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"Write By Numbers"

The top photo is the lined paper Jessica used to help me learn to write. See the picture on the bottom left with the purple writing? That's how my writing used to look before I started working with Jessica. I started working on this with Jessica in the middle of February and Traci's birthday is March 31st. The book shows the finished product. Look at the improvement in a month's time! Not Bad Huh? It was well worth it!

I never learned to write my name very well in grade school.  With cerebral palsy, it takes more time for me to learn something than the average person. I know what I want my muscles to do. Often, getting my brain to communicate with my muscles to work together is a challenge. My brain has to figure out how to re-route itself. Repetition is the key.

I did learn to write a little bit but just my name. I couldn’t write well enough for the teacher to read a whole sentence. There were other things to worry about in school. Time wise I had to use a one lined flat screen typewriter.  Recently, I learned how to write thanks to my good friend Jessica.

 It all started when I wanted to write my name in a book, I got my attendant aide Traci, for her birthday. It was one of those small pocket books that says, “To and from” on the inside. I just wanted to learn to write my name well enough and type a short birthday message, then paste it on the inside. However, Jessica had another idea. “Why don’t you learn to write the whole message?”

Jessica always pushes me to go to the next level!

“Are you crazy?” I asked.

“No Really. I think you can do it.”

 Jessica doesn’t take no for an answer easily! We only had a month and at the moment my name was barely readable. How would I ever learn in time for Traci’s birthday? Jessica and I have accomplished other milestones. I knew she wouldn’t suggest it if she didn’t think it was possible. I really wanted to give Traci a nice surprise, so I l hesitantly said, “Okay.”

We got to work right away. One of my biggest challenges was to get the letter c going in the right direction. My c’s we’re always backwards and I was taught to write my name in capital letters. As I was re-learning how to write my name, this time using a capital R and the rest of the letters lowercase, my brain connected well with different shapes.

A lowercase  c looked like a mini size cookie, h was like a chair, my name has to a’s in it so we made two c’s with kite tails,  the letter e is like a c starting with a line going down in the middle. For letters like c a, and e, Jessica said, “Start to the left and go all the way around. “ I learned most of the letters in my name start with the c motion.

One day Jessica brought in some lined paper with numbers and colors. It reminded me of when I was a kid and they have those coloring books where you color by numbers. I looked at the paper and asked,

 “What are we going to do? Write by numbers?” We both laughed. The paper was supposed to help me get the size of my letters right.  I did learn to write in time for her birthday and Traci loved her gift. I learned to write my name and a whole paragraph! What an accomplishment! I can write! I did it! Now, so I don’t forget how, the key is to keep practicing on a regular basis. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition.

 

 

 





First Grade Why Can't I?

 

 

This is the kind of typewriter I used in Elementary School.

I wrote this when I was in my UCLA Flash Fiction Class. It's a reflection of my thoughts about learning to write back in first grade.

Today my friends in Miss. Wolf’s class are learning how to write their names.

Something doesn’t feel quite right.

While everyone else is learning to write I’m using an electric typewriter.

               Why? Why aren’t my hands taking flight?

                If I trace the letters on a piece of paper dot to dot they come out perfectly.

    But if I try to write the letters myself I can barely read them.

             Everyone else’s letters come out perfectly. So clear, and clean.

              Why can’t I do the same?

             Why can’t I write my name?
             I’m told I was born with cerebral palsy and that due to lack of oxygen to my brain certain

              parts of my brain were damaged.

            Some things can be learned but some things I’ll never be able to do.

           Handwriting seems simple. Why aren’t my hands taking flight?

             I have the letter R for Rachael pictured in mind I know how it’s supposed to look

              Getting it down on paper is a struggle.

               You make a straight line down and then I a loop around and then another line down.

              Maybe I’ll learn to write like my friends someday.

              Until then, I’ll just look down at the tiny rectangle screen and peck slowly at the keyboard

             with one finger. I guess I’ll continue on in physical and occupational therapy and learn what I can learn.Still, I dream of the day when my hands might take flight.

Why? Why can’t I write?

 

                                               

Dear Awana Kids

Here's another piece I wrote back in January when I took my flash fiction and nonfiction class. It's a letter to my Awana kids explaining my disability and answering some questions they might have. Enjoy!

