Thanks 2017!

     How was 2017 for me? Well, it was more special and  challenging than I expected.  So much happened. So much changed. Most of it has been beyond amazing. Many special memories were made. There are some things I would rather forget. However, I have grown stronger and wiser. If 2017 was a person, I would hug him or her tightly and say "thank you so much for bringing me such joy into my life."

Two Major Changes 

     I definitely didn't expect to be engaged to my best friend or  be  living in our own beautiful house. I knew it was coming, but didn't think it would happen so soon. I'm so excited to become Mrs. Smith.  Only 3 more months! The wedding planning has been fun. Can't wait to start all the activities like showers! 

     Living on my own with my fiancé has been equally wonderful and challenging. I love being able to see him everyday now. I have enjoyed making new memories with him. We managed to fit each other's furniture and belongings in the house. The house is simply perfect for us. I have been learning how to cook and manage my/our laundry.  My parents come by a lot of course...LOL! Although not all things have been picture perfect. I have had several moments of frustration and doubt. Moving out for the first time is always nerve racking. Especially when you are a disabled individual. For me, the hardest part is wanting to do everything independently but always needing help. I am grateful to have such a helpful fiancé and two great personal aides. I just wish I could do more by myself.  I have always found a way to improve so I'm not giving up. 

Zero Doubt 

     So I graduated and received my bachelor's degree in English in May. I have been working on my craft and looking for a part time job since then. I have had no luck with finding a fitting job. However, I have been able to focus on my passion. I love being creative and being able to inspire people with my writings. I recently went to a writers conference, the CLMP Conference in New York with my mom. I learned so much and feel more confident in continuing to work towards becoming a published author. I wasn't ready to pitch my novel to the literary agents but I have zero doubt that I will be ready to present my novel next December. 

One Heartbreaking Loss 

     Losing my uncle Justin Settoon was the most devastating thing I experienced this year. He was more than my uncle. He was the big brother I ever had. I grew up with him. Realizing that he wouldn't be continuing growing up with me has been more difficult than I imagined. I miss him every day. The holidays weren't the same. Though I have to say I don't have to been completely sad about him missing out on my wedding and other major life events. My future mother-in-law, Kathy, received his cornea. Also, I received a necklace with some of his ashes inside from his mom Cathy. I plan to wrap the necklace around my boquet as I roll down the aisle. I could hear him saying "I ain't really gone. I will always be there."

Seven Blessings from Heaven 

     So many great things happen this year. I'm most grateful for:

1. Getting to be the ambassador of Very Special Miss Louisiana. Being able to inspire young disabled girls and women, especially in Louisiana, has been amazing. I have met such incredible families. Thanks Mrs Robin Abrams for choosing me. If anyone wants to know information about the pageant, here is the link: http://tarc-hammond.com/very-special-miss-louisiana-pageant.html

The pageant is January 20th! Please sign up!

2. Finally received my college degree after five long, challenging years. The best part was having my big loving family and supportive friends celebrating with me afterwards. It was awesome.  

3. Being the first in my dad's family to graduate from college. 

4. Getting the most surprising proposal ever. I love the fact that my family was able to keep it a secret and the fact that my aunt Christine captured the whole thing. 

5. .Having my talented stepdad designed a perfect house for Brandon and I to live in. 

6.  Getting to see my dad's family grow stronger and closer. 

7. Getting to go New York with my mom, Aunt Shelly, and grandmother Lisa.  It was a fun and productive trip!

The Impact of the Bom

       I usually have no problem with writing about hard times in my life. It honestly took all I have to write this. I had to stop a few times because I burst into tears and couldn't continue typing. Although it was difficult, I'm glad that I'm able to share with my readers how this young man impacted my life.

      

     A part of me is still wishing that this is just one of your stupid jokes. One where you are just acting dead like you did when we were kids.

      On August 30th, my uncle Justin Ray Settoon received his wings. He got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle on August 29. The driver of the truck ran the red light and hit him. He had a skull fracture and his brain was swollen. He died at 9:08 the next morning. The realization of him being actually gone hit me really hard. He was five years older than me so he was like a big brother to me. He played with me, taught me things, and even embarrassed me every chance he got. I didn't want to believe he was gone. I didn't want to realize he won't be at my wedding or any special occasion. 

      I know you can be stupid sometimes. But why stop wearing your damn helmet?! You're hardheaded but your head is not really that hard dude.

      I was honestly little angry at him. I knew it wasn't his fault but I felt that he should've been more responsible. He meant so much to many people. He was my pawpaw's best friend. Yeah he was a daddy's boy and he was truly the best one out there. He went everywhere with Pawpaw Leroy. He was the youngest of five boys. Whenever my dad or uncles needed help or a laugh, he was always there.  He was the type of friend that you know you can rely on no matter what. When my cousins and I came into the picture, he did everything he could to be a great uncle. He made sure that our smiles never turned into a frown. He never missed a birthday party or school event. If he did, he would send a thoughtful text. I truly looked up to  him. When I first started school, I struggled with making friends. I remember being so excited about getting to play with him and Uncle Josh when Dad took me to Pawpaw Leroy's. They didn't treat me like kids at school treated me. They included me in their games and encouraged me when I couldn't do something. Even if their friends were around, they still included me and made sure I was treated fairly. I wouldn't have gained the confidence to become a social butterfly if it wasn't for them.

