Today is my big sister, Lisa’s birthday. Now that both of our parents are gone, it’s a high holiday that we continue to celebrate, honoring Lisa. One of the most magical humans I know.
Lisa wasn’t expected to thrive or survive, but she did. She has. Despite being born premature and with substantial developmental disabilities along with vision and mobility issues, she’s a force of nature.
Kind readers of “Surviving Sue” have wondered if I’ll write a sequel…or a prequel… with the title “Loving Lisa”. Oooh…that’s feedback that makes my heart swoon, comfort coming from being understood and heard.
Writing about my mom’s tortured life of guilt and her inability to fully recompense for her mistakes was a challenge. But the recognition that the story was less about wrangling with Sue and more about protecting sweet Lisa? Yes! My goal and intention.
Which brings me to the annual wingding celebrating Lisa’s birthday. I buckle up because I don’t know what’s coming amidst the cake and candles, presents and revelry. I prepare for a swirl of memories across decades. Lisa easily recounts joyful anecdotes from our childhood, rich and descriptive. But just as quickly, she can summon painful scenes and I need to be nimble. Ready to help her reset when her time travel conjures a mix of sorrow and joy.
Loving Lisa is my privilege and I’m grateful to the team of beautiful people who surround her in her group home and in her sheltered workshop. Providing encouragement and love, challenging her to do what she feels incapable of. Remnants of Sue’s voice still reside within Lisa – telling her she’s less-than, like a delicate doll. I’m so proud of Lisa for all that she’s gained – especially her reading improvements and confidence-building. In her sixth decade of life, she’s found a self-sufficiency that still surprises we who love her.
Did you know that March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month?
It is! And while I know there’s a month to celebrate every worthy cause (along with specific days and weeks) shining a light on one of the most overlooked aspects of diversity – respect and love for individuals and families who nurture and care for those who are developmentally different – is a reminder worth sharing.
The theme and mission statement from NACDD for this year:
“A World of Opportunities” – Celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive.
Lisa knows I have a wonderful community of writer friends around me and I often share good wishes from dear readers. I’ll do just that today to let her know she is loved by people near and far on her birthday. Good-hearted friends like you, dear reader, who’ve no doubt encountered plenty of your own pain, but rise to help others just the same.
I asked Lisa if I might share a photo from her weekend birthday celebration…her favorite pic wearing a new sweatshirt with her current heartthrob…her Aunt Delaney’s blind cat, little Stevie…and she said “Yes, yes…tell everyone I said hello!”
That’s Lisa in the pic above…along with a couple of treasured photos from the past and one of her feline crew.
-Vicki ❤
Loving Lisa – Victoria Ponders
Loving Lisa: “They’re All Together Now” – Victoria Ponders
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – NACDD
Stevie the Wonder Cat – Victoria Ponders
Click here for more “Peek Inside” content about “Surviving Sue”.
I’m grateful for the great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads…and I welcome more. If you’ve enjoyed the book and my story, please pass along your positivity to a fellow reader.😊
Victoria Ponders 
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