good things come in two
What was I thinking?! Wait...Scratch that, I wasn't thinking at all. As "The CP Optimist" I always took pride in looking at life with a smile...and people who know me will tell you, I literally smiled all the time. But one day it seemed to all change in the blink of an eye.
Why? Because I'm human and no matter how happy I really am Cerebral Palsy just sucks sometimes, plain and simple. Pain is like a demon. It will suck the life force out of you until you think you've reached the brink of death.
I thought I lost control and at times, questioned whether I would make it or not. However, when you have friends like Lizz Raffa and Meaghan Goode that question just isn't an option. They are my friends. In fact, they are the two best friends anyone could ask for.
They make me realize that pain is temporary, but a true friendship will last forever. Sometimes, I wonder what I did to deserve these two. I think we are the only three people who always have fun doing nothing.
Maybe, it's because we need nothing but each other. We have have a bond with each other that words can't even describe. Something, that could never be destroyed.
I will always have fights with pain but with Lizz and Meaghan in my corner the fight will be over before it even starts. I seriously don't know what I would do without them!
I would love to go on and on but if I continue, I think the tears streaming down my cheeks are going to ruin my keyboard. Bottom line is, I love you guys. You are the best two people in my life and you will always have a place in my heart. Thanks for everything! You guys are proof that good things come in two! Love you :)
Why? Because I'm human and no matter how happy I really am Cerebral Palsy just sucks sometimes, plain and simple. Pain is like a demon. It will suck the life force out of you until you think you've reached the brink of death.
I thought I lost control and at times, questioned whether I would make it or not. However, when you have friends like Lizz Raffa and Meaghan Goode that question just isn't an option. They are my friends. In fact, they are the two best friends anyone could ask for.
They make me realize that pain is temporary, but a true friendship will last forever. Sometimes, I wonder what I did to deserve these two. I think we are the only three people who always have fun doing nothing.
Maybe, it's because we need nothing but each other. We have have a bond with each other that words can't even describe. Something, that could never be destroyed.
I will always have fights with pain but with Lizz and Meaghan in my corner the fight will be over before it even starts. I seriously don't know what I would do without them!
I would love to go on and on but if I continue, I think the tears streaming down my cheeks are going to ruin my keyboard. Bottom line is, I love you guys. You are the best two people in my life and you will always have a place in my heart. Thanks for everything! You guys are proof that good things come in two! Love you :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Mo cushla
It's been awhile since you've heard from me. The evidence is clear from the collection of dust on my keyboard. But the person who I'm writing about tonight certainly, without a doubt, clears every spec of dust. I've written about her before. In fact, you may remember her as my guardian angel.
A guardian angel is defined as a being that is assigned to guide and protect a certain person. Lizz Raffa has done just that. She is the one person who can bring you from the brink of destruction and make a person feel like they are larger then life. She is a person who is always honest and will tell it how it is. She is my best friend who I care for more then she can ever imagine.
But recently my guardian angel has been very confused and she realizes she has to make a tough decision in the game of life. I cannot make the decision for her but I certainly can guide and protect her like she's done for me so many times.
Lizz, I want you to remember that you are my heart. When you cry, I cry with you. When you’re happy, I'm happy. And when you need to make a tough decision realize, I may not be there physically but a piece of me will always be with you.
I will always be there to wipe the tears from your face and I will always carry the lessons you've taught me wherever life leads me. When you fall, I'll be there to catch you. (well, at least be able to by you some chocolate doughnut holes) You make everyone a better person for being around you and you need to do what's best for Lizz Raffa and nobody else.
The decision's not easy. In fact, no decision worth anything ever is. But you are my hero a girl who not only plans, but WILL make it far in life. Remember there's no wrong decision, just different consequences with each one. The question is, what consequence best suits you? I will never leave you because you are my Mo cushla, which is gaelic for "my darlin, my blood." I know in my heart that you will be ok. But until then, know that I will be there to catch you.
-
A guardian angel is defined as a being that is assigned to guide and protect a certain person. Lizz Raffa has done just that. She is the one person who can bring you from the brink of destruction and make a person feel like they are larger then life. She is a person who is always honest and will tell it how it is. She is my best friend who I care for more then she can ever imagine.
But recently my guardian angel has been very confused and she realizes she has to make a tough decision in the game of life. I cannot make the decision for her but I certainly can guide and protect her like she's done for me so many times.
Lizz, I want you to remember that you are my heart. When you cry, I cry with you. When you’re happy, I'm happy. And when you need to make a tough decision realize, I may not be there physically but a piece of me will always be with you.
I will always be there to wipe the tears from your face and I will always carry the lessons you've taught me wherever life leads me. When you fall, I'll be there to catch you. (well, at least be able to by you some chocolate doughnut holes) You make everyone a better person for being around you and you need to do what's best for Lizz Raffa and nobody else.