Awana Awards Ceremony T & T Girls  3-6th grade (Truth & Training) May 2013 at Grace Baptist Church

 

 

Dear Awana Kids,

I have cerebral palsy or CP for short. I was born this way. I had some problems at birth. Don’t worry it’s not contagious. CP is a condition not an illness. If I had a real illness I couldn’t be here. My wheelchair is nothing to be afraid of. I may look different on the outside but on the inside, I’m just like you.

            When I was your age I was in the Awana program just like you. I memorized the same bible verses you memorize, had similar Awana books just like you and got awards just like you. I was very good at memorizing. I got awards for my uniform almost every week.  I was one of the fastest memorizers! My mom was amazed. I turned out to be one of the kids who was the “crème of the crop” as the old saying goes. My body has cerebral palsy not my brain. I always say because I can’t write things down on paper I have to exercise a different part of my brain, which is why I have a great memory.  Some people have told me I have the memory of an elephant because I remember things so well! Have you ever heard the old saying, “An elephant never forgets?”

When you come up to me to make conversation with me, you don’t have to slow your speech down or talk to me in a loud voice. Just talk to me like you would anyone else. I can hear you and understand you. We don’t always have to talk about my disability.  I like to talk about other things too. What’s your favorite food? What about your favorite color? How about your favorite candy? My favorite candy is Snickers but I like anything with chocolate. I even have a shirt that says, “Drop the chocolate and nobody gets hurt." I have quite a sweet tooth! Some people have called me, “Sweet tooth Rachael.” My favorite color is purple.  If you see me drop something on the floor, go ahead and help me pick it up. If we’re going outside somewhere, hold a door for me. I promise I won’t run you over!

If you have questions about the lesson, don’t be afraid to come up to me and ask me. I’m just as capable of answering your question as anyone else in the room. Again, my body has CP not my brain. I’m here to have fun with you and honor the Lord with my service the best way I know how. I’m really looking forward to some of the theme nights this year. Crazy hat night is one of my favorites. I think I’ll wear my Dr, Suess hat. “I do not like them Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham.” I’m really looking forward to a fun year at Awana of studying God’s Word with you and getting to know everyone better!



Love,

Rachael

 

,

 

 

 

God’s Promise

 I had so much fun writing the poem about Saul I decided to write another one about Noah and the flood. I wanted to tell people what the rainbow means to me. A special thanks to my good friend, Sarah March. She was my extra pair of eyes as I wrote the poem. Your input was very valuable. Also, a special thanks to my brother-in-law, Cody Jensen. He gave me great direction in searching through the scriptures. I really enjoyed our conversation last week. Writing this definitely caused me to dig into God's word more! The last couple weeks have been quite a journey! If you want to read the story of Noah in the Bible, it starts in Genesis chapter six, and ends with chapter nine, where the Lord talks about the rainbow, which is the emphasis in this poem. If you haven't read the Bible, Genesis is the very first book. All scripture quotations are taken from the NIV. (New international Version). Genesis 9:12-15. Enjoy! 


I colored this picture last year at Joni and Friends Family retreat when the  theme was, "Hope Overflowing." As you read this, I pray your heart will overflow with the hope and peace of God's Goodness.
 ^"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
God was grieved by man's sinful heart

So many people went their own way

Noah and his family were the few to obey

So God told Noah to build an ark

Soon a big flood would destroy the earth
There would be noting left
Nothing left of worth
It wouldn’t be long
Before God’s creation was gone
But Noah and his family would be safe and sound
For following God’s ways they would not drown
 Noah built the ark and brought in the animals two by two
 The Lord shut the door and the flood began
For 40 days and 40 nights the rain came tumbling down
The Lord began to flood the ground
While those in the ark were safe and sound
Noah sent out a raven to find dry land
But he came back he found no safe haven
Noah sent out a dove
He found a green leaf
 Everyone breathed a sigh of relief
 The storm was through!
  The earth made
A rainbow appeared in the clouds
nd God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between
me and the earth.  Whenever I bring clouds over
the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
I will remember my covenant between me
and you and all living creatures of every kind.
Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”
 The rainbow is more than a pretty little charm
 It’s God’s Promise to keep us safe from harm
A beautiful reminder He loves the human race!
Thank you Lord for your Amazing Grace!

