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My
name is Melissa Burroughs; I am 32 years old; I was in a car
accident when I was 22 and my children were 3 and 5 years old. I
had only been married a few years. Before Disability (BD) I was a
good cosmetologist; After Disability (AD) I am a great employee at an Independent
Living Center. All my life all I've wanted to do is help and make
people feel good - I used to do that by doing nails and hair - now I
do that by helping people to find housing and other assistance. I had a good life before my
injury and I have a great life now. It hasn't always been easy. I
have had a lot of scary health issues that I have had to overcome; I
have drawn strength from these things. When my own kids and other
people see me I hope they see what your life can become when you put
positive in front and negative behind. People always come up to me
and ask "How can you be so happy now that you are in a chair?" My
chair does not define who or what I am - I am a person who is filled
with love and have much of it to give.
My husband works out of state and is only home one
weekend each month. "BD" he made nearly all of the decisions for
our family; "AD" I have grown and become more empowered to share in
all of the responsibilities of raising a family. With Jason gone so
much of the time I now find myself making nearly
all of the day to day family and childrearing decisions. I am also
the only one here to attend sporting events, teacher conferences,
and social outings with the kids.
"BD" my older sister and I were young, relatively
carefree, and immature. My injury proved to be the motivation for me
to grow up in a hurry. From that time on, I took on the role of Big
Sister to my older sister Michelle. Ironically, the relationship
continued in this manner. Even though I am the person with the
disability, Michelle looked to me for guidance and stability.
Unfortunately my beloved sister contracted a fast moving cancer that
took her life last fall. During the months of her illness, I was
able to arrange to travel to California to be with her and to assist
my Mother in caring for Michelle. Throughout that time I had to be
strong for my Mom, my sister, my nephews and my own family; I was
hurting very deeply, but again was able to draw on my inner strength
and get through it. Many things in life are not easy, but they are
possible. Knowing that is all I need.
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