The decision's not easy. In fact, no decision worth anything ever is. But you are my hero a girl who not only plans, but WILL make it far in life. Remember there's no wrong decision, just different consequences with each one. The question is, what consequence best suits you? I will never leave you because you are my Mo cushla, which is gaelic for "my darlin, my blood." I know in my heart that you will be ok. But until then, know that I will be there to catch you.
-
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Fighter
Today's the day! The day where you are ready to bring a piece of yourself into this world. You're so excited you can barely think straight and your heart is going a buck fifty, praying that your newborn miracle will be healthy.
You start thinking to yourself; WOW I'm going to be a parent. I'm going to teach my child how to ride a bike, help them with their homework, and when that big day comes, when I finally have to let go, I will feel pride in knowing that I raised a person who will help shape the world.
Then, in a blink of an eye, you hear a code blue over the NICU intercom and you've just learned that medical personnel have brought your daughter from the brink of death. You see that your child is in shock and needs to be moved immediately to another hospital with more advanced medical equipment. The only problem is, if you move your child, there's a possibility she will never make it alive.
I can imagine how easy it would be to just give up and completely break down. Honestly, I don't know what I would do. However, for the man who I call "The Fighter" giving up is not an option.
You see, "The Fighter" was born in a Christian household and knew that the fate of his daughter was in God's hands. He quickly searched for the nearest chapel and begged God to save his precious daughter. The next morning, he was the first family member to visit her. As "The Fighter" walked up to where his daughter lay, he grasped her right hand and said, "you are my little angel."
Immediately after, his daughter opened her eyes for the first time. That's when "The Fighter" knew that him and his wife were going to be able to eventually bring their daughter home. "The Fighter's" daughter had received damage to her Cerebral Cortex due to lack of Oxygen too the brain and needed to receive blood transfusions to help counteract her seizure disorder.
Two weeks after his daughter's birth "The Fighter's" prayers were answered and he was finally able to take his daughter home. Amazingly, she had no seizures for a little over a year, and could walk with her parents help. Although, shortly after, the seizures had regained control of her body forcing her too only be able to crawl for the next seventeen years.
When "The Fighter" would see his daughter suffer he would suffer too. But he would never forget his promise to keep pushing and help his daughter live a fulfilling life. Her seizure disorder would require numerous medications over the years and she is non-verbal. But "The Fighter" is able to understand what his daughter wants through hand movements and different emotions.
You see, there is more to his daughter then what meets the eye. She is loving, caring, and a great human being. People just need to take a little more time too see it and look at the great person within. Despite her physical pain, she always manages to smile and giggle. "The Fighter's" daughter even managed to attend special ed classes and was able to dance at her prom with her class. She is a true example of how it is possible to beat the odds.
Her Cerebral Palsy has caused her muscle control too diminish over the years. But three decades later, with the help of her parents and a heart that's bigger then life itself, she keeps going. As far as "The Fighter" is concerned, they are going the distance!
You start thinking to yourself; WOW I'm going to be a parent. I'm going to teach my child how to ride a bike, help them with their homework, and when that big day comes, when I finally have to let go, I will feel pride in knowing that I raised a person who will help shape the world.
Then, in a blink of an eye, you hear a code blue over the NICU intercom and you've just learned that medical personnel have brought your daughter from the brink of death. You see that your child is in shock and needs to be moved immediately to another hospital with more advanced medical equipment. The only problem is, if you move your child, there's a possibility she will never make it alive.
I can imagine how easy it would be to just give up and completely break down. Honestly, I don't know what I would do. However, for the man who I call "The Fighter" giving up is not an option.
You see, "The Fighter" was born in a Christian household and knew that the fate of his daughter was in God's hands. He quickly searched for the nearest chapel and begged God to save his precious daughter. The next morning, he was the first family member to visit her. As "The Fighter" walked up to where his daughter lay, he grasped her right hand and said, "you are my little angel."
Immediately after, his daughter opened her eyes for the first time. That's when "The Fighter" knew that him and his wife were going to be able to eventually bring their daughter home. "The Fighter's" daughter had received damage to her Cerebral Cortex due to lack of Oxygen too the brain and needed to receive blood transfusions to help counteract her seizure disorder.
Two weeks after his daughter's birth "The Fighter's" prayers were answered and he was finally able to take his daughter home. Amazingly, she had no seizures for a little over a year, and could walk with her parents help. Although, shortly after, the seizures had regained control of her body forcing her too only be able to crawl for the next seventeen years.
When "The Fighter" would see his daughter suffer he would suffer too. But he would never forget his promise to keep pushing and help his daughter live a fulfilling life. Her seizure disorder would require numerous medications over the years and she is non-verbal. But "The Fighter" is able to understand what his daughter wants through hand movements and different emotions.
