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Today, I would like to share a story about a man who I don’t know personally, but often see in the store at which I work.

As I’ve shared in many of my posts, I am extremely sensitive to peoples energy and can usually feel it within the first few minutes of seeing or meeting them.

I can still remember the very first time I saw this particular man, riding through the cosmetic department in his wheelchair.

There was a tremendous sense of confidence in his energy. And not a cocky confidence, but rather a quiet and powerful confidence that simply said, “I’m perfectly comfortable with myself.”

He also exuded a sense of genuine happiness and deep inner peace.

Whenever I saw him, he was always smiling.

I took him to be in his mid-30’s. Handsome and well-dressed.

But it was more than just what he looked like, that caught your attention.

It was his whole persona.

He had a light about him.

Allow me to interject here, that I have always had a tender spot in my heart for those who are physically challenged. And not because I feel sorry for them, but rather because I have great admiration and respect.

It’s tough enough in this world to make it through with all our physical faculties intact. But, it’s even more tough to go through this world being physically challenged.

Throughout these past few years, I’ve seen this gentleman in the store during his lunch hour, sometimes purchasing a fragrance in the men’s department. And every single time I see him, I can’t help but feel that he is a very special human being. As if he’s a wise and enlightened soul, with something very important to teach the rest of us.

One day last week, I saw him ride through the department and head over to one of the cosmetic counters across the isle from where I was standing.

I watched, as one of the ladies (who I know fairly well), greeted him with a big smile.

And I was somewhat surprised because I had no idea that she even knew him.

He handed her a white plastic bag. And has she reached in and took out the contents, I could see that it was a box of pastries.

I heard her say thank you, and then gave him a hug.

The whole time I was observing this interaction between the two of them, I found myself feeling very emotional.

After he left, I walked over and asked her who he was and how she knew him.

Apparently, she and he have known each other for many years because they grew up in the same neighborhood.

I asked if she wouldn’t mind confiding in me why he was in the wheelchair.

And she did.

She told me his name is Frankie. And that when he was in his early 20's, he was driving a motorcycle and got hit by a car; leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

She also told me that he was the most incredible person she had ever known, because after he found out that he was paralyzed, he accepted it with such amazing grace.

He never had the attitude, “Why me?”

He just embraced this challenge, and proceeded with his life.

He went to college, got a degree, and ended up landing an incredible job.

He also creates videos, which are targeted for other people who are physically challenged. The videos are tutorials on things like: how to adjust to using a wheelchair, how to get in and out of bed, how to shower and groom yourself, and how to live a normal and full life being paralyzed.

After she told me this, my eyes welled up with tears because my feelings had been correct….he was special.

Here was a man, who took what most people would perceive as a negative, and turned it into a positive.

Here was a man, who at such a young age could have spent the rest of his life being bitter. But instead, spends his life helping others.

Here was a man, who instead of frowning, carries a smile on his face.

And here was a man….who is an inspiration to us ALL.

There is no such thing as limitation.

It’s all in how we embrace it.

Thank you, Frankie. You're my hero.

And when I grow up.....I wanna be just like you!



Wishing you an inspiring weekend everyone!


X

63 comments:

  1. Very inspiring Ron!!! This story reminds me of JR on Dancing with the Stars!

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  2. Good morning Ronnie,

    You have gotten my day off to a wonderful start.

    Thank you so much for this share!! I am in TOTAL admiration of Frankie. The first thing that comes to my mind is how we with 2 arms and legs and everything going for us, let ourselves be victims of our own limitations. I honestly think that everyone should know at least one person like Frankie.
    Not to pity but to learn from their courage and determination.

    When I was teaching at Uni years back, I had a student named Mark. Mark had been a victim of the same type of accident as Frankie. He had a slower time talking and thinking and one of his hands was curled up. But boy, what determination!! He appreciated my efforts to teach and I appreciated his efforts to learn. And, he had a wonderful sense of humor. Sometimes with words, sometimes just with his eyes or grin!

    I hope that your colleague knows about your blog or at least you can drop her your link. This post is worth sharing with her!!

    Happy weekend to ya my friend! xo

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  3. Oh I loved this story, Ron. Frankie sounds like a remarkable man. It reminds me of our severely injured soldiers ... their courage and determination bring tears to my eyes. Just like Frankie. I believe that God bestows them with a grace that expands not only the will to live but the will to lead a good and productive life, helping others in the process. Thank you for sharing this with us. Hope you have a glorious weekend... you deserve it.

