Mother's Day

NEWS FLASH !!!

Motherhood is a wonderful title that changes your life forever. But ... there is another title that continues to change your life -- Grandma!

Yes, this Mother, Author, Photographer and Richmond Disability Examiner has added one more title to her resume -- Grandma. A title that overwhelmed me with great joy.

Cole Easton Carey arrived on May 4th -- 6 lbs, 10.5 ozs and 19 inches. A bundle of joy with dark brown hair and eyes ... the image of his daddy!

April 2nd - Virginia Paralympic Experience

Come one, come all to the Virginia Paralympic Experience on April 2nd at the Sports Backers Stadium 12 - 3 pm.

Spotable Press release: US Paralympics Wheelchair Racer, Anjali Forbes Pratt will be racing in the Monument 10k-alongside the Elite Runners, as the first athlete with a physical disability to take on Monument Avenue in a Racing Wheelchair--

Anjali is an elite wheelchair racer, Paralympic ambassador, and graduate student at the University of Illinois. She strives for athletic excellence and leading a life filled with integrity. Anjali is the current World Champion in the 200m and holder of two bronze medals from the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. She welcomes the challenge of the Paralympic Games in London 2012—and in the near future (April 18^th) conquering the Boston Marathon!! For more on Anjali’s journey of hope and inspiration: http://anjaliforberpratt.com/

I will be attending the event -- read my follow-up article next week at www.examiner.com/disability-in-richmond/nancy-carey.

Queen for a Day

Once again, I made the journey to Maryland to attend the W.E.A.N. Queen for a Day event at the Women's Expo at Catonsville Community College.

And what a great day it was -- from start to finish, a memorable day. We had incredible MTA drivers - actually, Cathy awarded our return driver with a crown necklace she received at the event. And I awarded mine to her evening aid while Cathy awarded her the "Queen" crown she received at the event.

The "CROWNS" were in abundance - America Mrs., Ms. Maryland, Mrs. Maryland, Ms. Teen West Virginia and Ms. Wheelchair MD 2010. The Crowns were everywhere.

From makeovers to clothes to purses, the vendors were great. Sheila had her hair and nails redo while Cathy and I enjoyed chatting with old friends, and some new friends.

Janice Jackson, Executive Director of W.E.A.N., recognized all the previous Ms. Wheelchair Maryland's, which of course included Cathy, as well as all the volunteers. It was a great event -- and of course this photographer took lots and lots of pictures, with many cameras.

Seeking enjoyment beyond your years

Examiner.com examiners are special people. They continue to reach out and write about people in their local communities.

I was the subject of our local Richmond Caretaker Examiner last week. Rhonda Day, in addition to being the Richmond Caretaker Examiner, is also a freelance writer for Richmondmom.com. She wrote this article and truly brought tears to my eyes.

http://richmondmom.com/2011/01/16/seeking-enjoyment-beyond-your-dreams/

2010 was ADVENTUROUS

2010 was adventurous for my adventurous wheelchair angels; never a dull moment nor unmemorable event!

From Pageants (Ms. Wheelchair Virginia and Ms. Wheelchair Maryland), World of Possibilities Events, W.E.A.N. events and many of your outreaches in Richmond, 2010 has given me incredible experiences with the disability community. Each event educated and entertained, but most of all, provided a wider glimpse into the world of the disabled.

Most recent event was on board the Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean. A 12 day adventure from Baltimore, MD to the ports of Labadee, Haiti, Dominion Republic, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Tortola, BVI and back to Baltimore, MD, and for me, back to Richmond, VA. This group of 25, which included many with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, blind and amputees left a lasting impression on the crew and passengers of this cruise ship.

Disabled does not mean Unable was the motto of this adventurous group. They put this able bodied aid to shame with their courage to experience new things. And for my sister, Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007, a dip in the San Juan ocean in a beach chair at a private beach with a private life guard! Add to this incredible adventure, a private bus tour of St. Maarten which included lunch at Sunset Beach, or better known as Airport Beach. A beach where HUGE airplanes fly directly over the beach to land across the road. Check out www.nancycarey.com and click on Royal Caribbean to enjoy some of the photos from the cruise.

May 2011 be a year of CURES of all disabilities worldwide. I leave you with a quote from a very special Ms. Wheelchair MD 2008 Rose Williams. When asked her final question at a previous Ms. Wheelchair MD competition, “If there was one disease you could cure, what would it be?” many thought Rose would say cerebral palsy, but she didn’t. Rose responded, “I would cure the frown, because if you can cure the frown, you can cure anything!” A wonderful quote that has blessed my life over, and over again.

Let’s make 2011 another memorable year for the disability community. Information is a valuable asset, and never runs dry. Send your resources and events to richmonddisabilityexaminer@gmail.com.