My 'Dis' Ability

By Kathleen Botka1

I am Kathleen Mary Botka born 1/8/51 at 3:56pm in Jamaica, Queens, NY on a Monday in Mary Immaculate Hospital weighing in at 8lbs. 6oz. 21" long. There’re some really interesting facts about this birth that I'll tell you in my autobiography! The first part of my life was spent in Rego Park, Queens in a walk-up attic apartment. As I suffer from my Mom's genetically passed on Mood Disorder I suspect that I was not a good sleeper. My Mom told me that she put a radio in my crib to soothe me. Perhaps that's why I'm so familiar with so many pieces of music from the late 40's & early 50's & why I have the facility I do with melody.2

I think Mom was inspired to do this because she was trying to calm a beastie infant who wouldn't sleep! All I know is that I remember as a pre-school child trying to sleep & being awake looking into the dark & seeing all types of colored geometrical patterns in a film-like substance circling around the bed. It was like a revolving light show. I'd be awake fascinated with this & contemplating the Universe & Life. This is the kind of child I was, always artistic, inquisitive & cheerful. Yada, yada, yada. 3

When I was 4 Mom gave me my first instruction in prayer. My Dad was 3 years her junior & not ready to be a parent. My parents were married 2mos. & my Mom conceived me. They were married in February & I was seeded in April. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that I love the spring so much.4

I like moderate temperatures. Spring & Fall are my favorite seasons, although not for my nose or lungs. I suffer from mild Asthma & air borne allergies. All furry animals are problematic for me & that's a major drag 'cause I love ‘em. I'm especially fond of horses. They're so intelligent & aware of a person's mood & psychology. Have only been riding a few times, but I love it. I wish I could ride now. There's such a feeling of freedom on a horse that I’m compatible with. I digress (something that's too easy for me)!5

I’d like to list the ailments I’ve learned about that detail some of what I’m challenged with in life.6

My “Dis-Eases”7

Bilateral Collapsed Feet [arthritis]8

Varicose Veins9

Generalized Lymphedema10

Buerger’s Disease11

Raynaud’s Disease12

Osteoarthritis (knees, hips, thoracic)13

Ankylosing Spondylitis (neck)14

Ankylosing Spondylosis (lumbar)/6 Lumbar Vertebrae15

5th. Lumbar Vertebrae fused to pelvic wing16

Arthritic Spurs on Spine17

Disc Compression18

Mild Scoliosis19

Fibroid Uterus20

Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease21

Baker’s Cysts22

Irritable Bowel & Bladder23

Enlarged Heart24

Occasional Bradycardia & Arrhythmia25

Plummer’s Disease26

TMJ Disease27

Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor28

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome29

Fibromyalgia [arthritis]30

Air Borne & Food Allergies/ Food Sensitivities31

Mild Asthma32

Insomnia33

Sleep Disorder: numerous Alpha Intrusions, no Delta sleep34

Mood Disorder with tendency toward Depression35

Anxiety Disorder36

ADD37

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder38

Obsessive Compulsive Personality with O.C. Eating Disorder39

Myofacial Syndrome40

Chronic Tension-Cluster headaches41

Occasional Mild Migraines42

Pelvic Organ Prolapse43

Sicca [Arthritis]44

Some of these illnesses I knew of before my Traumatic Brain Injury that I sustained in 1995. Others I learned since then & some previously known were more defined through personal study & reexamination.45

We are not defined by our bodies, though many choose to give us labels according to what they perceive of us through their physical sight. We are known by our heart, mind & character; the display [at what ever level we are able] of our inner qualities which far outweigh our challenges. Our Creator [yes my friend I’m a Creationist!] knows who & what we are & what purpose we have in His plan. We are precious in His Sight. I don’t believe in the word disabled or invalid. These are words I don’t use, most especially to define myself & when I hear others use those words I endeavor to change their definitions & understandings of these words! Those of us who are challenged, differently able, or appear to others to be different do not understand the magnitude of diversity in Life, the purpose of the creation, nor Who The Creator is. There’s a reason for everything & those who are challenged in the physical are an outward representation of how we are all flawed inwardly & also provide an opportunity to those who may serve us to grow in understanding. We are all here to learn Love & to grow in grace & knowledge. This is my experience with being “Differently Able” & I hope what I’ve shared has brought you a deeper understanding of the lives of others & yourself! Read The Manuel for Life. The answers to all of Life’s questions & challenges are there for your receipt. 46