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  4. So inspirational! There's this video they've shown at my church about a man who was born without any limbs. I'm basically a basket case after I watch it!

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  5. ...Oh Ron, this fellow sounds just spectacular!

    ..."There was a tremendous sense of confidence in his energy. And not a cocky confidence, but rather a quiet and powerful confidence that simply said, “I’m perfectly comfortable with myself.”" - I think society in general gets the meaning of "confidence" confused and your sentence above hits the proverbial nail on the head! I know I have met a few people like Frankie in my life that exude that "aura" about them and all I know is when it happens you just want to bathe in their light. It's like standing in the presence of an Angel.

    ...And if I might add, somehow even without ever personally meeting you, I get the same feeling about you. You are much like Frankie - you both shine. :o)

    ...Enjoy your weekend my friend & shine on! ;o)

    ...Blessings :o)

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  6. What an incredible post, Ron!

    I sat here staring at this comment form for several minutes ...I'm at a loss for anything else to say.

    Hope you have a great weekend!

    XOXO

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  7. Pass me that tissue !

    We are so unforgiving to ourselves. Frankie reminds me to be content and happy and thankful with what I have ... but don't give up !

    Thank you Ron !

    P.S. is your last name really Carnavil ?
    If it really is, I apologise because it's too funny: You are as fun as a Carnival !

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  8. Your post made me emotional. What a beautiful man, Frankie must be. With all the crap and whining going on in the world (Hello? Kardashians!) knowing that there are people like Frankie that want not only to live a fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves, but also for others, is truly an inspiration.

    Thank you for sharing, bro!

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  9. Good morning bichonpawz~

    Isn't Frankie an inspiration?

    "This story reminds me of JR on Dancing with the Stars!"

    Since I don't watch Dancing with the Stars, I had to google JR because I had no idea who you were referring to.

    WOW!.....what an amazing story!!!!! And you're right!

    It is my belief, that it's people like these two gentleman who are truly the greatest teachers in this world.

    No limitation.

    Thank you for stopping by and sharing, dear lady. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  10. As outgoing as you are I'm surprised you haven't gone up to him and introduced yourself. Maybe you'll get the opportunity.

    Great post.

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  11. Hey there Barbara~

    " I am in TOTAL admiration of Frankie. The first thing that comes to my mind is how we with 2 arms and legs and everything going for us, let ourselves be victims of our own limitations. I honestly think that everyone should know at least one person like Frankie.
    Not to pity but to learn from their courage and determination."

    Ditto! My feelings exactly.

    And what a WONDERFUL story you shared about Mark!!!! Yes, he does sound very much like Frankie. And bless you for your efforts to teach him. Isn't something how we are ALL both teachers and learners?

    "I hope that your colleague knows about your blog or at least you can drop her your link."

    Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I may give her the link to this post, so she can read it and possibly shared it with Frankie.

    I may (if he feels comfortable with it) ask Frankie if I can interview him on this blog and share it as a post. I truly think his personal story is worth sharing.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    XO

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  12. Good morning Valerie~

    "Frankie sounds like a remarkable man. It reminds me of our severely injured soldiers ... their courage and determination bring tears to my eyes. Just like Frankie."

    Yes, it certainly does, doesn't it?

    " I believe that God bestows them with a grace that expands not only the will to live but the will to lead a good and productive life, helping others in the process."

    A-men! And I feel exactly as you do, dear lady!

    Thanks much for stopping by and sharing on this post. You've added MUCH!

    Have a glorious weekend.......X

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  13. Hey there Bijoux~

    Yes, isn't Frankie an INSPIRATION??

    I truly feel that he is one of GREAT teachers in this world.

    "There's this video they've shown at my church about a man who was born without any limbs. I'm basically a basket case after I watch it!"

    Yup...I would be too!

    Thank you for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend! You're a sweetheart!

    Have a spectacular weekend!

    X

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  14. Good morning dear TJ~

    Yes, Frankie IS spectacular!

    " I know I have met a few people like Frankie in my life that exude that "aura" about them and all I know is when it happens you just want to bathe in their light. It's like standing in the presence of an Angel."

