Graduation Dreams

I was reminded last night, of what opportunities are out there for SO many people, and yet, most squander those chances.
My 17 year old daughter, Tatum, graduated from high school last night.  Quite an event, and I couldn't be prouder that she graduated in white (top 10% of the graduating class) and was ranked 38 out of 620 students!  She is attending SDSU in the fall after mulling many choices. 
I watched as the 600+ students spoke of the future, their plans and their dreams, I was reminded that NONE of these options were open to Taylor because of her disabilities.
And I'm saddened to think of how many of these kids will jump on the treadmill of gaining money to buy useless things we're all told we need.
My hope is that all these kids will each realize their passion and pursue it with vigor.  

Graduating class of 2011....you have many years in front of you....and all the attributes and TIME you need to achieve what you want.  Don't settle for meaningless pursuits.......remember the inspiration your felt on graduation night!

www.taylorsperspective.com

Don't forget to include others

Taylor was surrounded by 1000's of cheerleaders at her little sisters cheer competition in Anaheim.
And although there were literally 1000's of girls and two or three parents with each child, no one said hello to Taylor!
Now in their defense, they were all there for a competition....focus, drive etc.
But how many people have you passed by today that would have really enjoyed a hearty "hello"?
Did you make their day?  Or did you only focus on yourself?

Don't forget, it doesn't take much to be nice to those around us and make them feel welcome!

What have you done to let someone assist you?

Taylor is soooo limited in her mobility, there's certainly not a lot she can do for herself.
But she does whatever she can to help me get her ready for her day.....she leans forward to let me brush her hair, she lays back to allow me to feed her.....happily relaxes as I dress her in the morning.
No complaints.....just happy for the assistance!
Did you seek counsel for a project that was troubling you?  Or did you spurn advice that was freely offered out of pride?
There's a lot people can do to help....LET THEM!

Hope your day leads you to Gain Perspective!

Smiling Every morning

No matter what mood I'm in when I wake up, Taylor ALWAYS has a smile for me.  How is it that someone who has been awake for hours, and quietly waits for me (or Leslie) to come get her going for the day, has a GIANT SMILE?  No complaints, no "where have you been".....just a lovely smile.

Wouldn't it be great if EVERYONE could start their day this way?  YOU CAN!

Charity abounds in the Desert

I'm amazed at the generosity of people when it comes to the disabled.
I went to a fantastic event at the Laquinta Resort yesterday that married K Swiss stars of tennis with giving.
They had some of the top names in tennis, mic'd up and playing exhibition matches.  All the while, auctioning off chances to play with the pros, chair ref the event etc.
The event raised a ton of money for Variety Club of the Desert, and specifically, to buy custom bikes for disabled children.
A perfect example of people "Doind what's expected".