Ten things I learned this summer

Summer has to be the fastest season – especially when you have kids. It seems like the last day of school equals endless opportunities. Then, bam, the end of summer hits harder than a speed train! School started back last Monday, and we had Labor Day weekend fly by. We did accomplish several things on our bucket list.

1. Jason and I burn very quickly. We went to the beach, amusement park, and other activities outside. Without sunscreen, Jason and I were lobsters, while others looked lightly sun-kissed. Sunscreen is a definite must for us!
2. I love roller-coaster rides. Jeff and I took Laura and Jason to the Hershey Park. I also took my nephew as part of his birthday present. My nephew is tall and robust. He can pick me up out of my wheelchair and put me on rides. The best part is that we have an excellent relationship. He likes me to go on rides. I went on almost all of the roller coasters with him and Laura. It was a great time! You’re never too old or off-balance with cerebral palsy to enjoy rides.
3. Teaching ESY this summer was not only a rewarding experience but enjoyable. I taught each morning from the end of June until the end of July. Teaching is an excellent profession because you learn right along with the students. I learned plenty and will carry it over to each class I teach. Empathy, compassion, and goal in mind are in my teacher toolbox. We can’t forget a sense of humor.
4. I learned more from my children – Laura and Jason. Laura joined the color guard towards the beginning of the summer. I never imagined her in color guard. I watched her attend band camp for two weeks in record-breaking got temperatures for nine hours a day. She did this after going to an algebra refresher course in the morning. She has been going to practice since June every Tuesday and Thursday. All of that will continue, plus football games, competitions, and Saturday morning practices! On Saturday, there was the first football game. I watched her, and she looked so happy! She also did A fantastic job! Laura was also in the play, Grease in the summer.
5. Jason taught me he likes to act, and he’s good at it! He was in the play Jungle Book. He had the part of the tiger, which meant he had lines and solo singing. Jason has always been a shy kid. He doesn’t say much unless he knows you well. To see him get on the stage and handle his part without difficulty was terrific. He auditioned for the fall play last week, and he earned the position of Aladdin in Aladdin Jr!
6. We enjoyed the Philadelphia Zoo twice. Jason took his best friend the first time. The second time we went with my nephew and Laura. My favorite animal at the zoo is the tiger. My nephew also went with us to the Ben Franklin museum.
7. I exercised myself physically, spiritually, and emotionally during the summer. I love to work out because it makes my body easier for me to move and control. Right now, I’m doing a 10,000 step challenge for cerebral palsy research based on donations. I feel healthier and happier whenever I work out. I listen to the Bible in the Year podcast, pray novenas, pray and attend Mass. Also, it’s essential to be surrounded by positive people but help those who need some extra love. I learned not to settle for a lack of respect or love.
8. Jeff and I went away together for a few days. I learned that there is nothing like an excellent, accessible hotel to keep you comfortable. Don’t settle for less than access if that is what you need.
9. Love comes in all kinds of forms. A hug, a smile, or just a phone call can make all the difference in the world. For my birthday, Jeff drove a distance to pick up my favorite pizza. It’s all about the little things that people notice.
10. I learned to celebrate the small things that I accomplished. Getting a second interview is excellent, even if I didn’t get the job. Plugging in my iPhone, dressing, cleaning a room, loving my family, reaching 10,000 steps a day, prayer, drinking the right amount of water are all beautiful things to celebrate! This summer has been beautiful.