| What made me who I am today . . . |
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| I blessed the world when I was born on December 14, 1979! Nobody knew I was going to be born without arms & legs. My family was happy they got their baby girl, even though it was quite a shock. Little did they know, God's plan for our life would work out just fine! After my parents did their own type of grieving, they both prayed to God. My Mom prayed that God would protect me everywhere I went, because she didn't want to shelter me from the world. She wanted me to be very independent. My Dad prayed that God would bless us with financial assistance to pay for my wheelchairs, & other things I would need. A friend found this poem that comforted my mom called "God's Special Child." I was entered in all regular classes when I attended school. There wasn't any reason for me to be in special education classes. I'm able to do all my work like everyone else. Some of my teachers wanted to do everything for me. My parents told them to treat me just like everybody else, & to let me do things on my own; unless I ask for assistance. My physical limitations are not that limited. Here's some things I can do for myself: write (with my chin & shoulder), walk on the ground (scoot like a penguin), type on the computer 48 WPM (with my lips), jet, water, & snow ski (with adaptive program called Casa Colina), photography, dance, painting ceramics (hold brush with chin & shoulder), apply my own makeup (including liquid eye liner, eye shadow, & lipstick), brush my teeth, & much more. I basically can do everything for myself, except reach things up high, toiletries, & getting dressed. Making friends has always been pretty easy for me. Once people get to know me, they literally forget I have no arms & legs. To me, that's quite a complement! There was just a couple of people when I was younger who were immature & said mean things. I learned to get past that with support from family. It's their problem I would say, not mine. So they need to deal with it! When I turned 15, I got my first job as a telemarketer for First Class Copiers. At the same time I started working for Skate-O-Rama as a Floor Guard/Greeter. At age 17 in a half, I quit both those jobs, & started working for the YMCA at the Front Desk. After a year working there, they honored me with an Employee Excellence Award! In 1998, I graduated from high school & now I'm at CSULB with 2 semesters left to get my bachelors degree! At age 19, I became a Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities for Supervisor Don Knabe. Two years after that Chairperson & two years after that Vice Chair & now back to Commissioner! |
| A little after I received my position, I was interviewed by the LA Times about my life, & accomplishments! Also, Ch. 4 News did a piece on me called Beating the Odds & I was in a teen Magazine called Jump! As an accomplished motivator; corporations, organizations, & churches alike are touched in ways that leave positive, on-going empowerment in place. (For further information about my Motivational Speaking Engagements) Besides work, & community activities, let's not forget my personal life. I started dating when I was 13, nothing too serious. I just wanted to have fun! At age 19, I met a guy and we dated for several years. In 2001, the Soroptimist club presented me an award for Women of Distinction for all my work in the Los Angeles area! On 12/20/02 I received my converted 2002 Chrysler Town & Country van, & became a licensed driver with a perfect score for my behind wheel test @ the DMV on 12/27/02! In February of 2003, I was appointed to the City Council Handicapped Appeals Board by City Council Member Kirk Cartozian! In 2004, I became a Mentor of I-CAN (International Child Amputee Network) it's an awesome way for me to share my life with parents who have children that have limb differences! I married that guy I was dating on 08/29/04. Great News, on May 26, 2005 I gave birth to "Kaylin!" She is so smart & such a fun Tropical Cutie. Kaylin is a wonderful blessing! I left my 1st. husband in March 2006 because he was abusive on all levels. After Criminal Court in Feb. 2008, we divorced. I had to find out the hard way, that Love Should Not Hurt! In 2009, I reconnected with Anthony; one of my best friends that I've known since I was a kid. Actually we've known each other since elementary, but didn't start talking till the 6th. grade. He is now a big part of our life. We had an Awesome Wedding at The Ritz Gardens on Monday, June 14, 2010! I Love my new husband & family! Great News, Anthony & I had our baby boy on May 4, 2011! Jeremy Lee was born at 8 lbs, 13 ounces & 21 inches long. Thank you Lord we are so Blessed! Checkout our Baby Jeremy's page for updates! Well I enjoyed sharing a little summary of my life with you . . . A friend once told me, remember it's not what happens to you in life, it's your attitude towards it! |
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