When The Rain Falls (Part Two)

THREE YEARS AGO----I accidentally made one of the biggest mistakes that anybody in this society could ever learn from and knowing the permanent consequences left me feeling extra cautious whenever it comes to being around people within the disability community. I literally remember waking up shaken in the middle of the night and recognizing for the first time with my nervous system quietly reacting to a pyschological trigger with feeling out of breath among other symptoms. I knew in my heart that the Lord was going to help me see his hand in all of this uncertainty at the time and wanted more than anything to learn how my life was going to be years after. 

I never meant to hurt the individual who now more than ever knows I made a fool of myself and wanted to immediately see this be erased. As I continued to process for months on what needed to be done, I did feel completely at peace after having kneeled down on my knees while pleading to my Heavenly Father to help me learn from this mistake and give me the comfort I really needed at the time. I knew my mistake would only continue to stick with me as I slowly moved forward with the reality of this experience. I genuinely did not mean to put the individual through all of this on purpose but yet it was something I knew the Lord was going to lovingly remind me about on a consistent basis and coming to terms with the loss of what I'll admit was not a socially appropriate relationship. I cried one too many times over this because the pain of what happened between me and the individual who was only doing their best in a very difficult leadership role I was extremely nervous about them going into. 

LONG STORY SHORT----I started listening to the lyrics of what this song means to me on a personal level and have realized that I am only human. I even apologized for not having turned out to be what I perceived to be as the perfect colleague in their eyes and I was unable to do that for them. I felt almost vulnerable with wanting to see their face on a computer screen or let alone in person for a treacherous period of time and yet I knew it was the harsh reality I needed to live with. I obviously have no clearer idea about when they will ever regain my trust not only as a governor appointed entity council member and knowing I am forever left with the emotional scar of my inexcusable actions. Did any of this have to do with the fact that I have a genetic learning disorder... I am one hundred percent certain that it did and no matter how many short comings I have in life, I know the lessons behind this taught me what it means to be a professional at all times. I will admit it has been an emotional rollercoaster for me to keep my mouth shut and not want to share anything with them trying my hardest to not feel imtimdated by their way of maturity when it comes to processing your emotions. 

It was literally one of the hardest times in my life and sometimes wish if I did not have FXS that I could have this erased completely. However, I know it will never be something I can undo or disappear with a magic wand if I even had access to something like that. I have contemplated many times about how I am going to be extra careful in making sure I never put someone else I really like into something such as this unfortunate situation. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ for lovingly reminding me that he would never abandon one of his children in a trial of their faith and the moment I handed this to him----there was a sudden peace in my heart that everything would be okay. I knew it was going to take a lot of time on my end with getting to a point where I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel while recongizing that tears are the same when we are trying to grow something good--there is a difference between the teardrops and the rain. Think about the teardrops along with rain being vital to washing away pain and fostering good character that all of us want to pursue in this mortal life. I am just someone who despite their visible struggles with a genetic learning disorder know from time to time it will hit me that I am not necessarily like everybody else. I obviously may not make legitimate eye contact with people or capable of carrying on with any kind of conversation or let alone feeling a little out of place when it comes to things that life hands over to me. 

(End Of Post)

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When The Rain Falls

Side Note: I have been listening to this song quite a few times from a DCOM titled Pixel Perfect and thinking about the message in this ballad is relatively simple: The lyrics are a poetic metaphor for the beauty of mortality, human emotion along with the value of making mistakes. I obviously have made my fair share of mistakes the hard way and learning how to move forward in life when I didn't feel like it was something I needed to deal with or why it had to occur for me as opposed to someone else. I feel very grateful to know that it is perfectly okay to make mistakes and not worrying about being the kind of perfectionist society wants us to be. 

