1. Please explain more what you do.
I was born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects basically every aspect of my life, and forced me to rely on others for almost everything. Despite this, most people think it's amazing that I've graduated from college, developed a small website design and maintenance company, now have a part time job with a Contractor for Goddard Space Flight Center, and authored a book titled Special Saints For Special People. This is what I want to share with you today.
My book has nine short biographies of these incredible men and women, and how they impacted the people around them and the Church. They are very diverse, each with their own abilities and disabilities.
I've been Catholic my whole life and never heard of any saints who lived with disabilities, only those who were cured and then went on to become saints. At first, I just thought it was cool they existed. As I was researching and finding out more, I began to wonder why there wasn't more written on this subject. I was especially thinking it would be great to give young Catholics with disabilities some good examples they could relate to. And really these saints are good examples for anyone. I felt like if no one else had done it, maybe I should try. I have to admit while it's not some best seller, it is probably the thing I'm most proud of. It's been a great experience and I've made friends with people who liked it and started looking for ways to promote it for me. It's sort of funny that someone with a severe communication problem is able to spread the Good News in her own way.
2.: What is your biggest life lesson?
Perseverance and don't listen to other people tell you you can't do something.
As I said, I think I am most proud of my book, Special Saints For Special People. I hope it gives people hope and encouragement. I like the idea that I, too, can help spread the faith and I think that while a lot is written about ministering TO people with disabilities, there's not much written FOR people with disabilities. I wanted to change that. A lot of people without disabilities have contacted me to say they enjoyed the book, too, which sort of makes me realize how we're not as different as some people think.
4. I have a wide interest in books. I'm going to take this opportunity to mention a few that have to do with disabilities that some of you might want to check out. I guess I'm a kid at heart, since my own book was originally intended for a younger audience, although now seems to be enjoyed by all ages. The children's book Out Of My Mind almost perfectly describes my own life with CP and difficulties communicating and is a quick and easy read. Wonder is also very popular with the 4th grade level. On the adult level, you might want to check out Under the Eye of the Clock, although it isn't the easiest thing to read since the author was a linquist, but if you read the whole thing you get the gist.
Any of the saints of the Catholic Church are great teachers, but if you mean teachers that are alive today, I would still say there are so many amazing Catholic teachers and scholars. I feel like I can never learn enough about my faith.
8. How people can get in contact with you? & 9. What is your YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts?