Behind the Mic Book Review : Bloom: finding beauty in the unexpected by Kelle Hampton

Bloom: finding beauty in the unexpected, by Kelle Hampton is a book that is candid, honest, raw and yet, a refreshing look into the diagnosis of a life-changing disability.  Kelle's second child, Nella, was born with Down syndrome. Kelle's heart sank the moment she saw her baby girl.  Altho she felt like she was alone, she never really was.  Kelle's husband, Brett, along with countless girlfriends, held Kelle up when everything seemed to be shattering around her.  They cheered her on as she bravely faced the yet unknown challenges that she would have to come up to the plate and conquer.  While she didn't hold back the ravages of her emotions and the pain that shook her insides to the core, you can clearly see, early on, the kind of person Kelle really is... She was able to develop deep relationships that sustained her and helped her to heal, while she changed her perspective.  She began to realize that the pain of her little girl's diagnosis seemed to blur her vision to the fact that Nella was a healthy, beautiful baby!  When the challenges presented themselves, she wouldn't be alone in surmounting them.  Dr. Foley was on the front line of support and would lovingly remind her that little Nella was already making advancement.  She passed her hearing test, her jaudice numbers were disappearing, and her heart test was fine, which not always, unfortunately, can be said of those with Down syndrome.  As you go along on the journey with Kelle, you begin to see that, despite the earth shattering change that occurred, she knew she couldn't stay down in the mire of negativity, or under the control of her "sadness demons" as she called them.  She had to begin to "flip the switch in her head" as her sister Carin called it.  She also asked her to ''discard the old glasses and put on the new ones, because, life is how you look at it."  There are countless illustrative word pictures in this book that I am going to keep in my "positive thinking memory recall list" (Yes, I made  that up....aren't you amazed?? :) )  In writing this book, Kelle, has given such a gift to all who live with a disability and their parents and caregivers.  Kelle was inspired by a statement she read while pregnant with Nella... It said:"Living a life of comfort, does nothing to help us grow, and hard times shape us into interesting, developed characters." Getting out of our comfort zone, helps us to "Bloom" finding beauty in the unexpected and "waking up to live and love fully!"

Kelle, Brett, Austyn, Brandyn, Lainey and Nella-

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journey in this book! You all have shown that to Bloom means to embrace and accept Nella for who she is and help others to do that, too. Awareness of that kind has a ripple effect, and this book and your sharing it, has done that so beautifully! Many hugs to all of you as your story continues to Bloom!  

Want to read Bloom for yourself?? Order it here: www.amazon.com/Bloom-Finding-Beauty-Unexpected-Memoir/dp/0062045032?ie=UTF8&hvadid=3488214665&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_4xk7zhgsyl_e&tag=mh0b-20

Michelle Fischer is host of  A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Disability Awareness Month 2016: Where am I now?

March is Disability Awareness Month each year.  I have to admit, I actually kinda geek out during this month! Yes, we do get covered on the news a bit more and I get to see the cool things that others do to celebrate the month.  I especially love the the humorous and empowering t-shirts! Most importantly though, I reflect on how far I've come in my life.  From the day of my birth and my parents wondering if I would survive the first couple days of life, to being a journalist in the field of my choice! Of course, there was a lot of hard work in between.  I've come to realize that I'm the same as everyone else, but drastically different. Goals and aspirations are slow to come, at times.  My brain, I say, is able-bodied, but my body is slow to follow!  Giving up, though, would never do anything good for me so I refuse to give any time to the idea.  Instead, I look to build up! The key to helping myself is helping others. Whether it's a warm hello with a smile, spending time with friends and family, shopping for gifts for friends, sending cards, writing, working with my team on my podcast and interviewing incredible folks...all this builds me up and gives me the strength to continue to shine and be the happiest I can be everyday! So, this year for Disability Awareness Month, my advice to you is something that Scott Chesney said, an international speaker from Verona, NJ, recently interviewed on my podcast: "Don't let something life changing happen to you before you make a change". There are always going to be challenges, emotional ups and downs, bumps in the road, things that can cloud your vision, but always ask yourself: "Would you want it to be worse?" It could be worse in an instant. You have the power to choose your attitude toward whatever situation you find yourself in. Happiness is where it's at, people! :)  You are more than your disability tells you you are!  I want you to be able to look back on 2016 Disability Awareness Month and be able to say: Where am I now? I'm farther than I ever thought possible! What a GREAT choice....Right? :)

