This has nothing to do with Historical fiction or great authors, but it's near and dear to my heart, and I just want to share this with you all.  Isn't it strange how we can make such friendships with folks we've (for the most part) never met in real life?

Anyway, please indulge me for a moment.  My daughter became one of 6 million Americans living with paralysis 12 years ago today.  You can make a difference in her life, and the lives of so many others by going here, and contacting your Representative today.  Or if you are looking for a wonderful, worthy cause to support, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation does good work.  Truly.  

Just think:  6 million people.  That's the combined populations of Los Angeles, Philadelphia AND Washington D.C.  We need your support.

Okay, ladies (and gents).  Thank you for letting me share....

Vicky, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. Life is so unfair.

I'll take a look at the Reeve Foundation advocacy page. Thanks!

I remember you saying something about your daughters accident .  A dear family friend became a quadriplegic after a freak skiing accident, so I have seen first hand the challenges people living with these physical limitations deal with.  Thanks for the link Vicky and all the best to you and your daughter.

Thanks for mentioning this Vicky. Along with the financial support I'd sure like to see a lot more *awareness* out there. I've never been on a close relationship with a para plegic (sp?), but I do know the difficulties faced traveling with my mother when her health put her into either walker or wheelchair. People just will not give you the courtesy of even opening a freaking door. They just keep on walking right past and don't give the time of day...

Thanks, ladies.  

As for awareness, all I can say is God bless Christopher Reeve.  After his accident, he could have so easily faded into obscurity, but he didn't.  He became an advocate, and I will always love him for that!  

Cathy, I know what you mean about traveling.  We've learned to say "Wheelchair Accessible" not "Handicap Accessible" when asking about hotel rooms.  When my dd was apartment hunting, we were told about new apartments being built that were accessible.  Right.  She couldn't even turn her chair around in the kitchen..it was a tunnel!  She said, "Ah well, maybe the handicap is blindness." 

Her "anniversary" is still a crappy day for me, so I try to take a page from Reeve's book and do something positive.  You all were my targets yesterday.  Thanks again.

Thanks for the info, we will be making a donation to the foundation! when my son got married we had to fly to get to the wedding and i'm in a wheelchair when travling and the only people that cared where the porters in the airport and the only reason was you crossed their hands with silver(silver hell with folding green) and people where mad when you went to the front of the lines to board .it's just a pain.so you'll just hang in there times will get better.  

Count on me too Vicky! I do know a few people who have some type of paralysis and I see the difficulties they have and admire their determination to be as independent as possible. A little help now and then is certainly appreciated though!

  You guys are the best!

We are honored to be your "targets" - prayers for your daughter and for you.