Recently, I was asked during a job interview what qualifications do I possess for handling challenges and with which could speak to my determination, dedication, and resolve. I wanted to simply reply "I am Avery's mom!", but without context that impassioned proclamation does little to attest to my personal characteristics.  Avery, specifically hiking four miles in the mountains carrying Avery’s wheelchair across streams, rocks, and timber crossings, was the instant picture that formulated in my mind’s eye with the inquiry into my determined nature. 

In the many months during my blog silence, I have obtained a degree, written academically, taken a sabbatical of sorts out-of-state post Hurricane Harvey, traveled the States, and pursued a new career (hence what I can now say was a successful series of job interviews). During that time, the connecting factor in the, what seemed at times, utter madness, was in fact these characteristics of determination, dedication, and resolve. 

2007 bought us Avery and with her bold and miraculous arrival into this world, came an unpublished, learn-as-you-go, book of lessons. Avery and parenting Avery has emboldened us with a drive like no other and a stubbornness and dedication like no other. We simply do not accept the status quo, and we’ve attempted to (en)able our ‘(dis)abled’ daughter every step of the way with our adventurous spirit. The ‘wheelchair has no bounds’ campaign started in the castles of Denmark circa 2008/2009, continued in Norway, Sweden, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, back Stateside in Moab, the Rockies, and in our every day life here in the city jungle. She's been hiking, skiing, and well, what is adventure without Disney World?

Avery is Avery and to fully understand what that means you just must meet her. To everyone that knows her she is a spirit to be reckoned with and will continue to defy medical prognosis. Avery embodies strength and determination, and therefore we must continue to be her legs, her voice, and her conduit to the world with equal resolve. We must return the gifts of life that she has given to us. 

Enjoy the slide show of just a few of Avery’s adventures…. May you be inspired to take on an adventure yourself and to live life completely (en)abled.