 

 

                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Summer Adventure 2015 Jesus is Lord over His people

Last week I got teach the lesson at my table in fourth grade at Summer Adventure A.K.A. Vacation Bible School at Grace Baptist Church. The theme for the entire week was Jesus is Lord. Friday was Jesus is Lord over His people We told the kids the story of Saul. I wrote this poem and they loved It! I held their attention! I gave all my kids signed copies of the poem to help them remember the story and the fun week we had together1 Another table leader shared it with her kids and soon everyone wanted a copy! It was a hit! Maybe I'll have to start writing more poetry. Enjoy!

Saul was a bully

Who tried to kill the holy

Slowly God worked on his heart

And Saul had a brand new start

After being blinded by the light

Ananias restored his sight

And Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit

And God used him with all his might

Even with a dark heart like Saul

God changed him and his name became Paul

Rachael Benson's Ballet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdVKaivG0as.
Hey everybody here's  the link to my Ballet recital I had on March 28, 2015. It started with a dream I had when I was a little girl. I'll let the video do the explaining. At the end of the performance be sure to watch "Rachael's Story." It was a real dream come true! A Real Taste of heaven. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/LPk283OV13A?t=18.
Here's the link that shows the behind the scenes stuff before the performance. Enjoy!

"Focus On What You Can Do"

the great face off with Sarah March before the great Tortoise and the Hare race in front of my house October 2014. I'm the Hare Sarah is the Tortoise. I won! ! We just recently had anther race. I won again! Those pictures are on Facebook. Now I need to rewrite the Tortoise and the Hare story! 



"Focus On What You Can Do"
Here's s a piece I'm posting this piece which I wrote for my Mircoflash fiction and nonfiction class I took in the winter semester. Enjoy!

“We would like to thank everyone for coming to our church play. We will now serve dinner and refreshments in the other room.”

Sarah brought me my walker and I stood up and turned around We followed everyone else into the other room. The room was on a lower level and we had to go down a long ramp to get to it. My walker has four wheels. If I don’t control my legs I can easily run right into something. Sometimes I need a little help.

“Now Sarah when we go down the ramp, hold the bar on the back of my walker so you can help me control the speed.”

I was anxious to get to the food!  Before Sarah had a chance to grab the bar, I pushed off at the top of the ramp, raised my feet in the air, and said “Catch ne if you can!” I laughed the whole way down. My walker went flying down the hill and Sarah ran after me. Finally, I got to the bottom of the hill. Sarah caught up to me. We both laughed and walked safely into the other room.

Having CP is hard at times. There are many moments when I wish it just wasn’t there, but, if it wasn’t for my CP, I wouldn’t need the help I need, and I would never meet great people great people like my friend Sarah. Funny moments of laughter like that wouldn’t happen. I’m able to show people how to have fun.  Without CP, some of the happy moments I have in my life wouldn’t happen. Whenever I get down about having CP, I have to remember my mother’s wise words. “Focus on what you can do not on what you can’t.”

"Unique Precious Child"

At Camp Capernum August 2014.  was our camp speaker at Ooakbridge. He gave me the idea for the talk with the kids.

Here's the talk I gave to the kids last night in Awana. They loved it! Enjoy!

 

Psalm 139: 13-16 (NASB)

 

“For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My^]frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.”

Have you ever gone to the store with your mom or dad when you stand in line to pay for something the casher or the machine scans the item, usually on the side when the cashier or the machine scans the item there’s a bar code. That’s called a UPC Code. UPC usually stands for Universal Product Code.. This summer when I went to Oakbridge with Fun Life, a ministry of Young Life, (another Christian organization) the camp speaker came up with his own saying. He said that we were a Unique Precious Child made by God. He said that if God has fridge like we do at home, He would have a picture of everyone He loved. Can you imagine? That would be a big fridge!

We live in a world that puts a huge emphasis on outer appearances.  ‘If you’ll buy this can of hair spray you’ll  have soft silky hair.”  Everybody is trying to be “Perfect.” The truth is, in reality nobody is “perfect” by the world’s standards. Our society is very competitive. Who has the most trophies? Who can score the most goals in soccer/ Your favorite movie stars all have wrinkles and pimples when they leave the studio. The only reason your favorite stars look the way they do is because of technology. God made us all to be perfect in his image. God doesn’t make mistakes. It is not a mistake that everyone is here today. God doesn’t “Oops I don’t think I should’ve done that.”  The very same God who created you and me is the very same God who created day and night. He also created the plants and animals. He knew where every piece of the puzzle was going to go.  He said, “It is good.” He created the earth in six days. I sure can’t do that! If God created the earth in six days, don’t you think He knew what he was doing when He created you?