''My disability doesn't define me, and I don't want it to define you." - Scott Chesney

I was on the lookout for an interview for my podcast and it just happened that I logged on to my Facebook page and there was an advertisement for Mobility Works. The video was 58 seconds long and that's all the time I needed to know that I wanted to ask Scott Chesney if I could interview him on my podcast! I was instantly motivated by the words that make up this blog post title!  As a life coach, Scott has spoken to over a million people in 38 countries.  But, that's not all... He's been happily married for 16 years and has two beautiful kids!  Oh, did I mention that he has a condition that affects the middle to lower portion of the spinal cord called a "sleeping volcano" which means it can cause a hemorrhage at any time, causing paralysis?  Scott is definitely someone who doesn't let his disability define how he lives his life.

He was asked, "If one word was used to say who you are, what word would you want that to be?" His answer was "real".  He realized that if you're real that's how your connection to people begins to take shape and to grow.  No matter what the outside of a person looks like, now matter what their situation is, they have real potential.. They can be who they want to be!  Scott says "the only disability in life is a bad attitude".  Scott has come to the point in his life where he is confident in where he is, where he's going and how he's going to get there!!  Now, Scott has turned his story and his struggles into motivation for others!  I'm so glad I've come to know Scott and I know that when you listen to this interview you will be happy and motivated yourself!  Defining how disability fits into his life was a choice Scott had to make in order to not be stopped by his challenges... and his story is proof that GREAT things are possible and new liberating definitions of your life can be written! 

Listen to my interview with Scott here: http://www.arcind.org/view-with-scott-chesney/

Scott is also a spokesperson for Rowheels! Check out their website here! http://www.rowheels.com/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from my Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Perserverence despite unforeseen obstacles: in the words of Jay Ruckelshaus

When I first started doing research for Jay Ruckelshaus' interview, a mix of emotions welled up inside me. On the one hand, I asked myself what I had to complain about and then the feelings of shock and sadness for him because of the complete suddenness of his situation and how it unmistakably changed his everyday life.  He was in a diving accident that caused a spinal injury.  Then the interview came, and you know what?  When I met Jay, all I could do was smile!  His demeanor is positive and happy.  Period.  Getting to the happy and positive part took some time, but what helped Jay was the support he received from his family, his community and the college he eventually attended.  You may have heard of it...Duke University!  Jay kept his eyes fixed firmly on what was ahead and was determined to reach his goal of going to college!   I learned so much from Jay!  One lesson I learned is, if plan A doesn't work, ask yourself: What's plan B?  Plan B may have more twists and turns, and in Jay's case a few more obstacles to jump over, but, it's a plan nonetheless and a plan that has given Jay the motivation to reach out and lend a hand to other spinal cord injury patients who are wondering what their plan B looks like.  Showing others that going to college is attainable, led Jay to create his website The Ramp Less Traveled providing scholarship opportunities, mentorship and financial support to those dealing with these injuries, to succeed.  Yes, SUCCEED in going to college and really succeed in life!  Jay Ruckelshaus is proof that Plan B can work!  If Jay can do it so can YOU!  Always remember, when life gets tough or something doesn't go just exactly the way you planned....What's YOUR Plan B??

Listen to Jay's interview here: http://arcind.org/view-jay-ruckelshaus-ramp-less-traveled/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

It's always a Great day on Sarah's Great Day!

Cooking and eating food is central to every gathering of friends and family.  Memories are made, laughter is heard and good times are always had by everyone!  That is how the hosts of the online cooking show Sarah's Great Day want you to feel, like part of their family and part of their Great Day!  What is remarkable about this online show is that nothing is scripted, everything is captured in real time.  Casual conversation, tips and tricks, delicious food that warms you from the inside out and hosts that invite you to sit, stay and be in their company!  Val is Sarah's mom and talk about someone who is a champion for those with special needs! This show is very much proof of that.  Sarah, who just happens to have Down Syndrome, was just tired and needed a break from school for a time, so they decided to homeschool Sarah...there was just one problem....Val was not a teacher.  How could she teach Sarah the things she needed to know?  She knew she loved cooking and there are so many skills that cooking teaches you.  It can help you sharpen your math skills, fine motor skills, reading skills and personal interaction with others.  For Val, developing this cooking show has really allowed Sarah to come out of her shell and is one of the best things for a mother to see.... her once shy, quiet girl, developing confidence and beaming with pride and blossoming!!   When I met both of these girls I fell in love with them!!  I saw that they have a relationship like my mom and I do!! Support and love are the foundation of success that allows Sarah to enjoy life and to see her disability as a motivation to inspire others around her to see their disability in a positive way, too!   Another cool aspect to this show is how food and friends are brought together.  In many of the episodes, Sarah's friends and people who have had a major impact in Sarah's life, are with her in the kitchen!  Sharing food among friends is one of the most personal ways to give of yourself... Food is your heart on a plate.  Sarah's Great Day proves that disability doesn't ever define your ability to achieve your dreams.

