Category: Celebrations

For Christmas 1983 we treasured the time with Robert’s relatives in Munster, Indiana despite the December 25th headline in the Chicago Tribune: “25 below! It’s misery.” Three years later we loved the time with my family in a summer and sandy Christmas gathering at the beach in Whangamata, New Zealand.

There are many traditions associated with Christmas, but central to the celebration are the lights that sparkle in candles, Christmas trees, and houses lit up with strings of Christmas lights. The lights take away the darkness and brighten our spirits. We sing carols that proclaim the light Jesus birth brought to the world. For example, the third verse of Silent Night describes Jesus as “Son of God, love’s pure light.” Even more precious are Jesus own words:

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Cancel culture has tried to rob us of the true meaning of Christmas. It offers the glitz without being plugged into the source of the light. We need to debunk this lie and freely declare that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Immanuel, God with us, is the greatest gift of all.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19.

And there’s more good news. The light that Jesus brought to the world is not limited to Christmas day. It shines every day of the year. And those who follow Jesus are appointed to beam as His lights.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16.

So as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us bask in Jesus light and share it with all who are willing to listen.

Photo credit: Image by Couleur from Pixabay

This post was first published on December 20, 2021 on Angela Muir Van Etten’s blog at https://angelamuirvanetten.com/christmas-lights/

You may also want to read:

Good News Brings Joy. December 25, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/good-news-brings-joy/

Poinsettias and Christmas. December 12, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/poinsettias-and-christmas/

Finding Joy at Christmas. December 21, 2020. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/finding-joy-at-christmas/

• The Little People of America (LPA) battle against dwarf tossing had several notable actions worthy of thanks:
  • In 1985, the Chicago Sun Times reported cancellation of the dwarf tossing event planned in Chicago.
  
  
  • In 2001, “Dave the Dwarf” filed a lawsuit asking the court not to enforce the 1989 Florida law prohibiting dwarf tossing contests in licensed establishments. Thankfully LPA advocacy caused a State agency to pass a rule strengthening the law and another contest was cancelled.
  
  
  • In 2011, 146 printed pages of a change.org petition with 4,834 signatures was delivered to Florida State Assembly Representative Workman after he filed a bill to repeal the 1989 law. Thankfully the bill died in Committee.

• In 1990, I was grateful to receive news that I had passed the New York State bar ethics exams.

• In 1991, Robert’s business moved out of the basement in our home into a commercial office building.

• In 1997, Robert started work as a rehabilitation engineer at the Florida State Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

• In 1999, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. This was the precursor to the July 2004 publication of the final rule lowering the reach range from 54 to 48 inches.

Fast forward 25 years and we find ourselves in our seventies with our marriage vow to stand by each other no matter what happens is staring us in the face.

Robert’s health took a dive in March 2024 when he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease and began kidney dialysis three times a week. Add to this issues with his cognition, respiration, mobility, and hearing. This year Robert has been a regular caller of 911, taken to the ER seven times and admitted to hospital five times. He has received physical, occupational and speech language therapy at home and in two different rehabilitation facilities. And now in November 2024 his level of care precludes his return home and requires admission into a skilled nursing facility.

So what do we have to be thankful for in these circumstances? Admittedly, it is a true test of our faith. But I have no doubt that just as God has taken care of us in the past, we can trust Him to do the same in the future. I am grateful that God knows what we need and has promised to provide for us better than sparrows and lilies. (Matthew 10:29-31.)

Image credit: Ralph from Pixabay

For related blog posts by Angela, go to:

• Give Thanks. November 20, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/give-thanks/
• Thankful Through the Years. November 28, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/thankful-through-the-years/
• MAKING PUBLIC COMMENTS: Time Wasted or Well Spent? November 7, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/making-public-comments-time-wasted-or-well-spent/
• Be Thankful in All Circumstances. December 27, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/be-thankful-in-all-circumstances/
• Ruby Wedding Anniversary. November 29, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/ruby-wedding-anniversary/
• Dwarf Tossing Throwback. March 8, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/dwarf-tossing-throwback/

• Wedding Anniversary Cards. November 30, 2020. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/wedding-anniversary-cards/

Disability Rights

Are We There Yet? [ADA compliance issues] January 29, 2024. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/are-we-there-yet/

Special Education Mandate Honored. December 4, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/special-education-mandate-honored/

Van Accessible Parking Predicament. November 13, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/van-accessible-parking-predicament/

