This is me when I was 36 weeks pregnant with my 3rd son. Don’t hate. I look awesome.
Janie Jones Photography
My name is Priscilla Hartman Hedlin. I must get my maiden name in there for anyone that doesn’t know me now. I live in Austin. Well, actually a suburb of Austin, called Pflugerville. The P is silent. I grew up in Shiner. Yes, where they make the beer and I lived in Vidor for a short amount of time. Not proud of the town but made some pretty amazing friends in the short time I was there.
I’ve been trying to rework this page for a while now so my readers could really get to know me, but that isn’t really easy. There is far to much to tell you and I don’t always want to overload The Wheelchair Mommy with stuff about me. I want this to be a keepsake for my boys and I haven’t been very good at posting about them lately.
I suppose when they are 30, they would much rather read about me anyways, but I still want to document their childhood. Just in case I don’t remember, ya know?!
As I began writing this I was planning to do a quick bullet point list of stuff about me. It’s the easy way out. Right? Then a thought occurred to me. I frequently have NO idea what to blog about. I can make each bullet point a blog post. Of course, not all at once, but maybe within the next year?!
Do not proceed unless you have at least 2 hours to dive in and read all the goodies. I know you will. I’m awesome like that. Many of the bullet points already have awesome blog posts links attached to them.
If you just want to see my intro vlog. It’s mostly short. A little loud. Super sweet.
- I was born in 1981 and was the 9th and final child my parents had together. Shut up about my age
. - I had a sister die in October 1986. I remember details of visiting her for the first time at the funeral home. I can’t get it out of my head. I was 5.
- I lost my last grandparent in 1993. I never met the others, they all passed before I was born. However, I did have a step grandpa that I knew as CJ. He was the only grandpa I ever knew, but I am referring to biological. He died in 1988? or 1989?
- My parents divorced when I was 2 and I lived with my mom until I was 16 (almost 17) and then I moved in with my dad.
- After I graduated I moved in with my BFF, Sarah.
- I was in a car wreck and paralyzed in September 1999. It left me with a spinal cord injury at L1, 2. That means I am a paraplegic. The person that caused it was a very good friend of mine at the time.
- When I got out of the hospital I start my first webpage. Today it would be a blog. I’ve been blogging for 12 years. Yikes.
- I met my husband in 2001 and we got married in Niagara Falls a year and a half later in 2002. I was no longer Priscilla Hartman (I’m throwing my last name out there so anyone from my past can find me if they want to. I don’t mind. I googled myself and there isn’t much out there with my maiden name. Don’t judge. You’ve done it to…or you will when you leave my blog, or you may leave my blog JUST to do it)
- Our first son was born in 2004.
- My dad died a few months later in 2005. There are several posts on that.
- Our second son was born in 2008 and I was told NEVER to have anymore due to complications.
- We bought our “forever” home in the fall of 2008.
- Chick-fil-a became my favorite place.
- My husband bought his dream car. I’m still waiting for mine.
- My mother-in-law died unexpectedly in the fall of 2009. I’ve written several posts about that, too.
- I recapped the last decade if you are really curious.
- In the spring of 2010 I got a second opinion and my dreams of having more (or at least one more) baby came true. The high risk doctor said I would be able to safely carry again and in Oct. 2010 I got pregnant.
- On valentines day we found out we were having our 3rd little boy. Say it. You know you want to. MY THREE SONS!!
- In June 2011, our THIRD son arrived.
- People frequently ask me inappropriate personal questions about my paralysis. You can find the answers out here if you really want to know and I’ll NEVER know you looked.
(kidding here, I really don’t mind but it does get tiring. - People also ask perfectly appropriate questions about how I do stuff and if I have help.
So many of you don’t know my
entire story. I was paralyzed in a car
wreck in 1999. I was 18 and just started college. The person driving was sober but my ex-sister-in-law was drunk and grabbed the wheel. We were going around a curve and another car was coming. I was thrown out. Nope. No seat belt. I was in the backseat. Not many adults wear one in the backseat, do they?! I never lost consciousness and spent about 5 weeks in the hospital. That included a really long (12-15 hour) surgery to stabilize my spine. As soon as they let me, I was ready to get into therapy and learn what I had to so I could get on with my life. One thing I’ve said since the beginning is I am changed but still the same. To this day my attitude is positive and I don’t let the injury or the scars get me down. I still do EVERYTHING I want to do I¦just do it sitting down. I have a great life and couldn’t imagine being any happier. People are always asking me how I can be so positive and I tell them it’s because I want to. I dont get feeling sorry for myself. What good does that do me? No, thank you. I want to live my life and enjoy it and no one is going to keep me from doing that, most of all myself. So now you know. I have all kinds of scars on my body as a constant reminder of 9-12-99, but sometimes I still forget. I’ll be going about my business and forget I am actually sitting until I try to reach something high up or far away. It’s quite funny, really. Flame me if you want but I also get the biggest kick out of gimp humor.