This is a must see online cooking show! Check it out here: /www.youtube.com/user/sarahsgreatday

I got to interview these two lovely ladies, and that was a fun day!  Listen into our interview here: http://arcind.org/view-sarahs-great-day/

                                                         Val-
                                                         I love your drive and determination to promote Disability Awareness!!  Thank you for being a cheerleader for all those with disabilities! You are Awesome!!  I'm quite a fan of yours', and also want to thank you for your very kind words about "A View from my Window"!  I really love hearing how listeners' feel about the show!  It made my heart feel so good!  Sarah's Great Day is such a great resource for everyone!  You have shown families that love, support and delicious food is a perfect recipe to reach the dreams they maybe never thought were possible! xoxoxo!


Sarah-
You really are a ROCKSTAR!!!! :) :) :)  Hugs girlie!! xoxoxoxo!!


Michelle Fischer is the host of  A View from my Window a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

The Arc of Indiana's Teaching Hotel and Training Institute: More than just an ordinary building...

I LOVE working for the Arc of Indiana!  2014 began with a major announcement surrounding the creation and building of a hotel that's geared toward giving people with disabilities the option of going to post secondary education after getting out of high school.  Valuable skills will be taught right in the hotel which will open the opportunity to use those skills to gain employment in the hospitality field or in another field of their choice!  My heart is jumping for joy just thinking about how wonderful this project is, and how it will impact lives in untold ways!  This project is changing the face of what employment means for people with disabilities.  Can you imagine the excitement that will go on inside this building once it's built and up and running?  Smiles will be abundant, laughter will fill the halls!  Warm hellos and handshakes will greet you as you walk in.  Personal touches will be seen in every room by all the artwork, made possible through the artistic eye of artists with disabilities.  If you come stay at the hotel from out of town and want something to remind you of your stay in Indiana, I have no doubt that those in the gift shop will jump at the chance to help you find the perfect "Indiana" treasure!  This hotel and training institute is more than just an ordinary building. This building, will change lives.  It will help people with disabilities see what they bring to the table in who they are.  They will be a team player in getting things done for guests and maintaining the hotel, and they will  have chosen to be in the hospitality field.  Think about the word choice...  there are many factors that lead to making different choices for different people, but for people with disabilities, choices are freedom.  Freedom from stereo-types, freedom from can't and won't.  Freedom from feeling useless and not worth anything.  Choices make us feel like everyone else!!  Choices help us to see that we are part of the weave of humanity....it brings life to our soul and pep in our step!  The Arc Teaching Hotel/ Training Institute will break the stereotype of what is possible in the lives of people with disabilities.  Can you lend a hand to help continue to change stereotypes? To upbuild and encourage, to change the self-image of people with disabilities and give us hope!!  We need your help!!!  Money is made and exchanged for things that we feel are important.  I can't emphasize how important this is......Dreams are one of the things that give life to the soul and the motivation to not give up!!   There are so many things that people with disabilities are up against, that hurt us and break us down, and squash every ounce of hope and confidence out of us everyday.....Don't let the ability to make our own choices be one of them!!  Employment is life, and with your help in donating to this project life will be just that much sweeter!!!  From the bottom of our hearts, we say thank you for helping us live the life we have always wanted!!

 
Jeff Huffman-

Thank you for always wearing your heart on your sleeve and understanding how important changing the landscape is for those of us with disabilities! You are an awesome cheerleader!  I'm glad to know you and your family, to work with you and to call you my friend!  The disability community is so fortunate to have you in their corner! :)

Jeff talks about the hotel and the reason it came about here:  http://www.arcind.org/view-jeff-huffman-postsecondary-education-arc-training-institute-teaching-hotel/

Arc Staff: You all continue to amaze me with how you hold true to your mission to help those with disabilities!  Thank you for allowing me to experience the ride and to experience your incredibly generous hands and hearts in helping me achieve my most cherished dream and allowing me to help others in the most wonderful way possible!
Here's to helping many other dreams be ACHIEVED!!  XOXO!