Oh oo oo

I don't understand 
This should be so easy

To just reach out my hand

And know the world is free

But nothing's as it seems

I can tell you freely 
Touching's not the only way to feel 

When the rain falls

It's like heaven's crying

When the name's all

The difference that there is

Cause tears are

The same when they are trying to grow something good

Out of all the pain

There's no difference between the teardrops and the rain

Because I know the bones were necessary
I don't let it bother me at all

I know you proudly say

That I'm just talking crazy

To think of life that way

Means that I'm confused

Does happy end this sad

But maybe yes,  just maybe 

The sadness can make the happiness more true

I have contemplated for weeks now about whether this blog post needed to be written on here or if I just need to keep this to myself. I am obviously one of the most highly sensitive-tender hearted person you'll ever meet and yet I know life is never meant to be a certain way. I continuously struggle on a daily basis with having a genetic learning disorder called Fraglie X Snydrome and knowing that it's one of those things I wish everyday could be something to make disappear while making my entire life a million times easier. I have a firm belief in my heart that the Lord knew I could handle something such as this here on earth and not let it define who I am as a young woman who wants to feel accepted in this world like everybody else. I may visible struggle in social enivornments a lot more than most who have ever had the opportunity to meet me can pick up on the fact I never make eye contact with them even if I want to have a normal conversation. I am grateful for the example of a young woman who inspires me on a daily basis to feel proud of who I am and not worrying about the small things I am not able to have any control over. I know it is not easy having to deal with something that I wish never existed and along side the fact I am striving everyday to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ is something I know is gonna be the most incredible blessing I could ever ask for. I am not someone who usually is comfortable to write stuff like this on their blog and yet here I am doing all I can to make my life look easy, but I am finding comfort in the sense when I see my Savior again on the other side---it will all come together in a way that I can better understand. 

I am someone who despite their challenges in life knows there is someone who wants nothing more than to feel accepted and seen in this world. I have many times wondered if there was a genuine reason as to why the Lord wanted me to have FXS and I know it was because he knew I could take this on with faith in my heart. He knew I was not gonna be perfect or feel like I needed to be someone else I would ever come across in this world and yet I know he was aware of what I came to this earth--- to learn along his covenant path. He knew this was not going to be easy for me in anyway while he does remind me of what I am capable of doing and not trying too hard to be someone I am not in his eyes. It's blessed my life in more ways to know that I am striving to draw closer to him as my personal testimony of him continues to be strengthened.

As challenging and emotionally hard FXS is for me, it has blessed my life tremendously with getting to meet people I have looked up for a while and aspire to be like one day has given me reasons to keep the faith as I move on with anything that shows up on my path. I am grateful for the blessing it is to know that one day everything about this will fall into place and remind me of why it is I came to this earth to become more like the Savior who I love with all of my heart. I know he is never going to leave me alone in trials or difficulties that I know he knows I need to be right now to have me where I will be an instrument in his hands. I love his role in my life everyday and helping me learn to rely on Him in any given situation that life hands over as I am able to trust in what he wants me to do going forward. He has been able to catch me when I literally felt like I was going to fall in a dark hole or did not know what he needs to do next as I walk down this road of knowing he will always be there when I need his help. He has brought peace into my heart when I was faced up against one of the hardest trials of my life and not knowing when I would ever get to feel happy again.

(To Be Continued)

More Stories

It's hard to believe that after these next five months get here... my reign of service volunteering on UDDC will come to an end. I have really enjoyed getting to learn new things about the disability community and making sure the voices of individuals like myself are being heard. I am grateful for the many lessons that this experience has provided me with and realizing I never had to be perfect in any way to make a decent impression or get anything extra. All I needed to be was my true self in every council meeting that I make an effort to participate in every three months and provide my input when it was deemed to be appropriate for things we had to discuss. 

LONG STORY SHORT-----This experience volunteering on UDDC has truly changed my life for the better and I am grateful to have volunteered time with such terrific people in our state. They taught me lessons about how to go out of my comfort zone and grab onto new opportunities when they come up because you never know when it could happen. I may not have done advocacy work for many years---- but realizing that I was able to make a difference in the lives of people I care so much about. I am truly excited to see what the future holds for me once my council term ends and getting back into things that will benefit the disability community. 

Other Stories:

TONIGHT---My niece performed in her first dance recital and could not have been more proud of her to get up onto the stage with the prettiest smile ever. I had not been to a recital in some time and brought so many memories back from when my older sister participated in things like this. I really wished that I had the opportunity to do more dancing like she did-- but I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to see her do what she loved so much. It was truly an amazing experience and afterwards I randomly happened to run into a very sweet friend of mine who was at the concert watching their friend perform out in the lobby area. I didn't waste any time to politely shout their name and walk over to give them one of my gentle big hugs not to mention asking them how they were doing. I had really missed them since the BYUWBB teams season came to a close early last month and was probably more excited to see her smiling face than anything in this world!!

I really wished we had more time to visit with each other and hopefully can do that in the distant future if we get an opportunity to do so. I am truly grateful for her sweet spirit and the way she continues to bring positivity into this world everywhere she goes out in the community. I love her so much and the amazing example she is in my life at this time of when I am preparing to see what happens down the road within these few past months. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible young woman who almost just makes me want to be a better person in this world everyday and continue to become more like the Savior in ways that I never knew about until meeting her for the first time. 

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Entertainment Parade 2026 (Mini Preview)

We still need to have our application that was turned into the city for approval and cannot wait for yet one another incredible opportunity none of us will soon forget. I cannot wait to get to work on our brand new float that will be the star of this event and have something to get decorated for America's 250th birthday coming up in a few short months!!! I am excited to once again be a part of an event that everyone here in the beautiful city of Provo wants to join in on and obviously there will be memories to make alongside my friends who attend classes with us at our independent living center. I cannot wait to see what we come up with in the weeks to follow and hopefully bring some positive energy into the crowd as we take all of our time walking the parade route. I really missed not being able to see a lot more familiar faces alongside the street of downtown Provo and getting to maybe catch up with them if I am lucky---but it will most likely not be a guarantee either. Please stay tuned for more to come later!!!

Advocacy Awards Ceremony (Sneak Peek)

LONG STORY SHORT----One of my colleagues reached out asking me if I would help with reading some bios of our advocacy award nominees at our upcoming leadership conference. I obviously didn't hesistate to accept the invitation and look over what was said about each of our awardees that was all written up by the best executive director I could ever work with. I feel truly honored to be given this amazing opportunity and recognize individuals who have gone out of their way to make the disability community a better place. 

Italy Vacation (Next Summer)

I have never been to this part of our world & cannot wait to experience it all next summer when I have the opportunity to do with it my family. I am excited to see what else this beautiful world of ours has to offer... which if you ask me is a whole different story!!! We have planned to do one of those cruises that will take you on at least nine stops to various places and cannot wait to see the beautiful sceneries each of them will have in store for us. I am really excited for the opportunity to explore and try some new things that I hope are going to take a lot of pictures to share with everybody after we have flown back into the states. 

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Summer Institute

LONG STORY SHORT----I have attended my adaptive needs institute class for eight plus years and have truly loved getting to know who my Savior, Jesus Christ is. I love him so much and the peace he continues to bring into my life on a daily basis is something that I am eternally grateful for everyday. I know with all of my heart that because of him---We can live with our families forever and everything that we have ever experienced in this earthly life will be made right. 

I have an opportunity to participate in my adaptive needs institute class throughout the months of June and July, which is something I think would make my summer extra fun. I still need to figure out the details of how this is going to work out in my schedule and have a chance to learn more in depth about messages--- from our living prophets. I have had a lot of blessings in my life from attending institute and feeling the spirit of our Heavenly Father on a daily basis with individuals who have such a deep love for our Savior more than you could ever possibly know. 

I am truly blessed to have learned so much from the class members who would come and participate along with us on a weekly basis. I have enjoyed getting to make new friendships with the other class members & knowing that they not only come to class to have fun--- but wanting to learn more about how we can draw closer to Christ. My testimony has been strengthened in ways through every lesson that my teacher had all prepared for us to listen to and take away something that we know is going to the biggest difference in my life. I have such a deep love for this restored gospel and knowing we can make it through anything that is thrown at us which if you ask me is not even close to being an understatement. I know with all of my heart that no matter the circumstances I ever find myself up against or not expecting to go through---the Savior will guide me every step of the way as I continue to be a better disciple of him. I obviously will continue to have ups and downs in life that will put my faith to the test and others that I know are going to leave me thinking deeply about what I need to work on. 

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Two Classes Left

 NEXT WEEK----I will attend my last two classes of adaptive needs institute at UVU and hard to believe the semester has gone by so quickly. I have truly loved feeling the spirit every single week and having my testimony of this restored gospel strengthened in ways that I never knew I needed. I am blessed to have a very personal relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ throughout this last year and knowing he is always with me every step of this journey is second to none. I love him so much and the comfort he has provided me during the hardest times of my life are truly a testament of knowing he has a hand in everything that I am ever faced up against. 