God cares more about our inner image than our outer image. Our actions toward one another, our relationship with him, Etc. When we get to heaven, we will give an account for our lives. You won’t get into heaven based on the way you look. What’s really going to matter is how you served the Lord. . God isn’t going to care about how well your nails are done or how much make-up you have on. I believe God looks at each one of you very lovingly and says, “Take off the make-up, and show people the real you.”

He loves you so much that he sent his son Jesus to die for each and every one of you. I wish they would put Jesus on the cross on model posters. He’s the perfect model. The problem is the world has to look past his blood and nail scarred hands. Jesus is the model of true perfection. If you h already have a relationship with Jesus, That’s great! We’re here to help you grow in your walk. If not, ask us how one can be started. That’s what we’re here for! 1He says to every  one of us, “You’re my Unique Precious Child.”

"Uh-oh... Here Comes Danger!'

Last Sunday would've been my dad's  63rd birthday. This piece gives you a deeper an insight into the man who said, 'This is now the new normal," as well as some of the fun summertime activities I've done. God gave me the gift of life, and I'm mot going to waste a minute! Mom and Dad, thanks for surrounding me with so much love!

 

“Uh-oh… Here Comes Danger!”

By Rachael Benson

 

      I walk on the wild side of life. If someone asks me, “Rachael, don’t you think this is a little dangerous?” I look at them with a big smile and with no hesitation, and I reply, “Hey, Danger is my middle name!” It makes people laugh when they answer, “Well then, go for it!” You could say it’s my slogan. People who know me really well exclaim, “Uh-oh. Here comes Danger. Look out!”

     I was born on February 8, 1983. My mother couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she knew there was a problem. For some reason, she was very sick during her second pregnancy. This time, something was different. That particular day was her worst ever. She felt so bad; my dad was very hesitant to leave her alone.

     “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” he asked.

     “Go ahead and go on with your day; I’ll be fine,” my mother insisted. “I just need to rest.”

     “If you’re sure,” my dad answered, "call me if you need me.”

     “I will. I promise.” My mother responded.

     “Okay," he replied as he kissed her good-bye and walked out the door.

    Shortly after my dad left, my mother went over to visit with the next-door neighbor. While there, she called my grandma. Grandma knew what was going on. “You’re in labor,” she said. “We need to get you to the hospital right away!” Grandma hung up the phone, rushed quickly to the neighbor’s house, and there, paged my dad to meet them at the hospital.

     "What, labor already? How could that be?" thought my dad.

I wasn’t expected to arrive until April 8, which was two months away!

Once we got to the hospital, the doctor rushed my mom into surgery, and I was delivered by emergency C-section. However, when I came out of her womb, I had stopped breathing. Within fifteen minutes, the doctors were able to get no more than five breaths out of me. Imagine trying to hold your breath for 15 minutes! My skin was blue; and I didn’t even make a sound-- not even a faint baby cry. I was quiet, too quiet. My mother’s water had broken early causing me to become very ill. Two days later, the doctors realized I had pneumonia, and a lack of oxygen had caused serious brain damage. They tried everything medically possible, but my body just wouldn’t respond. No one thought I would survive. The doctors were about to lose hope, when, suddenly, they tried one more thing…antibiotics! I began to recover. Within 24 hours, they knew I would survive!

     Still, that didn’t mean I would go home right away. Because of complications, I weighed only three and a half pounds. Being underweight, my homecoming was delayed for another five weeks. Finally, I gained five pounds, and the doctors gave the okay for me to go home. Yet, the doctors’ visits weren’t over. They still had to closely monitor my condition. For the first year of my life, my mom took me back and forth every month to see about 10 different professionals.

     At this crucial time, my dad’s immediate response was, “This is now the new normal.” He knew it was going to be hard, but he was so happy and relieved I came out alive, and I was coming home at last. He was willing to do whatever it took to take care of me.