    *that brought tears to my eyes*

    OMG...I CANNOT believe you mentioned the word "Angel" because that's EXACTLY what I feel whenever I see him.

    As though I'm looking at one of God's angels.

    I often think that those who are the greatest healers, are those who have been healed.

    Thank you sooooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this post, dear lady. And thank you for your kind words. I feel exactly the same way about you....you SHINE!

    Have a lovely weekend!

    ((((( TJ )))))

    X

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  15. Beautifully written. Thank you, Ron, for sharing the story of this amazing man. You brought tears to my eyes. May we all be an inspiration to someone.

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  16. Good morning MYFWBS~

    "I sat here staring at this comment form for several minutes ...I'm at a loss for anything else to say."

    That's okay, my friend...I TOTALLY understand.

    Sometimes there are no words, just feelings.

    (((( You ))))

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl! You're the best!

    Have a super weekend......XOXO

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  17. Hey there Jaffer~

    "Pass me that tissue !"

    HA! I know what you mean, buddy. Because when I saw Frankie last week and heard his story, I did the same thing. In fact, I thought about it ALL week.

    "We are so unforgiving to ourselves. Frankie reminds me to be content and happy and thankful with what I have ... but don't give up !"

    A-MEN!

    "P.S. is your last name really Carnavil ?
    If it really is, I apologise because it's too funny: You are as fun as a Carnival !"

    *tee, hee*

    Yes, it really is Carnavil. It's it a HOOT? OMG, you have no idea what it was like going through grammar school and all the kids saying, "Hey, Carnavil....does your father own a CIRCUS????"

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Jaffer! Always a delight to see your comments. Have a FAB weekend!

    X

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  18. Hello there Nitebyrd~

    " What a beautiful man, Frankie must be."

    Yes, he is. And if you ever saw him, you would be so taken back by his awesome ENERGY. Honestly, he's truly my hero!

    "With all the crap and whining going on in the world (Hello? Kardashians!) knowing that there are people like Frankie that want not only to live a fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves, but also for others, is truly an inspiration."

    AMEN!

    Whenever I see him, I think to myself, "LEARN from this man, Ron!"

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Sis! Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  19. OH Ron! You brought me to tears so early this Friday morning. But it was good tears. Frankie truly is an inspiration for those who know him and those who have only heard about his courage and determination. Sort of reminds me of my friend Weldon, the paraplegic who went on to become a judge. Sometimes your biggest limitation is yourself!

    Thanks so much for the inspiration! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  20. Hey Jeff~

    "As outgoing as you are I'm surprised you haven't gone up to him and introduced yourself. Maybe you'll get the opportunity."

    I've said hello to him whenever he passed through my department, but have never had the opportunity to take a moment and actually talk to him. I'm thinking about sharing this post with the lady I work with, and then asking her to pass it on to Frankie. I would really like to interview him on my blog because I truly think his story (in his own words) would touch others.

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a great weekend!

    X

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  21. Good morning SuziCate~

    After I spoke to his woman, I thought about Frankie's story all week and felt as though I needed to share it. Hopefully soon, I will actually get the opportunity to speak to him and tell him how I feel about what an inspiration he is to me.

    " May we all be an inspiration to someone."

    Amen, my friend. Amen!

    Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  22. Ron, thank you so much for posting this! You're timing is excellent. As someone who has played the "poor me" card for way too long, this post is exactly what I needed.

    "There is no such thing as limitation. It’s all in how we embrace it."

    Those words should be carved be displayed in some very public location so everyone can think about people like Frankie. Thanks once again, buddy, and have a great weekend!

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  23. Hahaha... "Does your father own a circus" ... That's hilarious !

    When I was in school, kids used to split my last name and pronounce it "Money Yaar" - which translates into "Money Lover"

    And they used to say "Jaffer Maniar the yaar of Money with all the Money from the Money Plant".

    Oh, everybody and his mother knew I had a Money Plant

    A fun fact about my name is that it is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Mani-har which means "Gem Dealer"

    And were my ancestors honest traders of precious rocks ? Well, they made jewellery al-right ... but out of glass !

    hehehe

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  24. Good morning Peg~

    "You brought me to tears so early this Friday morning. But it was good tears."

    I know exactly what you mean, because I feel the same way about Frankie.

    Tears of admiration and respect.

    "Sort of reminds me of my friend Weldon, the paraplegic who went on to become a judge. Sometimes your biggest limitation is yourself!"