My second birthday

My twenty-third birthday

     I knew you would not let any of us down. Thanks for being a hero.

     Justin  lived for being selfless and memorable. He was a organ donor.  On the day after he died, we found out that Brandon's mom (my future mother-in-law) was getting one of his cornea. I was in Target when I heard the news. I was speechless and tried so hard to not start crying . I was so upset about him not being there for the wedding. It felt like it was his way of saying "I won't miss it. I promise." Since then, I thank him every day for continuing to be a great uncle. He will see my wedding and the birth of my children after all.

He has help many others as well.  

     Thanks for the push. Now I understand. It's not about how great your work is. It's about how your work affects the world. 

     Justin was a talented artist and carpenter. His artwork is quite unique. He was known as the Bom.  We recently displayed all his artwork at the annual Ponchatoula Art Stroll  and he won favorite artist. I have been struggling with feeling confident about my novel writing. So seeing so many different people admire his work and his talent really inspired me to push forward with my passion for writing.

He painted the heart with wings piece for me a few years ago. I am going put it in my office in my new house. 

Dad and I supporting Justin's signature Bom character. 

Even though it has been hard, Uncle Josh and I have kept a smile on our faces. We know that Justin will still be with us no matter what.

     It has been not easy knowing that he is gone. I just wish I could hug him one more time and hear him say "I love you too butthead." I know he still around though. He left our family stronger than ever. He may be gone, but his impact on the world lives forever. Just like a explosive bomb. 

If you would like to purchase a Bom shirt, here is the link:

http://www.geauxvinyl.com/product-page/angel-by-j-set

Next Page

  So much has happened since I last posted. I am sorry if I left you guys hanging. Words are appearing faster than I expected for this new chapter of my life.  My life lately has consisted of wedding planning, job interviews, novel writing, house hunting, and a bit of traveling. Most of it has been exciting and fun of course. I can’t deny that not everything has gone great. A few times in the last two months, I have felt very overwhelming. A story with no trials or failures is very boring though. I’m glad that He is using all right elements to keep my story interesting.

Only in a Mind of a Unicorn    

Figuring out which direction I want to go professionally has been more challenging than I imagined it would be. I will admit that I am very optimistic. I really thought I would have a part time job by now. I should already know that things do not magically happen. I still haven't been hired.  

    Only in a mind of a unicorn would life be perfect and stress-free.

    Even though I might have been struggling with finding a fitting part time job, I have enjoyed getting experience. I have done a couple of phone interviews, a couple one on one interviews, and one group interview.  I improve and gain more confidence each time. I’m learning what my strengths and weaknesses are. I will find the right one sometime soon.

Portable Magic

Although I have been focusing on finding a decent job, I haven’t forgotten about my passion for writing.  I am working on my first novel and my first official poetry collection.  I know some of you are eager to hear the details. 

What is my novel about? Is it a series? What kind of poetry? When will I be finished? Who is going to publish my work?

One of my most favorite authors, Stephen King, once said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic." I am still trying to master my own “magic” tricks. So sorry, you just have to wait. My mom and I are going to a writing conference in New York in a few months. I plan to be almost finished with my novel then. I CANNOT WAIT!

A Girl’s Fantasy, A Woman’s Reality

    So the wedding planning has been amazing. We have set a date which is March 24 of next year (211 days!). We have already booked the venue and most of the vendors. I even got my uncle Joel aka Geaux DJ to play at our reception. He is the best! Go check him out on SoundCloud.

The first thing I did wedding wise though was bridesmaid proposals. I already knew who I wanted by my side on my big day.  I am so happy and excited that they all said yes!

My cousin Brianna is my Maid of Honor. We grew up super close. She is like a sister to me!

My Matron of Honor is my best friend Heidi. We met in High School. She is so sweet and funny She became one of my PCA for a few years.

My Bridemaids

'Taylor and I met in Junior High. She has kept me smiling and laughing. Her daughter Kenlee calls me Aunt Bebe and she is the flower girl. We spend most weekends together. Taylor was the one that convinced me to try online dating, hehe! 

    

Paige and I met in 8th grade. She has been my rock. She has a big heart! We always have fun together! She is my Pebe and I'm her Bebe!

Elise and I met at Lions Camp a few years ago. we became best friends instantly. She is so outgoing and funny. We have so many fun and crazy memories together! 

Sarah is my cousin. We were the first grandbabies of our family.  We were wild and adorable. We were double trouble HAHA! She lives in Georgia now and She is a ER nurse. I'm so proud!

