https://ceenphotography.com/2017/09/18/share-your-world-september-18-2017/

Share Your World – September 18, 2017

September 18, 2017 Cee Neuner

Complete this sentence: I want to learn more about …

Photography

On a vacation what you would require in any place that you sleep?

A Clean Queen Size bed that is firm for my bad back. Pillows. Lots of them. The reason I added the word clean is that you’d be surprised at how many hotels/motels do not wash or change the sheets and comforters after guests leave!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Not a whole lot as I live paycheck to paycheck but getting a pedicure which is needed since my job requires standing and walking. My feet hurt after a long day at work. I would add my Vitamin treatments which I can’t really afford anymore. Those Vitamin infusions really helped me and I wish I had the money to invest in myself. A badly needed physical however the co-pay has gone up beyond my resources. Unfortunately Self-care has become an extravagance which I can barely afford so I tend to neglect my well-being. I’ve learned to ignore pain, push through it and keep it moving.

Spending more time with my brother Stephen. If I had my ‘Druthers’ as the comic Lil Abner used to say I’d spend more time with Stephen. It is not fun having to work weekends and holidays and I feel guilty for all the holidays I’ve missed spending with Stephen. That’s one reason I don’t look forward to those year end holidays because I know I’ll be at work. In the last nine years maybe I’ve spent perhaps 1 at the most 2 Christmas with Stephen. I’m not big on Christmas but it does mean something to him so I wish that I could be with Stephen on those “Family Holidays.” Maybe once I turned 62 and my life turns around those future dreams might come true. However those dreams are years away so I deal with the here and now. I am grateful and Thankful to have a job but you give up all your family and Me time just to survive and make ends meet.

Would you want $200,000 right now or $250,000 in a year? It’s safe to assume all money is tax free.

$200,000 right now! As we all know Tomorrow is not promised to you. I might not be alive a year from now so I want all my money Now! I really need that money for my healthcare which has gone by the wayside. Plus think of all the fun stuff and good times that Stephen and I could have if I had $200,000!!

Is it more important to love or be loved?

Both

List things that represent abundance to you.

Health. Once you start to lose your health you begin to lose everything. Truly I wish I had my 20 year old body but with my 58 year old mature mind. I miss out on so many events because of chronic pain, stomach issues, and all the other health challenges that come with aging. I’d give almost anything to go back to the healthy functioning body I had as a young woman.

Spending time with my brother Stephen.

What inspired you this past week? Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.

Lord Rescue Your Child once again to a State of Grace.

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Whitney Houston – His Eye Is On The Sparrow

My brother Stephen Vincent Palmer!! Back in 1963 when my parents took him to the doctors to see why he was not speaking those so-called medical professionals wrote him off as being “emotionally disturbed”!! How a then two-year old could be emotionally disturbed is beyond me but my parents said No we are Not going to institutionalize our son! During the 1960s nobody heard of or used the term Autism. Children like Stephen were put away institutions like Creedmor and Willowbrook where they were beaten, starved, abused and lay on the floor in their own waste. Sometimes people would lock “retarded” children away in their attics because of guilt and shame. My parents refused to listen to the doctors, took Stephen home and raised him as best they could. Whatever was in his ability to do he did it. Stephen had household chores just like me. My mother Mable Elizabeth Palmer suffered terribly because ignorant people blamed her for Stephen’s disabilities. I’m sure she cried many days and nights never quite sure how she could best help her son she loved so much. Mothers of disabled children carry heavy burdens. But at least Mom had Dad and together made a road where none had existed before.

All the while my parents Edward & Mable Palmer searched for what few programs and services existed in the 1960s for developmentally disabled children. Thanks Mom & Dad for never giving up on Stephen. I follow in their humble path. Truly Stephen is my and God’s prize and because of him I have pride and joy!

My Brother Stephen standing next to a Kehinde Wiley painting at the Brooklyn Museum

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For those of you who have a developmentally disabled child or sibling keep in mind no matter what others say know that your loved one is made in God’s image and likeness. Special Needs means special in the Kingdom of God. My brother is the kindest, most caring and compassionate person I know on this earth. I am proud to be called Stephen’s Sister.

Stephen if you were to ever leave my side and if God should call you home before me truly I’d be lost without you. Dearest Brother you mean the world to me. I Love you so much! ❤