    WOW! Weldon sounds like a AWESOME man! And you're right...sometimes our biggest limitation is ourselves!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, dear friend!

    (((( Peg ))))

    Have a maaaaaaaaavalous weekend.....X

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  25. Thank you Ron for sharing this wonderfully inspiring story of Frankie's beautiful gift of humanity. The fingerprints of his life have clearly touched others in thoughtfully positive way. I strive, humbly, to live by his example.

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  26. Good morning Diane~

    "The fingerprints of his life have clearly touched others in thoughtfully positive way."

    I LOVE how you said that! It's brilliant! And SO true!

    "I strive, humbly, to live by his example."

    Me too, my friend.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your feelings. Muchly appreciated.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and Cristybella!

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  27. Hey there Rob~

    "As someone who has played the "poor me" card for way too long, this post is exactly what I needed."

    And it's exactly what "I' needed too, so I know what you mean, buddy!

    Hearing Frankie's story last week, has truly begun to alter my way of thinking.

    "Those words should be carved be displayed in some very public location so everyone can think about people like Frankie."

    You GO, Frankie!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Rob. Have a grrrrrreat weekend!

    X

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  28. Hey again, Jaffer~

    "When I was in school, kids used to split my last name and pronounce it "Money Yaar" - which translates into "Money Lover"

    And they used to say "Jaffer Maniar the yaar of Money with all the Money from the Money Plant".

    OMG....how FUNNY!

    And how interesting to hear what your last name really translates to.

    "Gem Dealer"

    "And were my ancestors honest traders of precious rocks ? Well, they made jewellery al-right ... but out of glass !

    Bwhahahahahahahaha!

    Oh, and btw, when I was kid, my mother use to also have a money plant, that she would rub the leaves in the hopes of making us RICH - HA!

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  29. What a wonderful story! So inspiring Ron, thank you for sharing it. I'm sure alot of people don't give him the time of day, but if his energy is that nice then they are missing out on a whole lot! We can all learn something from someone like that.
    Bravo, Frankie!! And that he's helping others with their disabilities, AWESOME!

    Have a great weekend, Ron.

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  30. Hey there Mary~

    Thank you. Frankie was my total inspiration for this post.

    "I'm sure alot of people don't give him the time of day, but if his energy is that nice then they are missing out on a whole lot! We can all learn something from someone like that."

    Actually, he often has people around him when he comes into the store. He has this 'magnetic energy' that draws people to him. I get the feeling that he has amazing friendships who want to be around him because of his uplifting and positive attitude.

    "Bravo, Frankie!! And that he's helping others with their disabilities, AWESOME!"

    Ditto! Bravo, Frankie!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great weekend too!

    X

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  31. People like Frankie are an inspiration to us all Ron. Thanks for sharing this. x

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  32. Good day, Akelamalu~

    Yes, they are, aren't they?

    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear. Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  33. Great story, Ron - very positive and inspiring. We could all learn a lesson from Frankie about accepting gracefully what life hands you and making lemonade out of lemons! Thanks for sharing. I'm feeling all "ooh, ahh, up with life!" now.

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  34. Howdy Mark~

    Thank you.

    "We could all learn a lesson from Frankie about accepting gracefully what life hands you and making lemonade out of lemons!"

    You said it, buddy! And that's exactly what he did.....made lemonade!

    " I'm feeling all "ooh, ahh, up with life!" now."

    HA! And meeeee too!

    Thanks for stopping by. Hope you had a faaaaaabulous Monday! Enjoy your week!

    X

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  35. That would be pretty cool.

    And of course you've said hello to him. I should have known better.

    BTW- It didn't get above 50 degrees here today. Made me think of you. Are you sure you don't have some Eskimo blood in you somewhere?

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  36. Oh Ron! I LOVE stories like this! Like bichonpawz mentioned, Frankie reminds me of JR Martinez, who inspired me to write a post called "Lasting Legacies". I try SO hard to be positive and an inspiration to my children, but feel sometimes that I fall so very short. It's gentlemen like Frankie that keep me hoping one day I'll “grow up” and have the natural grace, compassion, courage and determination that he and others like him possess.

    Thank you for such a wonderful post and I hope you get to meet your "hero". He will be humble, as all true heroes are, I'm sure.

