A VETERANS' FAMILY MEMORIAL HALL OF HONOR

Have you ever found yourself in a large Walmart, Kmart, or other dept. store searching for an item that is somewhat personal? You probably didn't want to just walk up to an employee and ask, "Where would I find the 'Preparation H', anti-lice shampoo, or super- absorband 'Depends'?" In an effort to avoid a worker at the store pointing and saying, "Shampoo for lice problems is down on isle 5, bottom shelf on your left," you simply keep searching...until you find a face that looks friendly...someone who doesn't work there, but probably would help you find what you need.  I am that friendly face in a crowd who people seem to find approachable; the demeanor that seems "safe" to unload problems onto; and the humor to accompany whatever I do so to "liven up" even the worst day.

It has always been this way for me, since I can remember interacting with others at an early age.  You know the old saying, "it takes one to know one," well that is most likely why others find me easy to talk with and gain help:  I've been through enough of the messy stuff in life to the extent that I beleive people sense the emotional scars have been gained much like any award obtained for effort demonstrated in competitive or adversive circumstances.  My life-events, although many originating from difficult times, have been used to assist me in empathizing with other's issues.

I believe everyone has a story to tell about their life.  I'm no different; however, I am able to openly discuss my life-events if I sense my story would encourage or motivate you. Verbal and emotional abuse; panic-disorder; PTSD; multiple family deaths; homelessness; business failure; and physical chronic pain are all part of my story.  The challenges I have faced in life are the result of a great plan to create the person that I am today.

You don't believe that?  Then I wouldn't be writing this today, or even thinking of placing these words together for you to read.  It may not matter to you; however, I can say without any doubt, that I would not be alive today had I not received God's help to literally continue breathing and/or continue going on with life in general.  While others may have meant to harm me badly, God used the circumstances for good.

Today, I am an Education Consultant, Academic Tutor & Student Advocate, specializing in disabilities. Autism; dyslexia; vison & hearing disorders; cerebral palsey; MD; plus 30 other diagnoses compose the list of disabilities I have had experience with while assisting others.  It gives me great pleasure to watch progress be reached by those I have been allowed to work with and make life-adjusting differences.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself...

Debra