You see, there is more to his daughter then what meets the eye. She is loving, caring, and a great human being. People just need to take a little more time too see it and look at the great person within. Despite her physical pain, she always manages to smile and giggle. "The Fighter's" daughter even managed to attend special ed classes and was able to dance at her prom with her class. She is a true example of how it is possible to beat the odds.
Her Cerebral Palsy has caused her muscle control too diminish over the years. But three decades later, with the help of her parents and a heart that's bigger then life itself, she keeps going. As far as "The Fighter" is concerned, they are going the distance!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Finding out who you really are in life
Throughout my life I've always felt like I knew who I was. A person who loved life with a smile on his face, never looking back. As life rolls along we are presented with obstacles. And I truly believe that each obstacle we are presented with, is a test. A test that we can either fail, or pass with flying colors.
However, what's most important is that we don't ignore the test or act like it doesn't exist. There are no notes or study guides, nobody to tell us how to pass, and no ways of cheating. This test by far, is the biggest test you will ever take.
Bigger then your high school final, bigger then your college exams, or bigger than the presentation you must present at work for your big promotion. The test I'm talking about ladies and gentleman, is life.
Life is a constant battle, a constant struggle. Every person at some point, must find out who they really are and who they really want to be in life. Right now I'm dealing with this very test. I don't know who I really am. In fact, I feel like there is a hole inside of me that everyone can see through.
This is not a bad thing. Like I said before, it's life. However, to pass my test I feel like I must search myself and see if I can fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. I still have a lot of growing to do and I'm still confused about where I'm going, but I do know where I want to end up.
I want to continue being that person who always goes through life with a smile and no matter what happens, I will always see the goodness in people rather then the bad. Because the reality is, I am truly blessed and I have all of you to thank for it. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Matthew Powell ("The CP Optimist")
However, what's most important is that we don't ignore the test or act like it doesn't exist. There are no notes or study guides, nobody to tell us how to pass, and no ways of cheating. This test by far, is the biggest test you will ever take.
Bigger then your high school final, bigger then your college exams, or bigger than the presentation you must present at work for your big promotion. The test I'm talking about ladies and gentleman, is life.
Life is a constant battle, a constant struggle. Every person at some point, must find out who they really are and who they really want to be in life. Right now I'm dealing with this very test. I don't know who I really am. In fact, I feel like there is a hole inside of me that everyone can see through.
This is not a bad thing. Like I said before, it's life. However, to pass my test I feel like I must search myself and see if I can fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. I still have a lot of growing to do and I'm still confused about where I'm going, but I do know where I want to end up.
I want to continue being that person who always goes through life with a smile and no matter what happens, I will always see the goodness in people rather then the bad. Because the reality is, I am truly blessed and I have all of you to thank for it. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Matthew Powell ("The CP Optimist")
Thursday, December 2, 2010
My Guardian Angel
Over this past month I’ve done a lot of thinking. I thought about where my life was going, if I was happy with myself, and wondering if I was moving in the right direction.
At first, I was very discontent. It seemed like everything was going wrong. My muscles were sore, my writing was far from good, and the girl who I thought was “the one” didn’t share the same feelings as I did.
For those who knew me, everything was on the up-and-up. I was still optimistic, I carried a smile on my face, and everything seemed to be flowing with ease. However, deep in the depths of my soul, I was screaming for someone to save me and it seemed like nobody was listening, or so I thought.
Somebody was listening, although I’m not sure if I realized it at first. Lizz Raffa has only been my friend for a short amount of time, but I feel comfortable telling her anything. She’s the kind of person who tells it how it is and she will drop anything, just to help a friend in need.
If you need someone to put a smile on your face, you go to Lizz. Even if you’re only with her for five minutes she somehow makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. She is the one person who’s been there for me in good times and in bad.
When the girl who I cared for rejected me, Lizz was there to pick up the pieces and assure me that the right person is out there. She made me realize that when I finally do find that right person it will be the greatest feeling in the world. Who knows? Maybe she is closer to me then I think.
She taught me to open my eyes and appreciate what I have right in front of me. She gave me the high I needed to keep pushing and when I’m falling I know I could count on her to catch me.
Most importantly, when I’m with Lizz my CP doesn’t exist. Even if it’s just for a few seconds, I’m pain free. You see, Lizz doesn’t see a guy with a hurt leg. Lizz sees me for who I really am, a good friend.
I don’t know how I will ever repay her but I do know this. Lizz Raffa was the friend who saved me in every way possible when I was crying for help. I know she will always be there for me and I will always be there for her. She is a friend who I care about deeply, my guardian angel.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Finding your Shooting Star
In the 1995 film "Jack" actor Robin Williams plays Jack Powell. A 10 year old boy who ages three times faster than the average person. He has the look of a man in his mid thirties, but has the spark and innocence of a little boy.