Michelle is the host of A View From My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

I thought this was an interesting article I read the other day and thought it went along with this post!
www.huffingtonpost.com/tiffiny-carlson/lessonspeople-with-disabilities-_b_4577337.html

For more information and to make a donation to the Teaching Hotel/Training Institute click this link: http://www.arcind.org/training-institute/

It all started around the kitchen table.... :)

Have you ever really stopped and thought about how important the kitchen table is in your house?  It’s at the center of where everything important happens.  Memories are made, decisions are reached, and bonds are forged.  In my case it became one of the foundation building blocks that would take me through my rough times.  I remember my Grandma and Grandpa Fischer’s kitchen table so fondly even to this day!  

That kitchen table was where I learned kindness, compassion, and support.  I grew up in a family where getting together and seeing everyone was a refreshing intimate time to catch up, laugh and rebuild each other!  When entering the house, I remember even as a little tike, a feeling of instant comfort and coziness inviting me in.  I was never ignored, but included.  I was cheered on, helped and most of all...LOVED!!   I was part of the weave that was my family.  I always felt like if I wasn’t there...I knew they would feel like something so important was missing.   I was never put to the sidelines or less valuable because I was different physically.  Everyone, including my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents were a team, and we helped each other out.  When we were making food for a family dinner, I was always in my high chair close by or included in the action somehow.  Or, sometimes we would simply look at old photos or look outside at the beautiful lake down the lane.  Whatever we did, I was never far away!! 

Children learn by example. The example set by the people in my family was never unnoticed or unappreciated in the least!  As I have entered adulthood, and have learned to grow into my own skin, I’m incredibly grateful for the the time, patience and love I was shown by my family members!

All of us get caught up in the “on-the-go”, but it’s important to slow down and take time to be with family.  Nobody loves you like your family does. Nobody will cheer louder or harder for you. And your family will use all their power to lift you back up on to your feet when you fall.  Realizing the strength and need for the bond of family happens around the kitchen table.  Never underestimate the need for family time for all in the family. The routines and memories you establish now, will make an impression and be a source of comfort during those hard times. Trust me, you will be thanked.  The advice and sometimes tough love family members have given me sticks with me.  When I’m not confident in myself one day, I hear my mom’s voice say, “Honey, you are doing things you never thought you would be doing, be proud of that”!  Or I hear Grandpa’s voice saying,  “Whatever you choose to do, you can do it and I will support you!”

The support and belief in me from those whom I care about is easy to see now, and is the very thing that started the spark of belief in myself to accomplish things I wanted to do.  Home is where your heart is. Family is where your STRENGTH is...and it all starts around the kitchen table.

The power of telling other people's stories helped me heal from the inside out, and a dream job took shape!

“DREAM BIG”, something that seemed to be my motto as a little girl and going into my pre-teen years.  My family and friends never treated me like my disability was any big mountain that would prevent me from going for and reaching the goals I wanted.  So off my mind went into dreams of training dolphins, being a teacher, or an actress living in places around the world, having kids and a husband.  “I will have these things, I thought, whatever challenges I face, they will fade away and everything will be fine!“

It’s almost as if I went to bed one night with optimism on my side and then the next day, it seemed, my life came crashing down around me. I was a train wreck of emotions....I didn’t know the person I saw staring back at me in the mirror.  I hated who I was seeing!

The things I thought I knew about myself, my values, my likes and dislikes....all my goals and roads to reach those goals were cloudy and distant, filled with mountain-like boulders that I was in no way prepared to tackle!  Gone were the days in the latter years of being a teen when I looked forward to getting out of bed and on with the day!  I merciliously beat myself up over something everyday, and everything I did, I questioned: Would a guy love me someday?  Would I make a good wife?  If someone asked him who I was as a person what would he say?  What kind of a mother would I be?  If my mother was asked by someone about the kind of person I was, what would she be able to say?  Was I considered a good friend?  These and more filled my head and slowly broke and eventually shattered my spirit.

Each negative thought that spun inside my mind just made me more upset and angry that I was disabled in the first place.  Why do I have to go through this?  Why didn’t anybody tell me that it would be this painful to grow up?  Why didn’t I realize that I needed to take steps to be more independent?  I was riddled with guilt and despair every second of the day!

