Something We're Thankful For

Sometimes, life teaches you lessons you don't expect.

 "Man plans. God laughs."

 Like being told at 50 that you're not leaving the hospital.

Then being told 2 months later that you're disabled.

Then hearing a few weeks ago that you've beaten the odds and can go out and play.

The Redhead has been cleared medically.

You're looking at a woman who is now in a suit and heels again

as an Account Executive for a major global corporation in the sales division.

Why didn't I listen to my original diagnosis and give up?

 I had a couple of good teachers.

These two guys have autism, and their prognoses were bleak.

 Thom would never speak, bond with me completely, or be potty trained.

 Neither of them would have sufficient social skills.

 Samwow would have difficulty making friends.

We didn't buy a minute of it.

 I never gave up on them, but more importantly, they never gave up on themselves.

And we had a very special evening Tuesday that proves their efforts.

 That blur on center stage is Thom.

He's rushing across stage to light his candle...

 ...to be inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the college honors fraternity.

The boy has a 3.78 GPA.

And I clearly heard him say his pledge.

Disabilities only limit or define you if you allow it.