My Mom
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Besides being a mom to my brother and I, she was also an art teacher to hundreds of other children. She taught myself and others how to use their imagination, create masterpieces from nothing and have fun while doing so. I didn't just paint at the kitchen table, but I got to wear a Beret and painters shirt, use an easel and pallet. I was lucky enough to spend summer days at art camps and museums. One of her students from over 20 years ago wrote about her this past January in her design and marketing company blog, Gypsywing based in L.A. http://www.gypsywing.com/?p=1280 My mom still does hang that student's handmade ornament on the Christmas tree every year. During her teaching days, my mom was also able to publish a book called "Paint Adventures!" Besides art, my mom and dad exposed us to lots of other activities. Swimming, biking and running as soon as possible of course!
When I was in sixth grade my mom developed an chronic illness that forced her to retire from teaching art. I remember people bringing us dinners and helping out at home. Eventually the medications stabilized the condition and she was able to function better. I continued to develop my art skills and was accepted into a Fine Arts program at a university not too far away. I studied there for about a year and a half. At that time, my moms condition became worse again and the doctors explained it wasn't going to get better, it would just get worse. I had a really hard time dealing with my mom's illness and I left college and went home. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life anymore. Long story short, my mom doesn't give up. She is my hero and my angel. The doctors determined she developed a rare neurological disorder similar to Multiple Sclerosis.
Sometimes we're hit with some big challenges, but we shouldn't stop actively participating in life. With the help of medication, occupational and physical therapy, faith, support and attitude she is living her life to the fullest and helping others. She doesn't stop engaging in meaningful activities. After she initially got her power mobility (over 1o years ago) her OT contacted local resources in the community and was able to help her find a used chair lift. My uncle and dad built a deck onto the back of the house and installed the chair lift and ramp. They were able to locate and purchase an adapted van with a ramp so she could drive to the grocery store and the local greenhouses where they all know her by first name. They really need a new van by the way. Any leads would be great! My dad built raised flower beds so they could garden. Their garden is now in the American Garden Museum. http://www.americangardenmuseum.com/states/ohio/cincinnati_speicher.html
Once she was feeling better, my mom continued to be a mom and helped me with career exploration. She signed me up for an online class and introduced me to OT. I never even heard of OT in high school. I loved being around people, helping people, having fun and using creativity. So here I am today and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love my job and life. I worked in pediatrics four years and I've worked with adults for the last three years, specifically facilitating occupational participation for people who have experienced various forms of brain injury. This past weekend I was surrounded by OTs from all over the country who are working to improve the practice of OT and the lives of those we serve. New ideas started rolling as a result of the annual American Occupational Therapy Association Conference. This Friday I'll take my Certified Brain Injury Specialist exam, so I better get off here, get my run break in and start studying. OT combines the science and art of life. Perfect combination. Occupational therapy is more than just a job, it's a healthy lifestyle that is continuously evolving with whatever the path of life brings.
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| Trying out the beach wheelchair myself. |
I'm also fortunate enough to have my mom cheer me on during my triathlons. She makes really awesome signs. If anyone interested let me know. Last year she was able to come to the beach for one of my triathlons and put her toes in the ocean for the first time in years. My dad and her rented the beach wheel chair and it worked great! She also supports my efforts in fundraising. Last year for my TriSoldier Project fundraiser, she made dozens of amazing cookies, sandwich wraps and contacted local stores for donations. She also drove to the stores and picked the items up. She is active in sharing her thoughts and ideas through email and letters to politicians and the media. She tweets #AOTA! When friends are sick she will send them dinner. She has recently started learning about and using more local grown organic food and exploring raw and vegan recipes. In my opinion, she should open up a cafe. But hey, her motto is "Do small things with great love." She's right. She puts heart and soul into the meals she cooks for family and friends. She is a prime example of why human participation in meaningful occupation is necessary for health, well being and overall quality of life. She is a professional adapter, triathlon spectator, smart and creative women and loving mom, wife and friend.
My mother is a poem
I'll never be able to write,
though everything I write
is a poem to my mother.
~Sharon Doubiago
I'll never be able to write,
though everything I write
is a poem to my mother.
~Sharon Doubiago
