The Everyday Errands

He and I did not speak the same language, but the dry cleaner understood I was dropping off a shirt to be cleaned. "I need number", he said. I tilted my DynaVox, so he could read my phone number off my screen. We communicated even though we shouldn't have been able to. I realized recently that I can run my clothes over to the dry cleaners independently. Why not? If I can do it independently, I sure will! 

Next, I walked the twelve blocks to the AT&T store. I was going to meet Kevin, my phone guy. Kevin happens to have a little girl who happens to have a disability. I remember the first time I met Kevin. We called customer service and they asked for me to talk to them so I could confirm my identity. His response was, "no, she cannot speak". Usually, people have no idea what to say but Kevin, sounded as if he had experienced this frustration multiple times. I think on the second visit to AT&T, he told me about Maggie, his daughter. His wife and I e-mail about communication devices when she isn't being a very busy mom. As for my phone needs, Kevin will spend hours and hours with me. We're looking at all the new phones and anything new that I depend on day and night is always a challenge.

In the wake of the Florida shooting, I’ve been trying to really ask people, “how are you”? Embrace the everydayness of life. Enjoy and treasure life.

Awaiting Adventures

Hawaii was amazing! We went to a Luau which was my personal highlight. They literally throw fire at each other. I don't think my family will ever forget that. The real gift of Hawaii was how many laughs we had as a family. Goodness! At every dinner, we probably laughed for 30 minutes of each dinner. David created a new way to carry me (pictured below), it reminded me of how precious my family is.

Best brother in the world!

Luau

On a volcanic mountain top

Back home, I was so excited to get back to Loyola. I missed my group of friends and the professors. When my professor announced that he had proposed to his girlfriend, I asked for every detail. When my friends and I didn't know the teams playing in the Super Bowl, I thought to myself, these are my people. When my winter coat falls off and a random student stops and helps, I feel at home. When the librarian hugs me and thanks me for the Christmas card, I know Loyola is my home.

In 2018, I know a lot of adventures a wait. I cannot wait for engagement announcements, invitations to weddings, and maybe some babies. My friends and I are in exciting seasons of life. I'm still waiting to meet a guy but that doesn't have mean life is any less adventurous. I am doing online dating which is interesting to say the least. However, my main focus is school and service. I mentor kids in high school and the little girl I met at the Hillary Clinton event. It's so fun!

I wish you adventures and blessings in 2018!

Love,
Hannah!

Thank You, Readers!

Dear Readers,
Thank you for supporting me every step of the way this year.

To everyone who supported the idea of graduate school, thank you.

To Loyola, thank you.

To the people who help me travel, thank you.

Everyone plays a critical role. I am in awe of you, readers. The fact that people are this interested in my life humbles me to no end. My heart explodes every time I think about how many people are reading this blog.

I hope to bring you more smiles in 2018! I can't wait for the adventures!

Happy New Year,
Hannah!

Thank you to my Team!

I had my physical recently and I got a clean bill of health. I consider that a huge blessing because it takes a team. 

This is what has to happen every year to get that clean bill of health. 

Approximately, I go to 106 physical therapy sessions. I walk on the treadmill for twenty minutes, I walk in my walker, and stretch. My primary physical therapist is Joanne. I love her a lot however, she receives a lot of eye rolls from me. I love Joanne but I don't and never will like physical therapy. It's worth every minute but it can get boring! If you're a kid or teenager reading this, therapy is absolutely worth every second of it, keep going because independence is so very worth it! Don't complain, just do it! 

This year, I started having my primary assistant stretch my hamstrings and quads every day that I don't have physical therapy. My therapist notices a difference which is all that matters. 

I started occupational therapy for shoulder pain from the dystonia. My therapist is awesome about realistic expectations of exercises I can do at home. Marylu understands the quicker, the better. All my therapists understand that I need to get back to my day. 

I have committed to standing in my walker a few nights a week. This helps everything in my body. I turn on Ellen and stand for about thirty minutes. It's easy and I should be serving my body since my body is so amazing and why I can live the life I want. 

A huge thank you to Mom and Dad who were so adamant about therapy. I take the responsibility of going to therapy very seriously because of them. 

Finally, Dr. Geotz is my neurologist and manages my dystonia spectacularly. He has been a resource, support, and overall encouragement for my family and I. 

Thank you to Nurse Luci and Nurse Carmen for always being there. I certainly don't need you on a regular basis but when I do, you're there!

This is why I can dance like a nut at a wedding, this is why I can walk a mile, this is why I can go to DC and advocate, and this is why I can live independently. I'm so thankful for the dedicated people who are watching my body. 

I've mentioned a sliver of my team. You ALL contribute and I wholeheartedly appreciate it. 
 
Let's do it all again in 2018!

Love, 
Hannah!

All the Anjas of the World

Mom and I were seated in the Auditorium Theater anticipating Hillary Clinton's arrival. It was so very surreal. I couldn't believe that Secretary Clinton would be in my sight any minute. 

If I could have I would have given her a standing ovation. She graced the stage with humility, poise, and a level of grace I aspire to have one day. She conveyed that she was truly worried about the state of our country. Everyone in the crowd echoed her

Before the big moment1

sentiment. She was very humorous and kept a lighthearted tone. 

We were seated near a little girl named Anja. She has a disability and she wants to be president in 2040. Secretary Clinton took her question which was about her becoming president one day. After Secretary Clinton left, Anja and I talked as well as our moms. I hope she is reading this post because Anja's a game changer!

Women have to lift each other up right now. We have a president that thinks sexual harassment is something to be proud of. In reality, it's disgusting. He's unbelievable, a bully, and ultimately infuriating. I have women and men in my life that are actual role models and extraordinary role models at that. There people who believe in the good of humanity, people who could care less that I have a disability, people who remind me that love trumps hate. The pun is so intended.

This post is the dedicated to all the Anjas of the world. Dream big, girlfriend! 

Lift Each Other Up,
Hannah! 

Kindness is my Normal

On Sunday, I went to church. When the collection for the hurricane relief efforts began, I went to the back of the church and a greater helped me grab the dollar amount out of my wallet. This is not typical because I do not usually give at church but with the hurricanes, I felt absolutely compelled because all those who have been affected by the hurricane do not have a church to physically go to. That fact hit me like a brick.

My friends who happened to be there helped me with drinking the wine. All I need is a bendy straw and a few extra seconds. This had not ever happened but my sneaker fell off. People who were sitting nearby took care of me. I'm always grateful for my church but this is my normal. Kindness is my normal. 

On Monday morning, I woke up to the tragedies of Vegas. I will not recap, everyone knows what happened. I don't know how to respond in this blog. I don't know how to even begin expressing how awful I've felt all week. I knew it was time to write the blog and wanted to provide a respite from the news. I’m trying my best.

The most joyful event of my week was a friend’s wedding. Hannah is a sorority sister of mine and we get together once a month. She was a theater major in college and the groom plays guitar in church. The bride and groom both sang songs from musical theater productions and the groom serenaded his bride many times. It was like being in a bubble of joy and love.

I hope kindness is your normal. We can all brighten the world with kindness.

Peace and Love,
Hannah!