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  37. Hey there Jeff~

    "BTW- It didn't get above 50 degrees here today. Made me think of you. Are you sure you don't have some Eskimo blood in you somewhere?"

    Yes, definitely Eskimo blood, mixed with a little Penguin - HA!

    OMG..it's FREEZING here today, and VERY windy! I spent the afternoon outside walking about, and taking a few photos of the changing leaves on the trees. I bet the trees look gorgeous in your part of the world right now!

    Have a fantastic week, buddy!

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  38. Hey there Pamela~

    "Like bichonpawz mentioned, Frankie reminds me of JR Martinez, who inspired me to write a post called "Lasting Legacies".

    OMG...and I bet it's a faaaaaabulous post too! I had no idea who JR Martinez was until I googled him. WOW! WHAT an inspiration!

    I use to offer my services as a makeup artist to those you were burn survivors and wanted to minimize their scars. I attended a burn survivor convention in Baltimore many years ago, and was so MOVED by the courage, strength, and grace that these ladies and gentlemen had after going through such terrible burn accidents. I walk away from the convention with SO MUCH admiration and respect.

    "I try SO hard to be positive and an inspiration to my children, but feel sometimes that I fall so very short."

    I do too, dear lady. And it's stories like Frankie's that put me right back on track.

    Yes, one of these days I will actually MEET Frankie, and tell him what an inspiration he is to me.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Pamela. Always so nice to read your comments. Have a great week!

    X

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  39. Wow, Ron, Frankie sure is an inspiration. And I can tell from your words just how much you admire him.

    Reading this story made me rethink my way thinking when it comes to limitation. You're right, it is all in how we embrace it. And Frankie is the perfect example of no limitation.

    Thank you for sharing this moving story. I really enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend, Ron.

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  40. Hola Denise~

    Yes...isn't Frankie a HUGE inspiration? And yup, a PERFECT example of how embracing his challenge and turning it into a positive, making him limitless. Hearing his story last week, affected me very deeply.

    And I'm grateful for that because I needed it.

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a wonderful Friday and an AWESOME weekend!

    X

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  41. linda-VulturepeakmuseFriday, November 04, 2011

    what a beautiful post, ron...it made me get weepy and i could really see him from your description...i hope someday you two get a chance to speak ... i am sure you will become good friends as he is probably of like mind...i agree about the challenges of life being hard enough without...omg i think of my gkids and get scared because they have such a long life ahead of them...i am too superstitious to even say what i'm pondering but you know...

    hoping you have a good weekend, sweet kind friend...i see where b has a jasmine noir that smells heavenly...what do you think? i'll come back this weekend and see what you say. still liking discus? well bye for now xoxox

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  42. Helloooooo Linda~

    OMG, how funny...I just this second left a comment on YOUR blog!!

    Thank you. Glad you enjoyed this post. I really felt drawn to share this story after I spoke to the lady at work, because it truly moved me.

    "i hope someday you two get a chance to speak ... i am sure you will become good friends as he is probably of like mind..."

    Yes, I think someday we will speak. In fact, I would like to share this post link with the lady I work with, and ask her to forward it to Frankie. I would LOVE to interview him on my blog; allowing to share more detail to his story. I think it would really cool.

    Yes...I LOVE Jasmine Noir! It's one of my favorites! They also have a NEW NEW one called Mon Jasmine Noir - yummy!

    Yup...still liking Disqus. In fact, I LOVE it! Hope it continues to work properly.

    *fingers crossed*

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a wonderful weekend and I really hope things work out for you on your blog.

    (((( Linda ))))

    xoxoxoxo

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  43. The storms are twirling around the Riviera. We have a flood and heavy rain alert. Here I am reading your blog, the first one today. And feeling so incredibly inspired and blessed. I actually have a physical limitation - its about my eye sight - and have sometimes really been in the depths because of it. Or felt so inferior and embarrassed. As if it was my fault that I couldn't see as well as "normal people". (I actually do a tremendously good job in hiding my disability so that no one really knows). Talking about this is very difficult to me, so I am surprised I am actually writing these words here.

    Accepting the situation with grace. Going on and loving yourself the way you are. Or that life decided to mould you. This is inspiring. I will be pondering what you wrote all through the day. Now that I am awaiting... remember we are still waiting for our immigration papers to come through with the hubs, I have plenty of time to soul-search. Sometimes I wonder if the "stand-by" phase was meant to e there so that I'd be forced to do that... and then leave to the new continent with "lighter luggage".