I am grateful for the many incredible new friends that I was able to meet throughout this past semester and learning about the gospel through their eyes was something I will keep close to my heart. I feel so blessed to know he will make everything right when we get to our heavenly home and can give him the absolutely biggest hug ever. I know my life has never been anything close to easy during my time on this earth and I look forward to seeing my loved ones who have passed onto the other side with their arms open wide with hugs awaiting for me to embrace them. 

April Fool's Night - Dance

I literally danced my little heart out more than most of the SNAP participants did this past week and made it the best experience I possibly could in every way. Dance has always been a part of my life and I usually don't have a lot of opportunities to dance like I do at our SNAP activities... which if you ask me is nothing that I would never hesitate to think about. I am grateful for the many laughs and memories that I was able to make with my friends who were there in attendance, which is something you have to see to believe at least in my opinion. We had the best time ever and dancing out as much as we possibly could whether it was a good idea at the moment or not---but you get the idea here??? I cannot wait to see if we will have anymore dances in the future and can keep getting my groove on any chance that this provided for all of us!!!

News Flash

 HIVE - Leadership Conference 2026 (Next Month)

I am really excited to spend quality time with my friends and learn as much as I can possible in regards to leadership within the disability community. I definitely hope we can work out the details soon and have a plan in mind with how we want to get ourselves there, which if you ask me right now is a whole different story. I cannot wait to grow more as a leader within a community of people who I genuinely care about so much and want to see be successful in whatever life hands them. It will be held at the same building that I remember being at two years ago and having the best time ever making new friends along with helping in various capacities in making sure things ran smoothly during breakout sessions---- conference goers participated in. 

BYU Ballroom Dance Company - Rhythm 

I have attended this concert every single year since I was really young and cannot wait to see it again this coming weekend. I truly have a deep love for ballroom dance and since a family member of mine was able to specialize in the sport for many years--- there is not a chance I would want to see anything else. I am so grateful for the excitement and energy that comes from watching the dancers perform their best along with just simply putting a smile on your face!!! I am excited to see what new dance numbers are going to be in the show this year and watch everything the performers have worked tirelessly on for weeks if not months on to showcase their talents. 

I Believe - Music Video 

This beautiful song was released a couple of weeks ago and it has definitely become an anthem of mine for the last little bit. I am truly blessed to have a true friend and hero on my side everyday to help me in times of hardship along with keeping the faith to be more like him. I am grateful for the comfort he has brought into my life when I have needed it most and guiding me along on the covenant path. I feel very lucky to have a testimony of this restored gospel and knowing that everything in life happens to us for some kind of specific purpose. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ so much more than anything in what has been a spiritual journey of drawing closer to him each day and knowing that he will take care of whatever comes along my path. I know that he lives and look forward to seeing him again on the other side!!! 

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Weekly Dump

MONDAY NIGHT: (March 23rd)

It was truly an incredible evening to remember as my twin sister and I along with our parents attended the second round of the WBIT that was taking place in the BYU Marriott Center. I probably cheered a little bit too much while seeing our team compete and giving it everything they had to make this season one that no Cougar fan will soon forget. We also had an opportunity to hang out and get our picture taken with just the greatest collegiate mascot of all time, which if you ask me is a treat in more ways than one!!! I really liked getting to dance in the stands and watching the lights go pitch black while everybody got out their phones with our flashlights on to make it look like a pretty night sky. 

I am genuinely thrilled to report that our team pulled out the win and made all of Cougar nation so proud of what they continue to bring to the table. I know it has been a whirlwind for them with mixed emotions that have either left you wondering what lies ahead for us or what is the rest of the post season going to be like. I also was able to wave to a young woman who does so much behind the scenes for the teams one of their life long managers that is very loved by everyone who knows her. It really made my night getting to see a smile on her face while the team continued to dominate in every way possible was such a delight in more ways than one. I definitely have appreciated her example to me of persevering through life and just putting your trust in the Lord to help you see his hand in what you do, has left me wanting to be a better person. 

