"Committed"

We're all committed to something right? Our spouse, children, jobs, bills, friends, family, pets, the list goes on.

The word committed has been on my mind the last two days. As I finish this crazy week (and next week isn't looking any better), I reflect on everything I'm committed too. Which led me to write down every commitment I currently have. And when I did, I found something missing.

My hope after reading the next chapter in hisgiftsofmusculardystrophy, you too will be able to evaluate your commitments and find that missing piece for yourself.

Within my home, I'm committed to my spouse, Kolter, our lizard, our cat, and everything that makes a house a home such as the utilities. Also in this category I would put family members and friends; mom, dad, sister, brother, grandparents, etc.

Within my job, I'm committed to my students, my supervisors, the programs I develop and teach, my customers, and the food I prepare.

Within my community, I'm committed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its advocacy and fundraising efforts, Valley Hope, AA meetings, being a Sponsor, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocacy and support efforts, SEE (signing exact english) sign language classes, The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross as a DAT (disaster action team) member, Susie's Christmas Wish, my crew and my patient as an EMT, bible study, Special Olympics, becoming a MDA Summer Camp counselor, making quilts for people, and volunteering my time whenever/wherever I'm needed.

On paper, I see a whole lot of commitment. However, nowhere on this list do you see the word "me, myself, and I." Why is that? Why is it that I have enough time for anyone and anything listed or not listed above, but no time for "me, myself, and I?"

Why is it that I will get out of bed at 3:00 a.m. to help someone who has fallen and then chooses not to go to the hospital for treatment?

Why is it that I will answer my phone, for the 12th time today, and let a fellow AA member just talk because they want to pick up that drink?

Why is it that I will drive to Broken Bow and miss my baby's soccer game because the Red Cross just dispatched a family of four lost their home to a fire and needs shelter assistance?

Why is it that I will stay up until 1:00 a.m. talking to my friend on her way home from college so she doesn't fall asleep, even though I have to be to work at 5:00 a.m.?

Why is it that I will drive five hours to speak with my Senator in person on why those with disabilities deserve the same things as those without disabilities?

The answer is actually pretty genius. And last time I checked, my name was not Albert Einstein.

The answer: BECAUSE I MAKE TIME

I commit to things that are important to me. But why am I not committed to me? Giving myself to others gives me a sense of purpose. Like I'm making a difference. However, what good is that difference if I'm no longer here because I maxed out my high blood pressure medication at age 30 and experienced a stroke? Leaving me with the inability to ever be able to give of myself anymore?

Whoa. Newsflash Julie. It could happen.

So, self commitment 101 was born today! Be committed. Give, give, give. Give til your heart is content. But don't forget about Julie. Ask someone to cover your 911 for a round of golf. Have supper with a friend. Schedule that trip to Washington D.C. that you've always wanted to take Kyle on. Go to bed early. Catch up on the book you started last summer. Go to Grandma's and make a quilt for yourself. Watch every episode of Grey's Anatomy in one day. Whatever it takes to commit to just you every now and then.

Make time for yourself.
You'll be a better person for it. And really, don't we all just want to be a better person than we were yesterday?

COMMIT. TO. ME. MYSELF. AND. I.

YOU ARE THE MISSING PIECE.

Much love,

mdmom

"Heaven on Earth"

All those beautiful ladies!
All those handsome gentleman!

This past weekend, Kolter was asked to walk his cousin down the red carpet for the Stapleton Highschool Jr./Sr. Prom. Well, in this case it was white but who's keeping track?!

We loaded the car with all the prom attire a six year old requires. The handsome tuxedo, dress shoes, shirt, tie, and extra hearing aid batteries. We loaded the car and made the trek to Stapleton.

There's still nothing out that way besides cattle and deer in case you have not travelled that way recently. Although there was a train that passed by which Kolter loved!

We arrive at Nikki's house. Kyle had this plan that he would enter the house with Kolter and tell her that her date was ready for a diaper change 😂 but, she was not home yet. It was a dud but made me laugh.

We all got ready and headed to Prom. Pictures first, as always! I walked my ever so handsome young man up to meet his beautiful date for pictures. He stood beside her looking so grown! They smiled, laughed, Nikki tried to steal a hug or two, then they were off to Grand March.

I waited with Kolter beside the stairs because his date was nervous she would fall. Kolter was less than pleased that Nikki could not maneuver the staircase. He loves stairs, I think almost as much as popsicles!

They met in the middle and walked the carpet. As an MD mom, something so simple as walking a beautiful lady down the red carpet is truly amazing. I often reflect back on the "we are not certain he will walk" days. Those were some of the hardest days of my life. More on that chapter of our lives later!

They successfully completed the Grand March in style and I couldn't be more proud. Proud of Kolter for continuing to do everything his heart desires regardless of the MD. Proud of Nikki for being different than the norm and asking Kolter to escort her. It is something we will never forget!

The whole experience was wonderful and I am sooooo glad Mother Nature decided it should be a good weather weekend.

Shout out to Madison W for working my weekend shifts so I could be there!

Shout out to Needles and Pins for the tuxedo rental. They had one size, way at the top. After a step stool and ladder change, we discovered it was a 5T tuxedo. Perfect fit!

Kolter and his lovely date, Nikki B

Much love,
mdmom