Now all my dreams have come. Despite paralysis, I am a mommy!!!
what an inspiring story…i just heard about your blog on scarymommy. my fiance is paralyzed from the belly button down. like you he is a stay at home dad and still does everything like he used to two years ago before his 4wheeler accident. he is very upbeat and has no self pitty what so ever. the only thing that bothers him i think is the fact that he cant go out and work and make a living for his family anymore…i remind him everyday that by takin care of our 3 girls he works very hard for our family. i will def show him your blog and keep reading it myself!
@brandi, Thank you Brandi!! I love when I find others that look at life the same way I do
.
Twitter: LittleAnimation
says:
Hi Priscilla, it’s nice to meet you, I’m JC, and we just followed eachother on Twitter. Wow, you sure have been blogging a looooong time! I’m off to check out your blog!
The Animated Woman´s last [type] ..CHOCOLATE Soaper HERO!
@The Animated Woman, yes, it has been a long time
thank oyu
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
says:
You are awesome. And that is all.
Alison@Mama Wants This´s last [type] ..Two sides
@Alison@Mama Wants This, you are very sweet
Hi Priscilla, Thank you for sharing your story. I too am a wheelchair mommy. I have 3 beautiful girls. I too was injured when I was 18 hate to put my age on this but it will be 21 years this year. Thank you for inspiring others. Cherrie
A mutual friend from Twitter, 2preppygirls, suggested I take a loom at your blog. My life is just the opposite of yours (somewhat!). My husband is in a wheelchair due to an MDA-like condition known as Friedreichs Ataxia. We have two tween-age sons and a more than full life!!! Nice to meet you!
Twitter: luckystars54
says:
First of all, you are absolutely beautiful in that picture, even my son said so! Second of all I have chill bumps as I read that, yes they are still there. It just goes to show you, it can all only make you stronger. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the trials and tribulations. You are truly an amazon person and I am so thankful that our paths have crossed!
Whitney´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: Pooped
Awww, thanks, girl!! I’m so happy to have met you too!
Twitter: dollsarealright
says:
There’s a lot to be said about strength and determination, about love and faith and moving beyond what are supposed challenges. Good for you! If you were here, you would see my happy dance. My partner is in his 11th year of Parkinson’s and he is determined to not identify with his disease … as you are definitely not identified with your wheelchair.
Wishing you all the best ~ Patricia
You are so very right. It’s not always easy to not be identified with something SO visible but it sure makes life more enjoyable!!
Twitter: jocelynstone
says:
It’s nice to get to know you. I’m working on 31DBBB with Shelley and the rest of the gang, and yours is the first “about me” page I have read. I have to say that I love your voice – it’s so fun and inviting. I know that sometimes my writing gets kind of formal and I hope to adopt a more casual voice over time. Also, I have to say that recording things for your sons is a GREAT idea – the blog I just started is all about finding out things about my immediate family, who are all gone now. Good for you!
Jocelyn
Thank you for visiting and for all your kind words!! I think your blog sounds awesome! I will be checking it out soon.
I found your blog through the linky on Shelly’s page. I wanted to let you know I adore your blog! Love so many of your posts and can’t wait to keep following you!
Allyson
Thanks!! I really appreciate you stopping by!
I wub you!
I wub you too!
Twitter: brookeswings
says:
I have had the honor of meeting this amazing woman in person…she is just that, amazing! She is down to earth and fun. Her spirit…wow! and of course, she is the most excellent mommy. Her children just precious. She told me today, “I just wanted to be happy!” She just has this attitude about her that i will strive to demonstrate:) I feel very thankful that I have had the opportunity to meet her and learn from her. Even with 3 boys and a busy life, she has found time to help me. Help that I desperately need…I consider her one of my angels. Thanks Priscilla from the bottom of my heart!
BIG, HUGE hugs to you!! I am so grateful we met!