At the very end of this game, I quickly climbed over some of the blue seats in the section we had been sitting in and I briefly said hi to one of the assistant coaches that was a former BYUWBB player whose season at BYU was not too long ago. It did take me a minute to politely yell their name without making a fool of myself with those around and was luckily able to get their attention for what felt longer than a second. This assistant coach has been an incredible example to me over the last bit of what it means to be a mature, professional, respectful and self-less leader not only in the game of b-ball but in every day life. I didn't necessarily know what else to say in that moment and yet seeing the smile on her face pretty much told me they are loving every second of their position on the staff while keeping their faith in the Lord to guide them to where this team needs to be. I obviously would have loved to give them one of my nice big hugs and talk for a little bit more---but I guess it will have to keep waiting for another time. #KeepingTheFaith.

LAST NIGHT (March 26th)

My twin sister and I along with our best friend Maria (not to mention my mom) were able to attend the quarter final round of this WBIT. We had the absolute best time ever watching our team play and seeing Cosmo the Cougar dance on the opposite side of the court was a delight to see. We also somehow were able to get seen on the big screen and squeal at the top of our lungs with excitement that was not gonna be stopped any time soon. Prior to walking into the game, We bought some goodies to munch on that I think made it a lot more enjoyable for us to watch the game itself and not to mention the delicious milk that was cookies n' cream flavored. 

We laughed till our hearts were tired and danced as much as we could while people quietly wondered if we were just having too much fun or made things awkward. I definitely wanted to see our team pull out another win that we truly deserved to have and the fact we get to watch them from the comfort of home while they play in Kansas will be an experience to remember. I really want us to play decent basketball and continue to focus on what is at hand in this tournament for us, because I truly believe that we could bring back some hardware to display. 

AGAIN----One of the assistant coaches that I briefly mentioned earlier saw me, my twin sister along with our best friend without any hestation cheered for them as they were walking off the court with a big smile on their face. It was really awesome seeing them a second time in just a few short days and watching them do what they have worked very hard to get to where they are. I obviously made the moment a little too energetic and crazy but I think my intentions were somehow in the right place with letting them know I was there to cheer for them---no matter how we needed to get their attention. 

IN CONCLUSION----I wish our BYUWBB team and coaches all the best of luck as they prepare to take on Kansas in the semi-final round in this tournament. I know it will be an unforgettable time for everybody involved and hopefully we can pull out another successful win before heading towards the final round that I hope we get to be a part of. I am grateful to be a life long BYU sports fan and simply loving every minute I can of watching our student athletes do what they are passionate about. I cannot wait to see what next season will be like for us and hopefully can make it further into the NCAA if we get there again down the road. 

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Best Wishes

 

I really would love to attend the first round of this basketball tournament that our BYUWBB team will be a part of later this week. I know it is not necessarily the tournament we needed going into this month, but there is no question that the lord's hand was part of this in some way and knowing we can play as good as any other collegiate teams out there is truly remarkable. I am confident that our players will give it every thing they can on the Marriott Center court and make it an experience that BYU fans remember for years down the road. I am not particularly certain if we will ever get a chance to make it to one of these at some point and yet it would be amazing to witness this in person. I have complete and utter faith that everything will work out like it is supposed to which if you ask me is more true than it is not---but you get the idea of things here??? 

I am truly blessed to have followed this team's journey from the beginning of our conference play to this point in time and knowing we have so much ahead for us. I have loved getting to watch our players give every single game one hundred precent of what they are capable of doing and recognizing that there is so much good to come from this experience. We are going to make a good impression as we look forward in the post season that is literally around the corner and seeing what things our team needs to work on for the next year is going to be incredible. 

