Sunday 9 September 2012

FLOURISH

People with disabilities living life with passion 


 I've just read an amazing book with stories about amazing people. My mind can't stop going back to the people in those stories, to the challenges and joyful lives which Karin Melberg Schwier has brought to us in her latest book Flourish, a book about people with disabilities living life with passion. You can find more details about the book on www.karinschwier.com.   Karin has also got another website.

 Karin writes, 'People with disabilities have historically been surrounded by low expectations and stereotypes that perpetuate an 'us' and 'them' approach to support. To be happy and to have a rich life punctuated by intriguing, engaging and sometimes thrilling experiences that feed one's soul, people with disabilities need others to be creative, expansive and willing to take some risks.'

 And this is what Karin has done in this book.  She has shown us that there are many people with disabilities who take risks and can talk about the joy this risk-taking has given them.

 I met Karin and her son Jim last year when the family stayed in Dunedin for a short time. Karin and I talked a lot about our children, about perceptions so easily made, and how we could contribute to making our children accepted by the world. In an earlier blog I have written about the son of an acquaintance who thought that 'people like that', in this case my daughter Miriam, could not do certain things. Oh, yes, THEY CAN! And Karin's book will help to make the world understand exactly that.


 Thank you, Karin, for writing this book. Thank you, Jim for calling me 'grandma'. We had a good time at the St Clair's swimming pool cafe. Your words meant so much to me, not having grandchildren I felt accepted as I was. Thank you both for sharing your precious time here with us. Go well, FLOURISH!


Summer 2011: Jim, Miriam and Karin at ISIS


PHOTO: This photo of Jim, Miriam and Karin was taken while Miriam stayed for respite care at ISIS (One Site One Service). The painting is by Miriam, she gave it to ISIS as thanks for the special care she received there ever since she had a stroke in December 2001.

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