At one of my darkest moments laying awake in bed, I desperately tried to think of ways to pull myself out of this emotional  tailspin.  That’s when my dream of becoming a journalist started to form as one of the many things that would heal and restore me from the inside out.  The ability to push my problems aside and allow myself to learn from other’s stories and give them a voice for their pain and struggles.  A healing for them and a healing for me.  You become a snapshot in time, a memory in that person’s life as a journalist, for as long as you tell their story.  All the while, remembering that its not about the glamour of the job, but its about showcasing the power of the human spirit to be resilient!  Anderson Cooper, my favorite journalist, said it best: “Be honest about what you see, get out of the way and let the story reveal itself”

The most beautiful gift: The power of someone’s story being voiced, and through that, showing them that they are a valuable, beautiful person.....and through THEIR story....realizing that I CAN think the same of myself! :)

**** This article appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Unique Me Magazine :)

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

The image in the mirror...the perception of beauty.

The tide...it is a changin’...and I applaud companies who have started to recognize  people with disabilities for the beauty that is within them and on the outside too!  Real people facing real issues, like for instance: being teased, taunted, and made fun of as the punchline of someone’s joke.  But now, a new opportunity arises for them.  Public awareness of what they can do!  Whether it’s a being model, an actor, an author or an athlete, the list is endless!  For a moment in time, allowing the disability to fade away, and being treated with the dignity they deserve.  All too often, the emphasis is placed on the outer beauty, and the inner beauty is ignored completely.  If a company is promoting feeling good about yourself, and they use a model who possesses outer beauty, yet is known to be self-centered and ugly on the inside, how in the world can you expect to believe anything that they say, and how can you truly feel confident in what you see? The actions don’t back up the words. Can that person really be considered a role model of what true beauty is?   Similarly, it becomes obvious that the models used today, while beautiful on the outside, lead lives that offer no example for young people with challenges to look up to.  Unfortunately, we’ve been trained by advertising to believe that beauty is only on the outside.  While outer beauty is a precious gift, it can be unappreciated by those possessing it, and the inner beauty needed to make it real, hasn’t even been considered as the most important factor.

But, when you feel beautiful on the inside, the outside beauty bursts out!  I remember when I was a little girl, I would sit outside the bathroom door while my mom would put  her make-up on and I just marveled at the the end result!  She would highlight her eyes with vibrant colors and use the eyelash curler and mascara to add the drama.  A little bronzer here, a little blush there, and voila!  It fascinated me to see how she could enhance her beauty by using make-up.  The outside beauty of my mom now matched the inner beauty she has always possessed.

People with disabilities have incredible inner beauty, as well.  And that makes the outer beauty burst out, but many times people lose out on seeing that inner beauty because the person they see in front of them doesn’t fit the mold of what they’ve been taught to think beauty looks like.  The reality is, people with disabilities are beautiful.... and you, by encouraging that beauty can help bring it out!  How cool is that?  You are a part of helping them realize their own unique beauty and TRULY embracing it!!!! 

Let’s face it, when going into the doctor’s office our parents heard the diagnosis and we all fit that “look” to a tee, masking the beauty that is in us....making us feel inferior, resulting in a self-esteem that is completely burst!  Plain and Simple: It should NOT happen!  When people realize that, it may be a small thing to most people, but when we see someone else’s true beauty and then help them see it too, its a big deal to them.  Their image in the mirror becomes most of all beautiful to them!!  A True Role Model Indeed!

Michelle Fischer is host of  A View from My Window, A podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

***This article originally appeared in the Fall 2012-13 issue of Unique Me Magazine 

Barton and Megan: A Match made in Wheelchair Heaven.

If you have ever read a good fairytale, there is always an object that brings the boy and girl together. We've all seen it and experienced that audible "awwwwwww" moment, with copious amounts of tears.  Remember Cinderella?  She lost her slipper at a ball and the handsome prince that found it looked far and wide to find the owner of that delicate glass slipper.  That slipper was the start of their hearts becoming one.  For Megan and Barton Cutter, it was a small turquoise stone with Megan's e-mail address on it!  Talk about a modern twist!
                                                                                                                                Their fairytale began when they met each other at a Martial Arts seminar in Tucson Arizona.  Little did they know, that was just the beginning.  They both used their interest in martial arts to help come to terms with certain periods in their lives.  For Megan, martial arts was used to mend a broken heart from a failed engagement and the unimaginable loss of her mom.  As she found her confidence once more, she was able to embark on a career in writing.  For Barton, martial arts was used to persevere in reaching for what he wanted, despite having a disability.  This outlook is not new for Barton.  He's not afraid to try new things.  In their book, Ink in the Wheels: Stories that make Love Roll,  Barton talks about the first time he was intrigued by a power wheelchair and the freedom it gave him.  I had to laugh when I read this part in the book.  I've been in a manual wheelchair for quite a number of years myself, and I love power chairs!  What I marvel at more though, is the seamless coordination that people with power chairs have when driving them.  I NEED to take lessons, Barton! :)  What I found absolutely fascinating about these two is that they both had unique perspectives.  Barton, was who he was.  He had worked on exploring and pushing himself.  He understood his limitations but never let himself be confined by them.  He uses a wheelchair and may need assistance in doing some everyday things, but he is very capable of living life to the full...and he does just that!  Megan saw beyond the challenges that presented themselves and saw Barton for who he was, a man that was willing to be a husband and take that responsibility seriously.