    Love to have you in my life!

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  44. What a great story! There are definitely people who just exude a positive and uplifting energy. At some point, you should have your coworker introduce you to him if she's game. I so enjoy meeting people like that. It helps keep everything in perspective.

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  45. Good morning Jen~

    "At some point, you should have your coworker introduce you to him if she's game."

    Yes, I will. I would also like to give her the link to this post, so she can perhaps pass it on to Frankie. I would actually love to interview him for a blog post if he's game. I think it would be sooooo interesting to hear his story through him.

    "I so enjoy meeting people like that. It helps keep everything in perspective."

    Me too. And sure does, doesn't it?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We just got our first real freeze snap this weekend - yipeeeee!

    X

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  46. Bonjour Susu~

    First, thank you so much for sharing/talking about your eyesight disability. I had no idea, dear friend. Therefore, I know you understand what I'm talking about in this post firsthand. Having a physical challenge can be tough in this world. But, I also know that you have taken this challenge and turned it into a positive, like Frankie.

    You also have a 'light' about you. A special quality. A grace.

    You are a beacon of inspiration for the rest of us.

    And I love what you shared here....

    " Sometimes I wonder if the "stand-by" phase was meant to be there so that I'd be forced to do that... and then leave to the new continent with "lighter luggage"."

    That was BRILLIANT!

    Even though you may have a physical challenge with your eyesight, your inSIGHT is far greater than mine!

    Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing on this post, beautiful lady. You've added more to this post than I could have ever put into words.

    ((((( Susu )))))

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Ciao.....X

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  47. I know a woman who was on the US olympic team for (parden my not knowing the official name here) wheelchair basketball. I'll never forget the story she told me about one of the team's airplane flights to a game. She looked out the plane window and saw the ground crew mindlessly taking the wheels off of the team's chairs to load them in cargo. She got up from her seat, holding onto the head rests as best she could, and used her strength to "walk" to the front of the plane to tell the crew that they were mixing up all the wheels and it would take hours to figure out which wheels went on which chairs. She had such an amazing "light" about her, and is someone I admire. Opening up to friendships with those who are different than you is sometimes hard at first...until you relealize that there are really no "differences" at all.

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  48. Hey there Tracy~

    FAB to see ya, girl!

    And THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for sharing that inspiring story on this post!!!!!

    WOW!

    LOVED this....

    "Opening up to friendships with those who are different than you is sometimes hard at first...until you relealize that there are really no "differences" at all."

    You said it!

    Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  49. beautiful story ron, thanks for sharing. i don't want to tear up, but i can't help it. i would be so resentful if i found myself in a wheelchair, especially since i'm so athletic. suddenly not being able to run or walk would mess with my mind and i would sit in the pity corner. i do admire people who overcome their disability and continue life on without the woe is me song, i probably couldn't do it. i hate it now when my back sidelines me from my "normal" life. i do take time to be thankful and grateful just for the simple things that can be taken for granted.

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  50. Hey ladyV~

    Thank you, and you're so welcome. Sharing this post was so therapeutic for me because it caused me to really look at myself and how I sometimes bitch and moan about the silliest things.

    " i would be so resentful if i found myself in a wheelchair, especially since i'm so athletic."

    Thank you for your honesty. And I have to admit, that I too would be resentful. Or at least, "Why me?"

    This is WHY I admire and respect Frankie so much.

    "i do take time to be thankful and grateful just for the simple things that can be taken for granted."

    Good for you, girl. And me too.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post. I really appreciate it!

    Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  51. There are people that just shine.
    Some folks call it aura or vibes--sometimes I feel them before I actually find the face. (yeah, I know that's weird.....LOL)

    Those are the folks I try to sit next to, move closer to, attach myself to...somehow it's a very warm, spirit freeing/spirit filling place to be. I don't even need to have a conversation and I'm....filled up.

    Yep. I'm weird! ;-)


    Amazing Grace.
    That's what Frankie is.

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  52. Gooood morning Mel~

    "There are people that just shine.
    Some folks call it aura or vibes--sometimes I feel them before I actually find the face. (yeah, I know that's weird....."

    You're so right...there are some people that just SHINE! And I don't think that's weird at all, because being a fellow Libra I know how we are very sensitive to energy, aura's, and vibes.