Throughout his whole life Jack has been home schooled by his teacher and best friend Mr. Woodruff who is played by actor Bill Cosby. Mr. Woodruff recommends to Jack's parents that they should allow him to experience a regular class room. At first, his parents were worried. They weren't worried about Jack accepting the world, they were worried about the world accepting Jack.
On his first day, he faces a lot of ridicule from the other kids. They call him the giant, a freak, and accuse him of not really being ten years old. Even when Jack receives negative comments he never loses his strive to be treated like everyone else.
One day Jack meets his classmate Louis who needs a favor. He needs Jack to pretend to be the school principal and convince his mother that Louis is not acting out in school. Jack agrees to do it and succeeds beyond all measure. From then on, Jack and Louis become best friends. Their friendship allowed the other students to realize that jack is a cool kid.
As the film progresses, so does Jack's disease. He becomes so ill that he eventually goes back to being home schooled. Jack enters a dark moment in his life. Simple tasks are hard for him, he doesn't want to learn anymore, and you get the feeling he's lost his desire to live. His friends have become concerned. They go to his house every day asking if Jack could come out and play. Jack doesn't want to see anyone, the only person he sees is his teacher Mr. Woodruff. One day Mr. Woodruff decides to leave. Jack tells him "he can't quit."
Mr. Woodruff says he is not quitting, but he considers himself losing a student. He asks Jack if he ever saw a shooting star. He tells Jack it's amazing, some people don't even get to see one, it's so incredible the world just stops and watches, and you were my shooting star. Jack responds by telling Mr. Woodruff "I just want to be a regular star." Mr. Woodruff tells Jack, "you'll never be regular, you're spectacular."
Jack realizes Mr. Woodruff is right and returns to school to be with his friends. When Jack walks in, the classroom roared with joy, and at that very moment Louis was making an oral presentation on what he wanted to be when he grew up. I want to be like the giant, the big guy, my best friend, Jack.
This story is powerful not just if you have an illness, but in all aspects of life. When you hit a rough patch no matter what that may be, remember,
everyone has something in them that allows them to be a shooting star. It could be as simple as greeting someone who is having a bad day. Never allow yourself to settle for being regular. Never let anyone ridicule you for who you really are. Also, try not to be too upset with the person who is ridiculing you. Because they have taken the time to sop and watch.
Throughout his whole life Jack has been home schooled by his teacher and best friend Mr. Woodruff who is played by actor Bill Cosby. Mr. Woodruff recommends to Jack's parents that they should allow him to experience a regular class room. At first, his parents were worried. They weren't worried about Jack accepting the world, they were worried about the world accepting Jack.
On his first day, he faces a lot of ridicule from the other kids. They call him the giant, a freak, and accuse him of not really being ten years old. Even when Jack receives negative comments he never loses his strive to be treated like everyone else.
One day Jack meets his classmate Louis who needs a favor. He needs Jack to pretend to be the school principal and convince his mother that Louis is not acting out in school. Jack agrees to do it and succeeds beyond all measure. From then on, Jack and Louis become best friends. Their friendship allowed the other students to realize that jack is a cool kid.
As the film progresses, so does Jack's disease. He becomes so ill that he eventually goes back to being home schooled. Jack enters a dark moment in his life. Simple tasks are hard for him, he doesn't want to learn anymore, and you get the feeling he's lost his desire to live. His friends have become concerned. They go to his house every day asking if Jack could come out and play. Jack doesn't want to see anyone, the only person he sees is his teacher Mr. Woodruff. One day Mr. Woodruff decides to leave. Jack tells him "he can't quit."
Mr. Woodruff says he is not quitting, but he considers himself losing a student. He asks Jack if he ever saw a shooting star. He tells Jack it's amazing, some people don't even get to see one, it's so incredible the world just stops and watches, and you were my shooting star. Jack responds by telling Mr. Woodruff "I just want to be a regular star." Mr. Woodruff tells Jack, "you'll never be regular, you're spectacular."
Jack realizes Mr. Woodruff is right and returns to school to be with his friends. When Jack walks in, the classroom roared with joy, and at that very moment Louis was making an oral presentation on what he wanted to be when he grew up. I want to be like the giant, the big guy, my best friend, Jack.
This story is powerful not just if you have an illness, but in all aspects of life. When you hit a rough patch no matter what that may be, remember,
everyone has something in them that allows them to be a shooting star. It could be as simple as greeting someone who is having a bad day. Never allow yourself to settle for being regular. Never let anyone ridicule you for who you really are. Also, try not to be too upset with the person who is ridiculing you. Because they have taken the time to sop and watch.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)