Some of you may know me in one of the various hats I have worn: parent, teacher, leader, volunteer, author, artist, etc…Others know me not at all.

Many times in my life I have faced what were and are considered poor, if not unbeatable odds. I have surprised even myself. I had good teachers and examples around me, and people willing to encourage and believe in me when I did not fully believe in myself.

One such person was my grandmother, Lillian Despain. Memories of her are flooded with the smell of fresh baked bread, and the flavor of honey. Most of my life she was in a wheelchair.

She was loving, patient, kind, full of good advice, and taught me many things. The primary thing she taught me was that a physical handicap is only as limiting as you allow it to be. Even when she lost her sight completely she continued to teach me, love needs no eyes. She volunteered and helped others regardless of her own challenges. I learned much from her.

I learned more lessons from my brother. Tharan Talbot who was born a “blue baby”. My parents were gone for long periods of time simply trying to keep him alive. The odds were never in his favor. He was 7 when the second rounds of open heart surgery began. A tiny frail near skeleton boy, with a shock of white blonde hair, clinging to a stuffed monkey as the car was packed, skin blue, rasping with every breath. He came home with scars.

Outsiders wanted him held back in school. My mother home schooled him and worked to help him catch up. He loved football, but could never play. One hit could kill him. Tharan played sports anyway, t-ball, baseball, and soccer.

He was 9 when thrown in a creek after teasing a girl at camp. I carried him back to camp in my arms, cold, shivering, blue, and fighting for air. I wrapped him in a blanket, and started treating him for hyperventilation. His heart stopped just as the nurses arrived.

Tharan went on to be an Eagle Scout, to graduate Worland High School, to graduate U.W., to get a job, and marry. Jobs were hard to get, employers would not look past the disability. He found his niche finally helping others. All odds were stacked continually against every step of his life and yet he made goals, reached them and went beyond.

I look at these two examples. I think of the many others I have known. They are the motivation of my life. They are what help me to reach out to help others. I know people can succeed, even when they do not. I have seen it happen for myself and other so many times. The only real limits in life are the ones you set for yourself. All that is truly needed is hope and opportunity.