    "Those are the folks I try to sit next to, move closer to, attach myself to...somehow it's a very warm, spirit freeing/spirit filling place to be. I don't even need to have a conversation and I'm....filled up."

    I LOVE how you said that! And it's true...being in the presents of these kind of folks GIVE, without ever having to speak a word. It's simply their 'presence' that gives.

    "Amazing Grace.
    That's what Frankie is."

    He sure is, isn't he?

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. And for sharing your 'good vibes and energy' on this post!

    (((( Mel ))))

    Have a wonderful Sunday......X

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  53. There are some very special people in the world, that are a shining example to the rest of us. A few spring to mind for me. Jane Tomlinson being one of them.

    Sorry my comment is short, but I think you understand why :)

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  54. Oh, Ron! I have tears in my eyes from reading this. Frankie certainly is an incredible man. And so are YOU.

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  55. Hey Meleah~

    "Frankie certainly is an incredible man."

    He certainly is, isn't he? What an inspiration!

    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet words!

    (((( Meleah ))))

    Hope you had a super weekend!

    X

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  56. Hey there Babs~

    "There are some very special people in the world, that are a shining example to the rest of us."

    There certainly are!

    "Jane Tomlinson being one of them."

    Yes......an AMAZING woman!!!!!!!!!! Truly an inspiration!

    Thank so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

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  57. People like that remind you to put your life in perspective. Thank you for sharing such a lovely story, with an insight that only you could bring. And thank you for your other kind words my friend. Despite you living however many miles away, I am still so glad I have met you Ron. Peace my friend.

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  58. Excellent post! You got me *right here*.

    I can totally identify with both Frankie and you. My sister has muscular dystrophy, and I know first hand how difficult it can be for her, and how strong she is by overcoming severe difficulties. She's done quite a bit with her life given her limited abilities. Heck, she even got married and now has two kids.

    People don't really understand how strong the handicapped truly are. Thanks for your insights, Ron! Good stuff!

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  59. Good evening Katherine~

    "People like that remind you to put your life in perspective."

    BINGO! Yup...you took the words right out of my mouth!

    Frankie is a teacher.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet and kind words.

    Ditto, my friend. Ditto!

    (((( Katherine )))))

    Hope you had a super weekend!

    X

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  60. Howdy Herman~

    Thank you.

    Frankie got me *right here* too!

    "My sister has muscular dystrophy, and I know first hand how difficult it can be for her, and how strong she is by overcoming severe difficulties. She's done quite a bit with her life given her limited abilities. Heck, she even got married and now has two kids."

    OMG...how WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!

    She, like Frankie, are truly the great teachers of this world.

    Limitation is only in how we embrace it.

    "People don't really understand how strong the handicapped truly are."

    You said it!

    Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing on this post. You've added MUCH!

    Hope you had a great weekend, buddy!

    X to you and the family!

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  61. Hi Ron!
    I just had a chance to read your post and i have to say that yes, Frankie (my frankie) because i am the woman in the story.....is truly amazing! I actually cant describe this amazing man, and i agree he is just as you say...an inspiration to not only the physically challenged, but to us all. When i see and talk to him it's as if he's not in a wheelchair, i just cant explain it. Maybe its because he lives his life just the same as we do. We have such a great friendship and when i dont see him for a few days i miss him, and i get right on the phone and text "hey, wheres my frankie?? did you dump me or what??"..and he always comments "i'll be downstairs doll"...i truly love this man and he has a special place in my heart...hes awesome!! Every time he comes by my counter all the girls crowd around him! Yep...my frankie...hes amazing!! Thanks Ron...xo

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  62. Hi Jennifer!

    OMG...thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and sharing a comment on this post. I was so hoping you would read it!

    "When i see and talk to him it's as if he's not in a wheelchair, i just cant explain it."

    You don't have to, my friend, because I can so totally understand what you mean!

    AMAZING!

    I can't tell you enough how grateful I am that you shared Frankie's story with me. It truly touched me more than you'll ever know.

    And also my readers!

    ""...i truly love this man and he has a special place in my heart...hes awesome!!"

    ((((( Jennifer ))))))

    Again, thank you for stopping by and sharing on this post. It meant the world to me!

    Have a great day, and I'll see ya at work!

    X ya!

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