The Citizen, 2003-07-02, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2003.
Shelley
Smith
Beyond
Limitations
Focus on life’s simple things
Frustrations and limitations go
hand in hand. Skills we have
once achieved begin to slowly
diminish, and new activities must be
found to replace the old.
I have lived with a rare,
neuromuscular disorder for over 25
years. During my life, I have
progressed from that awkward,
clumsy kid to someone who has
severe muscle weakness and very
little movement. For the past decade,
I have been confined to a wheelchair
and have seen the struggles and
triumphs of living with challenges. It
is my hope that I may increase
awareness of the life of the
physically disabled in this monthly
column, which shall be written from
my point of view.
Many of my goals have been
progressively stolen away - my
physical body has let me down
countless times and I do not want to
deal with this anymore. So, I have
decided to work with what I do have:
my mind and emotions. I believe that
our mind and emotions connect with
spiritual forces, and though these
forces I am finding many new
resources.
I have defined spiritual resources
as the simple things of life. These
resources have become my new
activities - seeing flowers grow,
hearing birds sing, feeling the wind
pick up and calm itself, touching
woodwork that has been warmed by
the sun, tasting the fresh air... these
are the new activities that fill my life,
and they are opening many
possibilities for me.
Having my skills slowly ripped
away from me is quite painful, but I
am constantly reminded to view my
physical challenges as a learning tool
and not as a curse. It is my
supportive community that has
convinced me to accept new
activities and enjoy the valuable
lessons they teach me.
Sometimes my support systems
feel upset because they are being
forced to watch me miss out on so
many opportunities in life, but I try
to understand that I have no choice
but work with the tools I’ve been
given. The ancient pyramids are a
mysterious masterpiece built with
simple tools and intense work: I see
no reason why I cannot strive for this
also.
Archaeology had always been an
interest of mine. I was made to
believe that this fascination was just
another silly dream. “You can’t do
that because you can’t even walk.”
True, I cannot actually dig on an
excavation site, but I can sense the
unburied treasures on the excavation
site using my spiritual resources. My
senses are becoming keenly
developed as I continue to find and
change activities in my life. With the
continuous growth of technology, I
can have this interest, and not
dismiss it as a silly dream.
The word “can’t” is an idea that
does not fit into my thoughts. My
physical challenges seem to
proclaim the fact that I can’t do
the activities that are needed to
live life, and it is discouraging to
my mind and emotions. However,
the word “can’t” is gradually
becoming erased as I continue to
find spiritual resources in our
growing world.
The body is only a vehicle - in my
mind, and in the minds of others it
can easily be substituted. I honestly
believe that someday soon we can
make our world accessible to
everyone. We have a long way to go,
but I feel it shall happen - it seems
so simple.
A gift for the heart and soul
The CIBC presented the Heart and Soul Campaign with a cheque for $5,000. From left are:
Donna Longman, Bev Blair, and Heart and Soul Commitee representative Todd McDonald.
(Sarah Mann photo)
PEOPLE AROUND
AUBURN
By
Margaret
Fraser
Call
526-1112
The Auburn 150th celebration
committee held its general meeting
last week. The topic of discussion
was the upcoming silent auction and
fun day to be held on July 26.
Suggestions were made to contact
local businesses and residents to
donate items for the silent auction.
Local residents have many talents
and a small business could
advertise. Any items donated will be
accepted. These could include gift
certificates, money or time.
Other fundraising activities were
discussed.
June 24 the Aubum Silver Tops
Seniors met at the Dinner Bell for
lunch. After lunch they went to look
at antiques.
Lois Cunningham is welcomed as
the newest member.
Carole Daer and Evelyn
Christensen were in charge of the
meeting.
The Bible study group went to the
Fireside Restaurant in Wingham for
lunch.
The Auburn Lions Club and
spouses had a dinner and theatre
night on Wednesday, June 25. The
dinner was held at the Auburn
Community Hall where the Aubum
Women’s Institute catered a roast
beef dinner.
Bernice Anderson accompanied
Nancy and Greg Park to visit
William E. Anderson in Newmarket
last week. While there William
entertained Mr. and Mrs. Asif
Hassan of Oakville and Mr. and
Mrs. Kim Hassan, just returning
from Lithuania. The celebration was
in honour of Kim’s bride Ilona,
receiving her Canadian citizenship.
Welcome home Jim Cartwright
from your hospital stay. Glad to hear
you are doing well.
Happy birthday wishes to Ross
Dobie, Brian Wightman, Jennifer
Robinson, Dale Porter, Ruth
Townsend, Karen Webster, Dustin
Andrews, Dustin James Andrews,
Yvonne Bean, Patricia Robinson,
Hans Bakelaar, Bryan Ramsey,
Susan Gross, Katherine Carlson,
Jason Schneider, Kelly Corran and
Ashton Crawford.
Happy anniversary to Doug and
Lorie Ferrell, Keith and Helen Lapp,
Gary and Susan Woods, D. and S.
Plunkett, Doug and Nancy
Blackwell, Hebo and Margaret
Siertsema, and Lorraine and Kevin
Steckle.
•Plus taxes
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