New Beginnings and Celebrations

So my life the last year has undergone more changes than I could have ever seen coming.  I fell in love with a wonderful man, and that was the beginning of it all.  We're celebrating a year together on Friday, Monday I'm starting another new job, and in thinking about everything that has changed in the last year, these are the things I think about the most. 

1. I will never regret choosing A over my job, but some days, I really miss the world of Child Life.  One thing I'm learning is that part of my identity was wrapped up in being a CLS, and I'm having to find a new piece of myself in my new path.  Its hard work, but I think I'm going to like who I am when I'm done.

2. The world is not as handicap accessible as the government wants us to think.  My boyfriend can not get into my house, my grandparents' house (one set anyway), and many other places that I've always taken for granted climbing the stairs into.  But what I've loved about becoming so aware of stairs, is all of the many people in my life who have made a special point of coming to me and saying "I checked, and Albert can totally get into my house."  When Missy and Stephan bought their new house in Springfield, the first thing Missy said to me was "And the great thing is, if you guys ever come visit, A can totally get into our house!" My loving Aunt Kerry (who lives all the way in Louisville, KY) said the same thing about her house, and my good friend Lauren has insisted I bring A to her house-warming party.  My dear sister-by-choice Andrea made a point of making sure I knew her wedding/reception would be accessible.  All of this is to say, for every frustrating situation we find ourselves in, when I go somewhere and have to leave my date at home, there is someone else who is pouring out love to us and reminding us we're not fighting the world of walkers alone.

3. I will never again take for granted being able to pick up and go wherever I want, whenever I want.  I will never again take for granted being able to get up out of bed when I want to, dress myself, shower by myself, and make myself a sandwich.  Every day I am awed at the way my man handles his new life with grace and poise.  He continues to teach me so much about what it really means to have patience, and I hope that I can extend as much grace to the people in my life as he extends to those in his, including me. :)

Those are the top three for today.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll share a few more of the things I've learned this year.  There are many learning experience to be had, living wheel life.