Turning 40

While I like to think that I can turn back the clock to 40, I have to leave that thought for another day.  Today, I am celebrating my son's very happy birthday.  

It was 40 years ago when our first child unexpectedly slipped into the world with an immense challenge. My husband and I named him Derek, the people's ruler.  As an affable striver, my son overcame many odds thrown his way.  Holding tightly to his dreams, he sought to find his place in society but life is not an easy road to walk when you are disabled.  Because of his fortitude, Derek always used his talents to make his mark.  Yearly gold medals in swimming at the Games for the Physically Challenged led him to donate his time and strength to raising funds for special education while dreaming of a college degree. Despite the odds, Derek graduated from community college and continued onward to become a proud Hofstra University graduate.  Advocating for himself, Derek sought every option to succeed in learning with the constant support from family,  counselors, and teachers.  

While his road of life has been strewn with rocky patches, Derek, as the champion, continues to strive to move forward on his journey.  Today, as a disabled young man, he finds solace in writing.  Feeling the pangs of isolation during Quarantine Life, Derek decided to try his hand at podcasting.   Below is his introductory video that we created.  With the heart of an advocate for disability rights and a voice to soar into the world, Derek is an example of what can be accomplished.  May doors be opened for him and all those striving to BECOME. 

I celebrate Derek's forty years of life today with a cherita poem, a linked poetry form of one-, two-, and three-line stanzas that tells a story.  So with hopes that today is one of those days in which a new corner is turned on the road to life, I wish Derek a very happy birthday and

a life of reaching for the stars.

☪

Sending my slice of life into the universe of writing at Two Writing Teachers...