      When I was three months old, my condition was finally diagnosed. Dr. Faulk announced to my mother, "Mrs. Benson, Rachael has cerebral palsy.” Stunned, she just sat there listening as he continued to explain. “We need to get her connected with the Regional Center right away so you can get therapy for your daughter.” ”The sooner you get the right kind of help, the better it will be for Rachael in the future.”

“Thank you,” my mother replied as she shook the doctor’s hand and quietly left.  She drove home in silence. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

     Arriving at home, my Dad saw the look on my mother’s face. “What happened?!” he asked.

      Mom replied, “The doctor finally confirmed Rachael’s diagnosis… she has cerebral palsy!  He wants us to connect with the Regional Center so we can get her therapy.”

Sensing my mother’s fear, my father placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and said,    “Well…we’ll just have to take care of it! We’ll just do whatever we have to do!”

     Today, 28 years later, the legacy of my father’s strong leadership and courage still carries on in my family’s life and mine. My father and mother bravely pulled together and built the firm foundation upon which I “dangerously” approach my life.  A “Woe is me, I’m disabled” attitude has never been allowed. Whenever, I start to get bitter about having this disability, my mom reminds me to focus on what I can do rather than on what I can’t.

     When I was a child, our favorite family activity in the summertime was water skiing. While everyone else skied standing up, I skied with my legs extended behind my torso on a skibob to avoid direct vein constriction and hip socket displacement. If you knew anything at all about CP, you knew sitting on your legs, the “W” position, was what the doctors and therapists warned against.  Even if I had to do it differently, I skied, and I loved it! I was still able to be part of the family and participate in the family activity.

       Today, when doing many athletic outdoor activities, such as, cruising along tops of trees riding the zipline, climbing all the way to the very peak of a rope’s course, swimming free as a fish underwater, flying high in the sky in a hot air balloon, dancing the night away twirling in my wheelchair, or pecking on the keyboard composing one of my stories, you might ask, “Rachael, don’t you think this is a little dangerous?”

      P-leeeasee!!!! If I survived my birth, I can survive anything!! I may have entered the world quietly, but I’ve now made up for it! So, if you hear my chair humming down the street, don’t try to stop me! Remember, “Danger is my middle name!” A.K.A. Rachael “Danger” Benson!

 

 

 

     

"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”

You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen, Coment, and Cupid, and Donder, and Blitzen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all….”  Sound familiar? You know the rest of the words right? I’m sure you do. It’s a famous Christmas Carol. However, I’ll bet if I were to ask you, “Where did the idea for Rudolph come from--you wouldn’t know the answer, would you?” What is it that makes the beloved reindeer so famous? What could the people of the world possibly have in common with an animal that is said to be the leader behind Santa’s sleigh one night out of the year? 

It all started with a guy named Bob May. His wife was dying of cancer. His 4-year old daughter sat on his lap and cried. “Why isn’t Mommy just like everyone else’s Mommy?” She asked. His daughter’s question reminded him of his own childhood. Bob May was small as a kid. He was too small to compete in sports. He was often picked on and bullied by other boys. He was the kind of person who never did quite fit in very well with things.

This all happened during the time of the great depression in the 1930’s. Since he couldn’t afford to buy a Christmas gift, he decided to make one. In an effort to try to comfort his daughter, he wrote a children’s book. He told a story with animals. Rudolph was the story of his life in fable form. Rudolph was an outcast just like his creator, Bob May. Rudolph was a reindeer with a shiny nose. He finished the story just in time for Christmas Day.

Soon, the general manager of Montgomery Ward heard about the storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. The story went to print and was given to children who were visiting Santa Claus in stores. By 1946, six million copies of Rudolph had been distributed and sold. Soon, toys followed and Bob May was able to make a living and comfort his grieving daughter at the same time.

It was his brother-in law, Johnny Marks, who adapted the story into the well-known song we sing today. Although turned down by many singers, the song was released in 1949 and sung by Gene Autry. It became a phenomenon and sold more records than any other song with the exception of  “White Christmas.” Like May, Rudolph learned that being different can be a blessing.