Twitter: bepositivemom
says:
Glad to meet you! I’m so glad you stopped by from Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. Truly amazing story and I love your sassy attitude
Congratulations for son #3!! What a beautiful family! Looking forward to reading more… Happy New Year!
Steph from Be Positive Mom´s last [type] ..Your New Year In The Making – Part II
Thank you so much … there will be plenty more to read.
Just found your blog and I’m loving it! Good thing it’s Friday night and the kids will be in bed soon so I can devote the next 2 hours reading more! I’m a C5-C7 Walking Quad 8 yrs post, single mom of 3 boys and yes, I call them My 3 Sons, too! lol I love your positive attitude! You sound a lot like me…I try to always stay positive and look on the bright side. Your life is what you make it. Although I’d love for a cure to be found for us all, I wouldn’t go back and change things even if I could. I’ve learned so much about my self, my body, human nature, and life in general that I wouldn’t want to lose a single bit of it! Since I am able to walk now, I am very thankful for what I have and try to never lose sight of what COULD have been. I wish you the best of luck and happiness!
I would never change things either, My life is wonderful
I am a 28 year-old quadriplegic wheelchair user who has a book of poetry/prose coming out in March 2012 titled The Virgin Journals released by A S D publishing out of New Jersey. The book will be split into three sections; Life, Love, World. It is going to be roughly 170 pages long and is a good mixture of memoir poetry & person centered world views. My hope is that people will be able to learn about themselves by reading my words. I would love to make myself available as a possible interview for your site. Thanks for any interest!
Good luck with your book. I’lll let you know if I ever need a guest spot. I don’t advertise here though, unless I personally know you.
Twitter: JoynessSparkles
says:
Thank you for sharing your story! This is much needed encouragement. While I am not in a wheelchair, I do have limitations due to a back injury and I thank God for people like you that help to keep it positive. People who don’t have injuries sometimes just don’t get it and are not always helpful in keeping it positive.
*New follower. I found your blog through LiveMom.com.
Joyness Sparkles´s last [type] ..Shabbat
Welcome! The best way to live is positive
That was a very inspiring story. You make me realize that I need to appreciate life more and keep a more positive attitude about life. You are one very brave mama!! You rock!!!
Sara
Aww thank you!!
What a beautiful person you are and I am so inspired by your story and strength. I was diagnosed with Transverse Mylitis in 2004. I was lucky that it only caused me nerve damage and didn’t cause the paralysis it can cause in so many cases. I am very mobile and like you, I had 2 children after my attack which I was told was high risk. I am so thankful for my soul mate and for the challenges I have overcome and the mother and partner it has made me. I will continue to follow your blog as you inspire me to not sweat the small stuff (which I sometimes do). Please know you touch many with your story. Thank you!
Hey! nice to have you here and P.S. — even I sweat the small stuff sometimes
i was just reading your blog and realized we have the same level of injury. I also got a spinal cord injury at the level L1 September 3rd 2006. This blog is AMAZING! i loved reading it!
Hi, Autumn! Nice to meet you and thank you!
I just found your site and started reading it. I was just in an accident and and am now a tetraplegic. I was so worried about having more kids.Your attitude is great and you give so much inspiration.. It’s so refreshing to see someone in a wheelchair who has such a great life and outlook. I haven’t met anyone or talked to anyone who had their children after starting the new chapter in their life in a wheelchair. Your story gives me hope that I’ll have more children someday and fulfill that want in my life, so thank you.
Im also in a wheelchair, from south africa. I had to kids before paralysis and wud like to have more. Im trying my best to be positive and move on with my llife, thanks for people like you who encourages us. Id like to get marriedd one day to someone who will luv me for who i am and wu wud look beyond my paralysis.
Your story is so inspiring Priscilla! It’s such a great reminder to stay positive and be grateful for life every day
Love that photo of you at 36 weeks – so gorgeous!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
I have read your story and I can’t help but be amazed at your positive attitude. Having gone through my own life challenges I still can’t compare to what I hear or read about and I am very sure everything happens for a reason so that God’s name can be glorified. I host a TV show here in Kampala Uganda and I call it Taking Back The Moment. I feature success stories of people who have gone through life changing experiences and trust me you are an example I am so going to give my viewers. May God continue to bless you and yours.
Love,
Sarah
Twitter: meyouandzu
says:
I came across your blog from the Blog Every Day In May challenge. You have such an inspirational story, I love how honest and open you are with everything. Good luck with the rest of the challenge
Ruby´s last [type] ..Every Day In May – Day 9