Wake Up and Celebrate!

My alarm went off at 6:00 in the morning, which is most unusual for a Saturday. I don’t believe I would get up that early for many reasons, but this was a special day. It was my cousin’s 40th surprise birthday party. Emily was five years old when I was born, and she has been a staple in my life—a steadfast presence. Once the alarm went off, it was go time. My caregiver came at 6:30—bless her heart, because it’s usually 10:00. I do realize this is a serious perk of being single. Today was going to be a great day!

I had my caregiver dress me in a floral sweater and light blue jeans. I also really like the way she does my makeup, so I was grateful she came that morning. I quickly grabbed an iced cold brew from the fridge and a blueberry muffin. Yes, I do stock these things in the fridge to make the morning go smoothly. I’ve been living independently for almost 18 years. I’ve learned a few life hacks over the years. My mom came to pick me up, and we had a two-hour drive ahead of us.

It was a nice two-hour drive with my mom. We talked about what was going on in our lives and the people we love most. I like having this time one-on-one with my parents; it’s a really nice way to have all the time in the world to talk without worrying about how long it takes to type a message. We pulled up to a large but quaint coffee shop. It used to be a church, and the shop owner kept the stained glass windows. For a woman who loves Jesus and coffee, I was quite happy.

Emily has two little kids who own a huge chunk of my heart. They got there before Emily did. I hugged my seven-year-old and actually managed to have the coordination to pick her up. This was the first time in my life I was able to do that. I hugged her older brother, who is ten years old—going on twenty-five—so I gave him a bear hug. I couldn’t love them more.

“How long have you guys known?” Dad asked.
“A few weeks,” the kids replied.
“It’s a little scary how well they can keep a secret,” Jacob, Emily’s husband, replied.
I shook my head in agreement.

After about a half hour, Emily was coming! We got a two-minute warning, and then the countdown began: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMILY!!!” everyone shouted. My cousin was so surprised. The expression on her face was the epitome of shock and pure joy. It was a moment of seeing my cousin truly happy.

For two hours, we talked and laughed together.

“Hey Hannah!” Emily exclaimed. “I’m so excited to see you. Thank you for coming,” she continued.
“Wouldn’t miss this for the world!” I replied.

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I loved celebrating you all. You all bring me so much joy. It’s always an honor to be able to celebrate you.

One last very exciting thing! I met one of my favorite authors, Wade Rouse. He is a USA Today best-selling author and is absolutely brilliant. Wade and his husband, Gary, are going to put me in touch with

his agent, which is amazing. I took an online class with them in February, and they were very impressed with my writing skills. I can’t wait to connect and see where this leads.

It’s been a really lovely month. Spring is starting to shed winter’s harsh coat and replace it with colorful flowers and light. Let’s enjoy this season. May it offer you a renewed sense of hope.

With all that spring has to offer,
Hannah!

 

Happy Halloween! 🎃

In October, we have lots of traditions. They may include apple picking, hayrides or carving pumpkins. My tradition is quite unique. My cousin, Emily, has two children named Joe and Aviva. They have birthdays in the fall so Emily has a birthday party in between their special days. I’m going to recap some moments that I think will bring you joy.

In a warm living room with a lot of natural light, the siblings opened gifts. Aviva who resembles an American Girl doll because she’s so cute takes my gift for her off my brother and quietly whispers, “I’ll save the best for last.” I’m winning at life if she thinks I give the best gifts.

One of the gifts that I gave her was a fuzzy unicorn journal. The kid loved it! She had her mom write, “Aunt Hannah is awesome,” in the journal and subsequently showed it to me. My heart melted.

I hope you know a little kid who adores you because it’s really the best. Speaking of, if you have trick-or-treaters that you have to escort around tonight, enjoy it. They are only this age once.

 

Happy Halloween,

Hannah!

 

 

Happy Fall!

Pulling up to the farm, my heart was glowing. It was Joe’s birthday party and of course, Aviva, his little sister, would be celebrated too because that’s just how things work when you’re turning eight years old and have a six-year-old sister. Aviva was in a blue dress with daisies and Joe was in a blue shirt with cargo shorts. It had been a long three-hour car ride with my caregiver, Olivia. She has been with me for three years and has taken this trip with me once before. The kids ran to the car. Driving my wheelchair out of the car, Aviva ran up to me.

“Hi, Aunt Hannah,” she said shyly.

“Is the unicorn bag for me?” Aviva asked.

“The Minecraft bag is mine!” Joe said.

“Let’s let Aunt Hannah go inside first,” my cousin, Emily said. She reached out to hug me.

This day is always so special to me. Personally, it marks the beginning of Fall. It’s still hot when I roll around with the kids in the spacious yard but there’s a nip in the air when I get in the car to drive home. Emily and Jacob, her husband, maintain a farm in southern Illinois. The kids climb trees and run in the corn fields. They have a beautiful life.

Four days later, I talked to the preschoolers at my church about having a disability and the importance of kindness. They were all so cute! After my short talk to them, they mostly volunteered information about their Halloween costumes, but some had good questions such as, “Do you sleep in your chair,” or “Who helps you drive your car?” I got to connect with a little kid who used a communication device which was so amazing. He also told me what he is going to be for Halloween. It’s a month away and it’s already quite exciting. Oh, to be a kid again!

Thank goodness life is back to normal. I’m beyond grateful to focus on contributing to my community and being fully present with my family and friends again. If you know of a school that could use a presentation on bullying, please reach out.

Happy Fall,

Hannah!