I had it all mapped out in front of me

Knew just where I wanted to go

But life decided to change my plans

And I found a mountain in the middle of my road

I knew there was no way to move it, so I search for a way around

Broken-hearted, I started climbing 

And at the top I found

Every fear, every doubt, all the pain I went through

Was the price that I paid to see this view

And now that I'm here, I would never trade

The grace that I feel and the faith that I find

Through the bittersweet tears and the sleepless nights

I used to pray He'd take it all away

But intstead it became

A beautiful heartbreak

I never dreamed my heart would make it

And I thought about turning around

But heaven has shown me miracles

I never would have seen from the ground

Now I take the rain with the sunshine

Cause' there's one thing that I know

He picks up the pieces

Along each broken road

Every fear, every doubt, all the pain I went through

Was the price that I paid to see this view

And now that I'm here, I would never trade

The grace that I feel and the faith that I find

Through the bittersweet tears and the sleepless nights

I used to pray He'd take it all away

But instead it became

A beautiful heartbreak

I would never trade

The grace that I feel and the faith that I find

Through the bittersweet tears and the sleepless nights

I used to pray He'd take it all away

But instead it became

A beautiful heartbreak

This beautiful song is truly one of the many things that came to mind when thinking about what plans our BYUWBB team had right in front of them. I obviously didn't know where they were going to be at heading into their post season and realizing that maybe this experience for them was needed to happen for a specific reason. I know the Lord's hand was definitely in this process and knowing it what was this team needed going forward into what I know is a very bright future for all of them. I am truly grateful to be one of their many fans who love watching them play a sport they love and are very passionate about in more ways than one!!! I may not know next to nothing in regards to basketball whatsoever or let alone how to be coordinated in sports like this one, but I am confident our team will give it everything they can into their game later this week. I am fairly confident the Lord will direct and guide our coaches who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything happen is going to be evident in almost every way possible. 

"Trials either break you or build you. You may not choose your trials, but you always choose your response." 

So Random

Chair Person Role (Temporary)

One of my colleagues emailed me earlier today and indicated that our chair person has taken ill--- which leaves them unable to lead our council meeting tomorrow. I am grateful to have the support of UDDC in this new adventure and really hoping to make a good impression for our council members. I know things will work out for the best and with a script in my hand---there will not be any problems in regards to our routine. I have only ever done a chair position when serving on my favorite committee that showed me what it meant to be a leader within the disability community and never giving up on what I am perfectly capable of. 

I obviously have faith in my heart as well as in the Savior to make through this and cannot be more than grateful to be helping out a colleague who needs it more than ever. I am truly blessed to volunteer all of my time with the best of the best in our state on a regular basis, which might sound a little biased in one way or another... but it is so true!!! I cannot wait to move forward with my efforts inside of a community that I dearly love so much and hopefully make a bigger impact on the lives of people with disabilities in our state.

BYUWBB - NCAA Tourney Hopes

It was truly amazing to watch these ladies compete hard against teams as they were in KC throughout their time in the Big 12 basketball tournament. I obviously loved seeing them win against two opponents that at times I was a little concerned with not knowing what the end results would be and yet I am proud of every single of our players for giving it every they had to represent BYU to the best of their abilities. I hope that they get seeded in a decent spot and maybe have a chance to go further into the tournament--which I will keep praying hard for them every night for them to reach. 

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BYUWBB Game (Senior Day)

It was truly a night to remember and loved every single minute of watching our players leave everything they had on the court to make their game a success. I especially loved when the nights turned off at the very beginning of the game starting and seeing the greatest of all time show off his dance moves!! I was really excited to watch our team compete against their opponent who beat them by a long way when we played at their place and luckily this time was a little different. I was definitely holding my breath prior to each one of our three pointers going into the basket and seeing our team getting excited at any moment we could turn the game around. We definitely had moments when the score was either down by a few points or all tied up which if you ask me was at times stressful, but definitely fueled our team to only want to do better any chance we had. 

Once the halftime break came around--- We were able to watch the cheerleaders and stunt team perform their national championship routine that was truly an epic moment to see. I really loved where our seats were at too in the sense we could see the team a lot better and see the action taking place on the court--- which if you ask me was a sight to behold. We enjoyed munching on buttered salted popcorn, nachos w/ cheese and of course a diet coke that needed to come along with those snacks too!!! I cannot wait to see our team compete against Houston this week in their first round of the Big twelve tournament and in the hopes of being able to go further into it as much as we possibly can. I know it will be tough to get us all the way to the end---but it would sure be a lot of fun to bring some new hardware back to show off inside the display case. 