Is Dwarfism a Disability Under the ADAAA? September 25, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/is-dwarfism-a-disability-under-the-adaaa/

FAQ

What’s It Like To Be Little? March 18, 2024. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/whats-it-like-to-be-little/

Medical

Kitchen Table or ICU Decisions? April 15, 2024. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/kitchen-table-or-icu-decisions/

GLAUCOMA: the Silent Thief of Sight. January 8, 2024. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/glaucoma-the-silent-thief-of-sight/

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Move and Improve. September 18, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/physical-therapy-move-and-improve/

Crashing Into My 70^th Birthday. August 28, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/crashing-into-my-70th-birthday/

Motivation

Get Up and Never Give Up. February 5, 2024. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/get-up-and-never-give-up/

Transportation

Disabled Scooter Airport Story. September 25, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/disabled-scooter-airport-story/

Image Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

To subscribe to my weekly blog—a voice for people with dwarfism & disability guided by faith and justice—go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/.

But my inability to drive after dark meant we had to stay overnight. The motel we booked had a tall bed that Robert couldn’t climb into and lowering it was not feasible. However, the aggravation turned into appreciation when a shorter rollaway bed was located. The bonus was congregating with relatives at the breakfast bar the next morning.

My 70^th birthday trip to Australia would have been impossible without Robert’s Florida family—Susan, Brittany, and Lyn & Bill—each taking a turn to stay with him for a week. Even though my three-week excursion was marred by being in ICU with COVID, I’m deeply indebted to them for allowing me to spend time with my family and friends in Sydney.

At home, Robert’s propensity for falling out of bed was ameliorated with lowering and relocating the bed. We were grateful when Gary and Kathryn helped us rearrange the furniture. But none of this prevented Robert from landing on the floor. Several 911 calls for help to pick him up were needed when he couldn’t get up after sliding off the bed. But it was a pleasant surprise to learn that Fire Rescue calls are free unless they take you to the hospital in an ambulance. Just as well, because on October 28 we called them to the house twice in one day.

Being hospitalized for eight days in October was nothing to be pleased about especially since it involved Robert’s blood pressure, breathing, kidney, and infections in the sinuses, bladder, and lungs (pneumonia). Nonetheless we were thankful Robert was classified as a progressive care patient attended by ICU nurses, numerous specialists, and therapists. We were glad when the hospital discharge plan continued many of these services at home.

I’m happy that earlier in the year we didn’t know so many medical interventions were on the horizon. This allowed me to continue marketing my dwarfism memoir trilogy with weekly blog posts, a workshop at the LPA District 4 Spring regional in Palm Beach Gardens, contribute a chapter to an anthology on “Dwarfism Arts and Advocacy: Creating Our Own Positive Identity,” and participate on an LPA advocacy panel on Understanding the Laws.

It was a joy to visit with so many friends from New Zealand—two in Stuart and two in Sydney—dating back to our days in kindergarten, middle school, and university. We were also tickled that two Aussie baby nieces adorned us as a great aunt and uncle.

In Everything Give Thanks
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

            What are you thankful for?

Related Angela Muir Van Etten blog posts are listed below:

• Disabled Scooter Airport Story. September 4, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/disabled-scooter-airport-story/
• Crashing Into My 70^th Birthday. August 28, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/crashing-into-my-70th-birthday/
• Hearing Aids: Lost and Found. May 29, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/hearing-aids-lost-and-found/
• Thankful Through the Years. November 28, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/thankful-through-the-years/
• Be Thankful in All Circumstances. December 27, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/be-thankful-in-all-circumstances/
• For a weekly email alert when a blog post is uploaded, please subscribe at https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/

The scope and influence of the Rehab Act then and now is huge:

• Section 501 established a federal government interagency committee on handicapped employees (now known as the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities).
• Section 502 established the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) tasked with ensuring access to federal buildings and facilities. Later amendments strengthened requirements for access to (1) electronic and information technology in the Federal sector (Section 508) and (2) medical diagnostic equipment (section 510).
• Section 503 prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, provide benefits, train, and any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance at the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing section 503.
• Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity operated by recipients of federal funds. The U.S. Justice Department coordinates section 504’s consistent and effective implementation with over 35 federal agencies.

And as for looking forward with hope, consider commenting—on or before November 13, 2023—on the proposed rule by the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Service. Among other things, the rule covers accessible medical equipment, such as exam tables and scales; medical treatment decisions; value assessment, web and mobile accessibility; and community integration.