There were things that Megan told me she had to get used to as she and Barton started their life together.  One was the realization that Barton needed things that were independent of her.  For example, his having a personal assistant come in to care for him...or he would want things done a certain way, differently than how she would normally do it herself.  The most beautiful thing though, is that she wanted to do what ever worked best for him because she loved him so deeply.  They are in it together, no matter what.

The love story of these two is getting around and inspiring others.  Their story is a platform for others to have hope of finding and cultivating their own love story.  Giving back and empowering people. Together.  Making love roll on.  Megan and Barton - Here is to many more miles and many more years of strengthening your remarkable bond of love that unites you!  The power of people's stories is what helps people have hope. Your story is one remarkable story of hope.  And to think... the fairytale began as Barton pulled from his pocket, the small turquoise stone with a special e-mail address on it...  that stone came from an amazing woman and was the start of two hearts becoming one.

Michelle Fischer is the host of  A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana


Learn more about Megan and Barton Cutter here: www.arcind.org/upload/media/A%20View%20into%20Ink%20in%20the%20Wheels.mp3

Could it be.....that YOUR an Ironman??

In the summer of 2011, my friend Nathan Criswell competed in the  Iron Man.  From the research I've done and things I've heard about the amount of energy it takes to train and run this Triathlon, first I thought, "That's a big job, will he be able to do it?"  No, this question wasn't a doubtful thought.  Nathan and his wife Alyssa are avid runners.  But the amount of energy and the beating a person's body will take is known to be  brutal!  140.6 miles total! (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike ride and 26.2 mile run) Talk. About. SORE.  As the weeks went on, via Facebook pictures and statuses, I was taken along for the ride as the time inched closer and closer to the big race day!  I was really excited and pumped for Nathan.  In my mind, I was the coach in the movie Rocky, "C'mon, Champ you can do this"!!  Nathan had lots of support in his wife Alyssa, his happy newlywed cheerleader by his side. (their wedding was two months before the triathlon)  So, you could say their marriage got off to a strong running start.... ;)  On the day of the race, there were status updates from Alyssa saying Nathan was in good spirits and he was making good time.  Then...hours went by.  No word on if he finished or how he did.  The next morning I logged on to facebook and lo and behold, the journey was done and Nathan could now be called an IRONMAN!!!! Victory was his!!!!  Sore, tired, yet he finished!!   SO INCREDIBLY INSPIRED!!!!  Why?  Why Not?!?!?!?!  I mean think about it: First of all the enormity of the race was huge!!  It was hot!!  Oh!! Did I mention, EVERY, yes every muscle in his entire body, even muscles he never thought he used or even knew he had....HURT!!!  And yet, the goal was reached with determination and desire!!

Love (and running) is a perfect bond
of union! 6-18-11 <3

2.4 mile swim (must begin with a picture with his
Biggest fan, wife Alyssa) :) <3

It got me to thinking....Nathan's running the Ironman and Alyssa's support of him, give people with disabilities so much hope!  All of us have different challenges we face everyday, our own hills to bike, rivers to swim, and things that take energy to run with...... but just like Nathan if you have determination, desire and support, even after using every muscle, real and figurative, to push through....Victory can be yours!!  So, the next time a challenge or struggle comes your way, think of Nathan... He is an Ironman! What about YOU?  Could it be that maybe, just maybe you are too?!?! :)

Finish Line!!!! :)

112 mile bike ride :)

 

                  

26.2 mile run :)

 Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Ironman Photos courtesy of: Alyssa & Nathan Criswell

Thumbnail Quote photo courtesy of : Just Feelin' Good www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Feelin-Good/268038566543079?fref=ts