After the halftime break ended, I was more than ready to cheer on our team as we went on a very high score run that helped us in more ways than one!!! Despite feeling under the weather, I didn't want to not keep my spirits up and watch our team continue to make this a senior night that nobody would ever soon forget. We loved watching our players dominate on the floor and make beautiful passes that I think only helped us play better throughout the second half. I also really loved seeing a good friend of mine who is one of the managers for the women's team cheer them on from the sidelines with a smile on their face and making it an experience that I will cherish forever. BYU dominated the rest of the game and it was such an amazing feat to watch our team continue to play well on senior day for three amazing team mates who have dedicated so much of their time, energy, passion, hard work into a sport they all loved playing. 

Overall, it was truly one of the most unforgettable days ever and loved getting to celebrate a third win for our BYUWBB team!!! I am excited to watch them continue playing in the NCAA tournament that every collegiate athlete dreams of being a part of and I really hope that our team has the opportunity to do so in a couple of weeks. I know it will be super hard to win as you compete against really good and talented teams who want nothing more than to be successful until this month comes to a close. I am so happy for everyone involved and getting to see what could happen down the road after this week ends- what our chances will be getting into the craziness of March Madness, which if you ask me is perfectly understandable for why this month is what it is!!! #ICYMI. 

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Encouragement

New Leadership Role (Unofficial Business)

LONG STORY SHORT----I still have not been elected in officially to become vice chair for the advocacy first group at my independent living center. I am not quite sure what is taking such a long time for this to all take place or if there is a lot more to the process than what I really expected---but who knows if much of anything will occur from this. I have been waiting anxiously for this to take place and have a feeling it may not be one of their top priorities at this time, with all that needs to happen leading up to serving in an entire new role that I have never taken on before. 

"Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior."

LAST NIGHT----I was really saddened after watching the too close for comfort basketball game that the BYUWBB team ended up short on against an opponent that no one expected to be very good. I have felt the need to share this beautiful quote with one of the assistant coaches and I am not particularly certain if it was what they needed to read at the time, but I hope it was able to lift their spirits in some way that was going to put a smile on their face. 

After I looked up the meaning behind these song lyrics, I was able to find out that it signifies that moving beyond personal limiatations and self reliance to find stronger, deeper faith through direct, personal relying on our Savior, Jesus Christ particularly in challenging times. I love my Savior so much more than I could even put into words at the moment and knowing he has stuck with me through everything that has ocurred in my life is such a blessing. 

Even though the outcome of this basketball game was painful for everybody, I know the lord's hand was in every aspect of it with the players and letting them know it would all be made right. I have complete along with utter faith that our team will bring out their fire into what they put into their last game against our not to be named rivalry school and pull off another victorious dub. I may not know much about basketball and how everything about the game plays out---but I am confident we can keep our heads up high I believe we willl be able to do it. 

I know our basketball teams need to work extra hard this week to pull off wins and make our fans really proud of their efforts to give it everything they have. I know it will be really tough to not have our best players out there on the court and helping our team look as good as we possibly can---but I feel like it's all gonna work out for us in some way or another. 

I am sending my positive vibes and best wishes to both teams as we prepare for what I know will not be an easy task ahead for them to take on opponents that are going to be either a lot more prepared than us or who knows what the situation is going to be??? 

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Field Trip

Utah State Capitol - Disability Advocacy Day 2026

EARLIER THIS WEEK----I particiapted alongside my friends in a full day of events that included a very important training with a scrumptious catered lunch provided by one of the governor appointed entities & not to mention that it was especially fun to visit with former colleagues. It was especially helpful to get an extra few minutes to settle ourselves into our seats and ready for what was going to be a very trenchenous day of information coming at us like a firehose. I sincerely appreciated that our training was held in a brand new building upstairs that had lots of space to move around & take a breather if we needed to have one during any given moment. 

Disability Awareness Rally (Mini Recap)

I was very hesitant about being involved with this part of the DAD events going on and not knowing what to expect in regards to the circumstances we are faced up against. However, I wanted to support all of my friends who are passionate about getting their voices heard and making sure our legislators know what we need to continue living in society. I was impressed with the number of participants we had there rallying alongside us and sharing their beautiful life stories that reminded me of why I want to make a difference for so many people like myself. 

Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities (Reception)

I am not necessarily going to share much about this other than being around my friends and munching on refreshments that were provided. We were able to talk with our legislators about the funding request that I know is going to benefit us down the road and continuing services that are vital to me alongside my peers who attend classes at their IL centers on a daily basis. I really liked getting pictures taken with my friends and laughing till our hearts were tired which if you ask me was nothing short of an understatement. I am glad we were able to talk with our legislators who made the effort to come and listen to our stories that I really hope was able to resonate with them in some way. 

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Adaptive Needs Institute Classes (Spring 2026)

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate along with my friends in our adaptive needs institute classes several days a week. I truly love this gospel with all of my heart and know there is not even anything else in this world that compares to the blessings that have come from living it everyday as difficulties of life are thrown into my path. 

It's been such a wonderful experience for me to get away from things in the world and focus on what is really important in my life. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ so much more than words could ever possibly say and I am grateful for the direction, comfort, peace, unconditional love, joy he continuously brings in my life on a regular basis. I am so blessed to be one of his beloved daughters and knowing that no matter the obstacles that show up without notice he will always be there.

Night To Shine 2026 (Worldwide Prom)

This anticipated event is truly one of the highlights that me and my friends are excited to participate in every single year!!! We love getting dressed up fancy in sparkling dresses, wearing beautiful make up, among being treated like royalty and of course staying up way too late makes it an evening that we will never forget. I really do wish there was one of these events held in Utah County and not so far away in Ogden---but I am excited to once again be a part of a worldwide movement where people with special needs are celebrated for who they are!!! 

SNAP Activity - Lego Night (?)

I am not particularly certain if this will be the same exact activity we had last year or if it will be slightly different in one way or another. I am definitely looking forward to another unforgettable night with my friends that I have missed being around for some time and cannot wait to participate in more amazingly planned out activities with everyone!!! SNAP has significantly improved over the last few years and I am really keeping my fingers crossed that one of these activities will be a surprise for not only me but everyone involved which if you ask me is a whole different story. #IYKYK.

BYUWBB Game - Texas Tech (Two Weeks Away)

I am not quite sure what this unforgettable night has in store for us and yet I really hope that our team will come out with a successful win at home!!! I am really hoping to have a chance to visit with TWO of the young woman whose examples to me are second to none when it comes to perservering through life and remaining focused on what is up next. I really hope all three of us can get a picture taken with each other as well as asking their permission to tag them in it if they will allow me to.... but if not I am going to respect them one hundred percent for it. I really want to give them both BIG hugs shortly after the game ends and celebrating another BIG twelve victory if we end up with one that I know our team will do everything in their power to make it happen. #NewPostComingSoon. 

Game Night

BACK STORY:

My mom originally surprised me with four tickets to attend the season opener of the BIG 12 season of a BYU women's basketball game that was gonna be held at the Marriott Center. I was very excited to watch the team take on another opponent that I really hoped they would have been able to beat and yet I know it was not going to be easy for the team. I was legitimately hoping to run into two of my role models whose examples to me are ones that I am grateful to have in my life right now...especially since I have been just recently asked to serve in two new leadership capacities. I really wanted to visit with them for a little bit after the game was over but due to my emotions being all over the place I did not have the opportunity to make that happen---but I knew there would be another time. 

FLASH FORWARD TO NOW:

My mom was able to get the original four tickets exchanged that she had bought for the first big twelve season opener and ended up buying new ones for another game!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed with hopes that I will get a chance to maybe visit with those two young woman and getting to catch up on life with them a little bit. I am excited to have another opportunity to cheer my little heart out for the women's basketball team and dance till my heart is content with all the excitement it can handle, which if you must know is a whole another story!!! 

TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AWAY: (January 21st)

I am really hoping the BYU women's basketball team pulls out another BIG 12 win over the team as they compete against Texas Tech. I would really love to see the team continue to grow & advance the sport all of them are very passionate in wanting to get better with. I definitely want this next experience to be very unforgettable one and hopefully can get a picture with two of those young ladies if any of us get lucky enough to make it happen. I truly love watching BYU student athletes keep pursuing their dreams and maybe one day getting to play basketball on a professonal level somewhere overseas or going into other things. I am probably a little bit too excited for this home game and really making it an priority to keep myself together as much as I possibly can without drawing any attention to myself.