            Although this song doesn’t have any reference to Christ, we can all learn a lot from Rudolph and his creator. Often, we try to fix the things we don’t like about ourselves-our gray hairs, our wrinkles, etc, as if something about ourselves is a mistake. In Psalm 139, beginning in verse 13, the Bible says, “For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” If people were created in their mother’s womb, how could anybody possibly be a mistake? At the very end of verse 16, it says, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

The bottom line: If we were all made the same, there would be no creativity. We wouldn’t have anything to learn from each other because there would be no need for growth. When we try to fix the things we don’t like about ourselves, we’re telling God, our creator, he made a mistake-the very same God who created everything else before us.            

 We all have special gifts and talents that have been given to us by God. The question: What will we do with them? Will we be like Rudolph and learn to use them wisely, or will we be like the man in the Bible who buried his one talent and tried to forget all about it? How will you serve the Lord in the New Year?

Dear Lord,

As the New Year approaches, please help me find new ways to use my gifts and talents to serve you.

Amen

* Information taken from www.urbanlegends.com.

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Therapy dog helps patients at hospital

Therapy dog helps patients at hospital
Hey everyone! I didn't write this, but here's an article I found in The Signal about how I helped inspire someone else in a wheelchair to volunteer at the hospital. The writer doesn't mention my name, but I'm certain that they talking about me because I'm the only one there in a wheelchair who volunteers. They do talk about a young girl with cerebral palsy who pushes around a magazine cart. Here's an example of what can happen when we let our lights shine for Jesus. Enjoy!

Oakbridge 2012

Danger and Zippy: A weekend At Oakbridge

Danger and Zippy:  A weekend At Oakbridge

Thursday, August 25

Hey, everyone, Zippy here. I’m Rachael’s wheelchair. Fun Life campers and I just got back from an adventurous place called Oakbridge.  Fun Life is a Christian organization for people with disabilities. I wish, I could talk about everything we did, but I’m just going to share with you some key highlights. Are you ready? Hold on tight. It’s going to be one wild ride. Here we go! HONK! HONK!

 At Oakbridge, the fun began right away. As each camper got off the bus, the welcoming camp leaders clapped, cheered, and yelled our names. It was very special…especially for “RACH-AEL! RACH-AEL! RACH-AEL,” my rider.  It was a big parade! I didn’t dress for the occasion, oops.  

Next, we headed to the dining hall. The camp leaders gave me the royal treatment-wheelchairs first! I like first class. Then, we saddled up to the table. Rachael had tacos, and I had a couple squirts of WD40, yum!

     Soon, it was time to head for the clubhouse. The speaker spoke about being lights for Jesus that point people to God. To illustrate, the room grew dim (I need headlights), then lit up once again. The message ended, and we headed to our cabin. Inside, Rachael parked me next to her bed, plugged my battery into the electric socket, and together, we dreamt about tomorrow’s adventures.

Friday, August 26

  Up early, Rachael buckled in, snapped my footrests into place, and off we drove to the dining hall. I heard Rachael say that the egg and sausage burrito was “yummy.”

At club time, the speaker told the story about the Good Shepherd. Our camp leader gave us journals. Rachael wrote:

“BACK HOME, I CARE FOR THE PEOPLE AT THE HOSPITAL. I PASS OUT MAGAZINES AND SMILES.”

She sure does care. Back home, the hospital is one of my favorite places to go with her. I love seeing the impact Rachael has on others. When they see her ride up, they realize their life doesn’t have to stop because they are in a wheelchair. Rachael and I are both good shepherds to each other. I take her where she needs to go, and she makes sure my parts are maintained so I function properly.

   That evening, the camp had a carnival on the field. Rachael won five tickets, enough to “pie a leader” in the face. She “pied” camp leader Randy because he had a beard and the shaving cream stuck to him quite well! She giggled and I could tell she enjoyed it.

Saturday, August 25, 

The campers put on their white t-shirts.  They were told to wear something they didn’t mind getting dirty. “Uh-Oh, This sounds dangerous,” I thought.   

 We played two games, first, Chariots of Fire. A rope attached to a sleeping bag was tied to my wheelchair handles. With Rachael driving and me as the chariot, we dragged campers around cones! Second, we played a chalk game. Little did I realize what was coming-up. The leaders gave campers handfuls of colored powdered chalk, and told them to throw it at each other. Next thing I knew, all kinds of colors were coming at us! Chalk was getting all over my controls, my footrests, my handles-everywhere! Not only were the colors on me, but, also, on Rachael’s shoes, pants, t-shirt, and hair! She was more colorful than I’d ever seen her before! That’s when; I nicknamed her “Danger.”

