I've grown enough to give

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When have you taken a calculated risk as a person with a disability -- and succeeded?

Name: Judy Schroeder
Email: dustii@home.com
Date: 05 May 2000
Time: 13:34:39

Story

The date October 23, 1993 is still a vivid memory. That was the first day of the rest of my life...living with a disability.

I've lived most of my adult life as a "goal setter", a doer, always working towards the conquest of a self induced challenge. I've owned and operated several part-time, home-based businesses and for a time I was also a CEO of an up and coming Graphics development Company. Life was good and perks were plentiful.

Then, October 23, 1993 changed my life and those around me and today I am still learning to cope with my limitations. From that date until November 1994 I was in a state of confusion, extreme pain and depression. The medical community had no idea what my problem was nor how it was to be treated. Eventually, at long last, I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

I didn't accept the limitations well and actually I still have problems "pacing" my activities on a day to day basis. For years afterwards, I refused to accept the fact that I would not be able to become a gainfully employed individual. I would not be able to hold down a job that required my presence everyday, 5 days a week, eight hours a day. But, that didn't mean that I couldn't try!

Today, after many months of false starts, believing I had finally accepted my new position in life, only to regress again as I over extended my capabilities and my physical energies, I think I've finally learned "what I want to be when I grow up".

Today I spend the energy I have available, charting artwork into Cross stitch designs. I currently work with five very talented artists, from around the globe and bring their works to the cross stitch community. I am doing this for one purpose only however...to help raise funds and awareness of Breast cancer, childhood cancers, Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia. Hopefully, my project will raise funds to allow for research to some day find better diagnostics, treatments, cures etc., for these illnesses/disabilities.

I do this with no thought of monetary rewards, I do it because of the impact that these illnesses have had on me, my family and friends. I do it in memory of my dear mother in law who passed away from Cancer in 1992, for a close friend who died of cancer in 1989. I do it for my mother, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1973 and who is one of my most favourite role models. I do it for everyone who is faced with Fibromyalgia.

I think I've finally found my purpose in life and surprisingly it has nothing to do with boardrooms, fast-paced business or earning a paycheck.

The support and encouragement that I have received from people I don't even know, has been incredible. I have been working towards this since October 1999 and this I must say, is the very first time I've actually had a "vision" extend beyond a few weeks before I had to give up because of my limitations.

Oddly enough, every position I've ever held, every skill I've ever gained, has melded together for the good of this one project. I realize that there are still bumpy roads ahead, days when I will not be able to move or act without extreme pain or fatigue...but now I have something that helps me to trust in myself and the powers that be...I've grown up and I think that's a good thing!

You have to keep "trying things on" to find the right fit, but remember the steps that have gotten you to where you are because they are lessons learned and skills taught. I'm thankful of all the lessons I've been taught and I'm especially thankful that I'm able to use those lessons for the good of others.

Copyright © 2000 Judy Schroeder. All rights reserved.

I've grown enough to give

Story

Last changed: October 20, 2003