“These new regulations could provide a critical framework for forcing medical providers to provide more accessible, equitable healthcare. That’s why it’s so important that you take the time to comment. Share your personal experiences as a wheelchair user and how lack of accessibility affects your medical care. It is critically important to support eliminating medical disparities that have complicated and shortened our lives and blocked us from having equal health care for the past 50 years … and into the future.”

Tim Gilmer, editor of New Mobility magazine.

To dig deeper go to:

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Original Text). September 26, 1973. https://www.eeoc.gov/rehabilitation-act-1973-original-text
• “Employment Protections Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: 50 Years of Protecting Americans with Disabilities in the Workplace.” Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/employment-protections-under-rehabilitation-act-1973-50-years-protecting-americans-disabilities
• Rehabilitation Act 50. “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next.” https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/rehabilitation_act_50
• “Justice Department Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act.” Tuesday, September 26, 2023. https://www.justice.gov/opa/blog/justice-department-celebrates-50th-anniversary-rehabilitation-act
• Tim Gilmer. “Comment Now to Support Critical Regulations to Make Medical Care More Accessible.” New Mobility. October 4, 2023. https://newmobility.com/comment-now-to-support-critical-regulations-to-make-medical-care-more-accessible/?mc_cid=5eaf3ea856&mc_eid=7d6d6ed7fb
• Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities. A Proposed Rule by the Health and Human Service Department on 09/14/2023. Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/14/2023-19149/discrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-in-health-and-human-service-programs-or-activities
• Angela Muir Van Etten. “Tackling Inaccessible Medical Equipment, Part II.” Blog post, March 28, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/tackling-inaccessible-medical-equipment-part-ii/
• Angela Muir Van Etten. “Tackling Inaccessible Medical Equipment.” Blog post, April 19, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/tackling-inaccessible-medical-equipment/

“Add Teeth Not Candles for Birthday of Air Carrier Access Act.” October 3, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/air-carrier-access-act/

Lissette’s comment: “I enjoy reading your blog. Through your words I have found many answers to questions I didn’t even know there could possibly be solutions / answers. Keep informing us. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge. God bless you.”

“Lessons From My 40-Year Law Career.” October 10, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/lessons-from-my-40-year-law-career/

Excerpt: “Many prospective employers can’t imagine a client having confidence in the ability of a 40-inch-tall lawyer. Thankfully, I had enough imagination for both of us.”

“Dwarfism Sensitivity & Awareness.” October 24, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/dwarfism-sensitivity-awareness/

Mark’s comment: “Good stuff on here.”

“UK Travel: Challenge, Church, and Cuisine.” October 31, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/uk-travel-challenge-church-and-cuisine/

Excerpt: “We felt the access challenges were worth it to soak in more British culture and cuisine. Did it really matter that we had to leave our [bed and breakfast] bedroom door ajar because we couldn’t reach the door handle?”

“MAKING PUBLIC COMMENTS: Time Wasted or Well Spent?” November 7, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/making-public-comments-time-wasted-or-well-spent/

This post is based on events discussed in the third book of my dwarfism memoir trilogy, “ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities.” https://angelamuirvanetten.com/always-an-advocate/.

“Why Are You So Short? Is the Answer in the Genes?” November 21, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/why-are-you-so-short-is-the-answer-in-the-genes/

Excerpt: “Every day little people are asked to explain why they’re so short. But let’s pivot to a more important question. Is it legal to use genetic information against people whose genes identify a disability?”

“Disabled Caught In Homeless Crisis.” December 19, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/disabled-caught-in-homeless-crisis/

Excerpt: “People with disabilities make up almost one quarter of the half million plus homeless in America. . . The magnitude of the crisis mandates that we “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.” Psalm 82:3, New Living Translation.

“Defendants Feign Ignorance When Hit With ADA Complaints.” January 30, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/defendants-feign-ignorance-when-hit-with-ada-complaints/

Excerpt: “31 years after the ADA’s January 26, 1992 effective date, we’re expected to believe defendants don’t know wheelchairs can’t climb steps, people using walkers and canes have trouble opening heavy doors, and little people can’t reach high counters!” 

“Dwarfs Don’t Live in Doll Houses: 35-Year Anniversary.” April 10, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/dwarfs-dont-live-in-doll-houses-35-year-anniversary/

Because human behavior has not changed, the e-book remains relevant for ongoing disability issues and serves as a time capsule for how little people and their families experienced life prior to disability civil rights laws.

