Our featured blogger today is someone we had the pleasure of meeting in person at the Bloggy Boot Camp in Austin, Texas last year. Priscilla is everything she appears to be on her blog: smart, funny, and engaging. A 30-something paralyzed, stay-at-home Mom with two boys, a husband and another baby on the way, Priscilla uses her blog, Wheelchair Mommy, as a way to encourage others.
Tell us your story. How did you become paralyzed?
I was 18. It was 1999. I was in my first fall semester at college and I had just moved in with my best friend. I remember the day quite clearly. I got off work around 4 p.m. I worked at a big box place. (I won’t say where because I don’t want to give them free advertising.) I arrived home and wanted a nap but as soon as I got in bed I realized my dirty clothes were overflowing. I called my sister-in-law and asked if I could head over and wash. She said she wasn’t home but with some friends and if I could come hang out with her and then go wash. I thought that could be fun. My bestie was home by then and decided to come with me. We all hung out for a little bit and then decided to go somewhere else. I think it was a little swimming spot. I’m not sure why that detail is blurry. We all headed to the car. There were 6 of us. My sister-in-law’s car had room for 6 so we choice to all ride together, but she had been drinking so my friend said she’d drive. I almost got in the car behind the front seat passenger but at the last minute sat behind the driver’s seat. I was not wearing my seat belt but until recently how many adults did while sitting in the back? We were cruising down a country road and I clearly remember looking at the clock but, 11 years later I can’t remember exactly what it said. I know it was either 5 or 7 and somewhere between 25-35 mintues after the hour. It’s funny the details we remember and those that we forget, isn’t it?
Anyways, just moments later, my sister-in-law yanked the wheel out of my friend’s hand and we were headed around a curve. There was another car headed in our direction and we collided. They hit directly where I was sitting (that’s why I mentioned the detail of where I ALMOST sat) and I remeber very clearly hitting, bouncing and rolling. Everything was in slow motion. I remember everything, but felt nothing. Then everything went quiet and I heard screaming and crying. My friend found me and sat with me until the ambulance arrived. It took them a while, so by then I was hurting. The ride to the hospital was very painful. I didn’t stay there long and was transferred to UTMB in Galveston later that night. I could go on because I do remember about an hour of details of that but I won’t. Maybe I’ll make that another post for another day that I can add to my story page.
After reading your blog, what struck me most is that your wheelchair is a part of your life, but it hasn’t stopped you from living your life. Name three things on your bucket list.
I don’t really have a bucket list. I just told husband I didn’t have one. He looked at me and said, “you don’t have a bucket … well, I don’t either.” Then he said he did have one thing, but it was completely unreasonable. He would like to sail across the ocean. We have the boat capable of handling a trip of that magnitude but no time and it’s just not practical for ME or the kids. I guess it’s not entirely true that I don’t have a bucket list. There are lots of things I’d like to do. Someday. Just nothing that really stands out over everything else. You can find my day zero project somewhere on my blog, but even that fizzled. Why don’t you tell me what’s on YOUR bucket list and maybe I can make one? That might make another excellent blog post.
Your uncensored FAQs are wonderful…real, funny, and a great insight into who you are. What’s the most common question you receive?
That would probably be how or why. Possibly, can I pray for you.
We understand that congratulations are in order! Can you give us a sneak peek at the big secret you’ll be revealing on your blog today?
Here is a hint:
Boy or Girl? You'll have to click to find out!
Head over to Priscilla’s blog today. I can promise you that it will be time well spent!
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Special thank you to Storkie, one of our latest sponsors here on SITS. If you are in the market for wedding invitations with style or hip and fun bridal shower invitations, then look no further!
Can’t wait to know more about her.
Happy Thursday folks
Chatterbox recently posted..Come back
A very inspiring woman for moms or anyone with a physical disability! Reminds me that life is never as bad as we “think” it is, it moves on, and the little things are what matter. God Bless you and your family!
My Somewhat Simple Life recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
What an inspiration! I love reading about people who accept their circumstances and go on with life.
Karen Peterson recently posted..Why Being Single and Mormon in Your 30s is Like Having a Chronic Disease
Really puts things into perspective.
Sarah Ruth recently posted..Tasty Food that’s Healthy too
I appreciate her humility and fortitude.
Amanda recently posted..My First Fashion Piece
Heading over to say hi on her FB day!
What an inspiration! Especially having an ex who’s dealing with a spinal cord injury after an accident and MS on top of it!
Erin recently posted..An Epiphany
Heading over to say hello!
Just Like June recently posted..Homemade Ravioli- Roasted Mushroom- Ricotta- Leek and Walnut
what a sweet family wish them blessings for ever
erum recently posted..Wide bottle cap pin cushion Tutorial
Hee! The photos aren’t a hint unless the FB is having one of each
laura @ ten minutes to myself recently posted..welcome to jupiter- little girl
What an inspiring story! Off to check out her blog.
Jinny recently posted..Wandering Wednesday 12- Comics!
Wow, I love her attitude!
Kathryn recently posted..Meet my Valentine!
Twitter: LisaMDayC
says:
Congrats to the FB on being the FB and her upcoming bundle of joy.
LisaDay
LisaDay recently posted..Thursday Thoughts
What an amazing and inspirational woman! I am a day late on this sorry! =)
denice recently posted..1-2 Marathon 2 COMPLETED!
Twitter: ithoughtiknewma
says:
What a scary story about the car accident! And what an awesome woman! Heading over to check out the blog now!
I Thought I Knew Mama recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- A Tribute to Reading
Twitter: elizabeth_agd
says:
Wow. What a story.
More Than A Mom recently posted..God vs Science
The FAQ’s were interesting. It reminded me of something that happened to me the other day. I am a returning college student (i.e. that means I have kids older than almost every one of my classmates). There is a guy in a wheelchair in my class and we were both heading into class one night when I asked him if I could get the door for him. He said, “No, but I’ll get if for you.” And he did. I thanked him like I would any young gentleman. It was very sweet.
Anne Galivan recently posted..How To- Teach Language Arts
That’s awesome, Anne. WHat you did was perfect. You asked. You did not assume. You did not grab it from him. You are awesome. I love his response. It sounds like me. HAH.
Priscilla-The Wheelchair Mommy recently posted..Project 52-Here’s the proof
Cute boys, and I love the pink and blue balloons…I’m in anticipation… Think I need to check out your site.
Christina recently posted..Once Upon a Thankful Thursday
Wow! So inspiring and you have a fantastic attitude. I am going to head over to your blog and check it out ♥
Gina recently posted..Eat- Drink & Be Merry- For Tomorrow- You Diet
Off to check her out!
classycareergirl recently posted..10 Easy Ways to Improve your negotiations-Part 2
Inspirational!
What a brilliant attitude and perspective on life! Can’t wait to read more posts by Priscilla
Tori Nelson recently posted..Half A Hot Wing & Other Reasons To Always Be Prepared
What an amazing and inspirational woman! It sounds like me. that means I have kids older than almost every one of my classmates).
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