 After lunch, “Danger” scaled the rope course and zoomed across the zip line. The camp leaders put her into a special harness that took her up the ropes and throughout the course.  She really stood out in all those colors! At the zip line, before she launched, “Danger” yelled, “THREE, TWO, ONE, BLAST OFF!” She zoomed down the zip line giggling and smiling the whole way.

 That night, we had a spectacular Neon Dance! Everyone danced the night away by the light of glow sticks. 

Sunday, August 26, 

            Time to head home. We were asked what two things we would take home from camp. Danger yelled, “The color duel.” “Me, too!” I thought. “I’m still wearing the colors!”  And, I would like to wake up early as I did at camp.”   

When we arrived home, “Danger’s” mom saw the rainbow of colors painted all over me. “This is what happens at Fun Life Camp!” They both chuckled. 

 Mom washed most of the colors off, but some remained. That’s okay. It was fun!! I can’t wait to see what we do next. Living with “Danger” is always an adventure! 

“Kittens, Children, and Warm Hot Dogs”

Recently, Sarah and I went to the annual Joni and Friends Family Retreat at the Murrieta Hot Springs. We had a great time as usual. However, on the last day of camp, something happened.

We were in the dining hall eating our breakfast, and then the families were supposed to go pack up in their rooms, and go to the church service at the chapel. Sarah and I had done everything ahead of time, so we took our time eating breakfast and saying good-bye to people. Sarah is very social. She’s the kind of person who really likes to slow down and savor every moment of everything. She’s not in a hurry.

“Don’t let anybody take my food,” she said.

“Okay,” I replied.

While I ate my breakfast, she went around the dining hall to take pictures and give everybody hugs.  Finally, as everyone left the dining hall and went back to their rooms to pack, Sarah still hadn’t touched her breakfast. There was another person there named Rachel. When everyone else left, Sarah, Rachel, and I were the only ones there. The other Rachel taught an art class. We started talking about my books and the possibility of future illustrations. When Sarah was done saying good-bye to the last person leaving the dining hall, we still weren’t done saying good-bye to the campgrounds, or to each other. We wanted to savor the moment even more. After all, Family Retreat only happens once a year. You never know if you’re going to cross paths with the same people again. We went up on the stage and took a picture of the three of us. Rachel and I sang “Awesome God.” We were having such a great time, and Sarah’s food was still on the table. She would get to it eventually.

When we got off the stage, we were just about ready to leave and go to the church service. Sarah looked around for her food. It was gone!  “Ahhh!”  She panicked.

The problem: Sarah is on a special diet and can only eat certain foods. Her plate was full. She didn’t understand why anyone would take it. She talked to someone who was part of the kitchen staff and explained the situation. The kitchen staff went back in the kitchen and talked to the person in charge. 

“I guess I learned a lesson,” Sarah said. “Take your food with you wherever you go.” The kitchen staff came out with a box. In the box were hog dogs that had just been microwaved. As we went out to the lobby, Rachel carried the box and asked, “What’s in here?”

“Hot dogs,” Sarah answered. Really, they looked like overcooked sausage links. It wasn’t exactly the best thing for Sarah to eat, but at least it would give her a little bit of protein to hold her over until my mom picked us up and we could stop somewhere.

Rachel couldn’t believe Sarah was really going to eat the hot dogs. They didn’t look good at all! Sarcastically, she remarked, “I like kittens, children, and warm hot dogs.”

Sarah looked at me and said, “Rachael, that would be a great title for a blog or a book.”

“Yeah,” I said in agreement. This was quite a way to end the week. It would certainly be something I would remember.

Mom came and picked us up. Sarah and I both said our last good-byes, and then we got in the car and went to Carl’s Jr. Sarah was finally able to eat something healthy, and we all got home safe and sound.

I’ll never forget how Family Retreat is always full of fun and laughter. It’s a great place to meet great people and develop lasting relationships, and have lots of adventures! You never know what might happen next! I can’t wait until next summer! 

Sarah March (Left) Rachael Rubenstein (Right) She's the one who taught the art class.

Art Class Friday afternoon

The finished product on display at the art show Saturday night. The yellow part is heaven. I'm ascending out of my wheelchair into heaven where I'll finally have the perfect body with no physical limitations!