“Barrier Removal Beats Awareness.” May 8, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/barrier-removal-beats-awareness/

Carol’s comment: I’m 4’6.” I once put in a complaint at a supermarket about POS machines attached to the checkout counter above my view. I had asked how people in wheelchairs managed, and the assistant tried to tell me they raised themselves on one hand and did it with the other. “NO they don’t,” I declared.

To subscribe to my weekly blog—a voice for people with dwarfism & disability guided by faith and justice—go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/.

We enjoyed our dinners in the supposedly sold out dining room with assigned seating and a personal waiter. Rick credits Robert and me scootering up at just the right moment for four seats to miraculously materialize.

Disembarking and boarding from a ten story ship was complicated by the rise and fall of the tide. Riding down the gangway on the scooter could be a gentle slope on departure and a steep incline on the return several hours later. Despite the gangway slope being reduced by attaching to higher or lower ship decks, it could still be so steep that the scooter teetered at the top! Nonetheless, several crew ensured we boarded safely.

At our first stop in Ketchikan, the cold August temperature required dressing in layers. The downside came when it was time to go to the bathroom and peel off all those layers. We spent our shore time appreciating the world’s oldest collection of native American totem poles and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Robert felt much older than 60 seated in the outdoor bleachers when staff gave him a woollen lap blanket akin to those used in nursing homes.

In Juneau—Alaska’s capital city—our local tour guide was a relative of Robert’s brother-in-law. He had great insights on how to survive in Alaska. The tip that sticks with me is “cotton kills, wool warms.” In bringing us to the Mendenhall Glacier he lamented how global warming was shrinking the glacier. Indeed glaciologist, Mike Hekkers, reported that for 20 years the glacier has retreated over 160 feet per year.

In Skagway we tackled an incline that rivaled the ship’s gangway. After boarding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, the train climbed grades of up to 3.9 percent to ascend 2,865 feet in only 20 miles. Completed in 1900, the railroad was built in treacherous conditions during the Klondike Gold Rush to link the Yukon and other booming gold-mining districts with tidewater at Skagway.

This narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering landmark comparable to the Eiffel tower, Statue of Liberty and Panama Canal. Just as significant to us was the carriage equipped with a wheelchair lift and, for our amusement, “handicapped eating” presumably intended as “disabled seating” since there was no food service.

Our cruise ended in Whittier. Robert’s cousin Carol not only met us at the terminal, but also for the first time. Carol and her two dogs graciously welcomed us as a guest in their home in Anchorage and played tour guide for a few days.

How about you? Any unforgettable birthdays or destinations?

You may also want to read:

• “Access Hits and Misses in New York City.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog. August 30, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/access-hits-and-misses-in-new-york-city/
• Angela Muir Van Etten weekly blog posts at https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/
• Angela Muir Van Etten dwarfism memoir trilogy. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/books/

Actually the Times Square party was a symbolic welcome to the New Year given that 28 time zones preceded New York in starting the party. A cascade of spectacular fireworks and light celebrations circled the globe from Sydney, Australia to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to London, United Kingdom to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In December 2018, when visiting my family in Sydney, Australia, my husband Robert saw it as his chance to see the Sydney fireworks in person. My family worked very hard to convince him that he could not just roll up on his scooter a couple of hours before midnight. He’d have to be there for hours ahead of time and would be roped in by security for several more hours after midnight. On top of that, the crushing crowd of one million partygoers would block his 40 inch line-of-sight and make public transport home a nightmare. He reluctantly settled for a view from my brother’s balcony a few miles away.

About 20 years earlier, I messed with Robert and another New Year’s tradition. We were on vacation in Florida when he and his brother Peter were asked to dress up as Father Time and Baby New Year. I objected when Robert was chosen to dress as the baby. As little people we work very hard at being taken seriously and treated as adults. Age is not related to size. The last thing we needed was for Robert to be stereotyped as the baby with photos to prove it for years to come. The compromise came when Robert dressed as Father Time personifying the old year and his brother dressed as Baby New Year illustrating the new year.

As I close out 2022 and look forward to 2023, my perspective as an author and blogger draws me to quotes related to writing:

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

~ Solomon

 “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”

~ Melody Beattie

“New year—a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.”

~ Alex Morritt

 “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”

~ Brad Paisley.

Praying you have a Happy New Year filled with God’s light and love.

For more information on my dwarfism book trilogy and weekly blog posts, go to my website at https://angelamuirvanetten.com.