I am not going to go into a lot of detail about my wedding dress because I want it to be a surprise and I know my fiancé will probably read this (Hi Honey!). I will just tell you about the moment I found it.   On June 17, Mom and I went to check out a couple of bridal dress shops. We had no intentions of trying dresses on or buying one. Little we both knew, it would not end up being the case. We went to Bridal Boutique off the Rack. There it was. The first dress on the rack and it was my size. It was far from what I imagined of wearing, but somehow I knew it was the one. Mom loved it too.

“It’s so unique and beautiful,” she said “We should try it on because we don’t know how long it will be here.

“OK”

This shouldn’t be this easy.

Getting into it was very interesting. Thank God that my mom is a pro at getting me into dresses. We were able to get it on enough to see how it would look.  I couldn’t believe it.

Wow…this is like the dress I imagined wearing at my wedding as a little girl.

“It is beautiful,” Mom awed “Do you love it?”

I looked at myself in mirror for a couple of minutes and smiled

“Yes!”

Needless to say, the vision I had as a little girl is coming true. I will be wearing a gorgeous white dress as I marry my own prince charming.

More than Grateful 

    For a few months now, my stepdad Todd has worked so hard on finding Brandon and I a house. I am happy to say that he has found a great one and he has started remodeling it this week. So Brandon and I will be in our house probably by November! We both are more than grateful Todd’s kind heart!

I am also more than grateful that I spent some time in Cancun with my family, just the four of us. Cancun was beautiful and very accommodating. The best part of the trip was getting to swim with a dolphin named Fernando. He was so sweet and gave kisses. Mom and Todd got to swim on his belly. That was incredible. He even danced with my little brother Peyton. I have always loved making memories with my family!

I might not know what is on the next page of the story, but I’m sure whatever He plans to write is going to be awesome.     

Beginning of a Exciting New Chapter

       Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! This is really happening!

       The best moments in life are the unexpected ones. About a week ago, I headed to Orange Beach with my family and boyfriend Brandon.  Little did I know, it would be one of most memorable vacations ever. On Sunday, May 28, I got the biggest surprise of my life. I was standing amongst about 50 family members smiling for the annual family beach photo. Unexpectedly, Brandon got on his knee and held out a beautiful diamond ring.

     "Will you marry me?" He said holding my hand. 

       I was completely stunned. I couldn't speak. My heart was pounding out of my chest. 

       "Yes" I nodded smiling. 

         He stood up and hugged me tightly.

        Everyone clapped and wiped tear drops off their cheeks. Surprisingly, my dad and Brandon's mom sneaked in without me knowing. I was so grateful that they were able to come. I couldn't stop smiling or shaking. 

       "Babe, stop shaking.  I can't put the ring on you." 

       Laughter escalated quickly across the field. My whole body was shaking. I'm glad my legs were hooked in. I could barely balance myself. I giggled and tried to calm down. He gently put it on my long skinny finger. The ring fit perfectly. It felt like a dream. A dream that I have always wished to come true. I have found my soulmate and I get to spend the rest of my life with him! I loved the fact that I experienced the special moment with my family, especially my great grandmother.  I will always cherish the special moment in my heart forever!

        I'm definitely loving this new chapter of my life. It's exciting and a bit nerve racking. I have overcome the challenges of being in college. Now I'm facing new challenges like finding  a job and preparing for the transition from living with my parents to living on my own with Brandon. Of course, I know it is not going to be easy. Life is suppose to be a bit challenging though. Challenges are what keep people believing in faith. 

 

The magical moment 

 

 

I love the fact that my stepdad Todd has a huge smile on his face in this picture. It makes me feel very happy to have two caring dads. 

 

Mom is super excited about planning the wedding. 

 

I'm so glad Dad was there with us. 

 

I'm also glad that Brandon's mom, Mrs. Kathy, was there too. I'm grateful to be a part of her wonderful family.  

 

I would not know what love truly is without my beautiful mom and grandmother. 

. 

 

I can't wait to do wedding activities with my cousins/ soul sisters Sarah and Brianna.  

Ready for a New Chapter

            After five years of writing ridiculously long papers and taking difficult exams, I have officially received a bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in History. My overall  G.P.A. ended up being 3.2. Being able to say I am a college graduate is pretty awesome. I mean there have been people who have doubted my ability to handle college. Now I have proof that shows my disability has never stopped me from receiving a higher education. Sure, I had moments where I wanted to give up and drop out. I failed math a couple of times. I was not the best essay writer. However, I chose to keep striving. I'm glad I did not drop out. If I had, I would not have gained the skills to be a great professional writer. I felt so proud when I finally rolled across that stage and received my diploma. I am actually the first in my father's immediate family to graduate from college.  So all the frustration and tears were worth it. Needless to say, the chapter of my college career has finally ended, and I am ready to start filling up pages of a new one.

           What is next for me? Honestly, I have no definite answer. I plan to write short stories and novels. I don't know when I will try to get them published. I also plan to get a part-time job. I have been looking around. I also might try to become a model for fashion lines for the wheelchair bound.  All I really know is that I will never stop sharing my story and inspiring others.

My mother, stepfather, and boyfriend

Brandon has been by my side for almost 2 years now.

My father

Mawmaw Sharon

Mawmaw Lisa and Pawpaw Wally