I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
In the second episode of her podcast Ms, Betsy Lee takes us through the hardships of watching her daughter undergo multiple surgeries. faith was the only thing that could and would get her through it. Her emotions can be felt in every syllable of her voice. You can find joy in the hard seasons of life. This is a real testimony.
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
In her first episode, Ms. Betzy Lee describes the early years of raising her disabled daughter Mindy—the joys, successes, and failures. She lays it all down along with her love for Christ. This uplifting message should be heard by all parents raising disabled children. There is hope there is life. Don’t give up! Click on the link for more information.
Available on podcast platforms
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
My mother used to read a book to me as a child called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I usually keep my posts uplifting and/or educational. I have one rule never publish anything I write when I am upset or feeling anxious. Today I’m choosing to break that rule to hopefully help someone else. I’m not thinking of anyone in particular. I know in my spirit someone else needs these words. Today I went to talk about two subjects that the mere mention of them makes my skin crawl.” Inspiration Porn” and Valentine’s Day. Let me explain, according to Urban Dictionary inspiration Porn is defined as:
“A portrayal of people with disabilities as one-dimensional things that only exist to warm the hearts and open the minds of able-bodied people.”
An example of this is when we see a video on social media of a handsome young man who took a girl with Down syndrome to the prom to make her and everyone else feel good. There is more to a person than just their disability. We are all taught to look past a person’s physical skin color. disability has no skin color. Yet, when you see someone like me rolling up to you the disability is all you see. I was that kid who was taken on a mercy date to prom. That’s a larger story that I will save for another day.
Today I am “inspirational” because I self-published a book on Amazon and I have a slowly growing podcast. Most folks purchase my book without finishing it. Spoiler alert! There is a whole chapter against “ inspiration porn”. I feel like I should issue a massive refund. in February I began offering bonus episodes for paid subscribers to the podcast. I currently have one subscriber. He is my friend. I should give him his money back. The truth is if I offered the kind of subscriptions with nude photos I might make some money. I don’t want any money! I can’t lie It hurts to produce all this content and people miss the message.
This brings me to my second point I cannot stand Valentine’s Day! I am well aware it is the stupidest holiday America invented I’m writing this the day before Valentine’s Day. at 35 from this world’s point of view, I am a failure. I have no official job. I cannot live on my own. I am not the typical man a girl pictures when they go on a date. I’m not giving up on finding someone, However, Valentine’s Day is my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not because I feel bad for myself but because for a lot of people, those misconceptions are true. People with disabilities are isolated. They are abused mentally, physically, and sexually, daily. most by the very people who are supposed to protect them. forced into financial slavery while people waste money on things they don’t need.
So why do I choose not to give up? for me, because my hero and big brother Jesus did not give up on me. He suffered so others wouldn’t have to. I am not self-righteous. I have countless sins. I am not a pastor, a priest, or a rabbi. I am saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that I and those like me other “lucky ones” choose not to sleepwalk through life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
The other day I had a dream. I was dreaming of walking on a beach with Jesus holding my hand. it lasted less than 2 seconds because I was woken up by the garbage truck coming down my street. I know this is a lot to think about and this is probably part of a larger conversation. Some of you might think I’m crazy.
Here’s what I know, this world is unfair, unkind, and ungrateful. I know I may have a lot of more unpleasant days in front of me and people will not understand a lot of what I go through no matter how many ways I describe it. That’s okay because I don’t do it for them, I do it for him. it may not be fun at the moment but 100 lonely Valentine’s Day’s is worth the rest of the eternity. Do you think Jesus enjoyed the events leading up to and then going up on the cross?
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
Note: The following book post is an excerpt from my book Confessions From Disability Limbo only on Amazon and Audible. it is a very crude example of disability life.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a problem. I know someone will find it controversial. I am fearfully waiting for an email from some legislative officer in the governor’s office, removing me from all the committees I serve on. Besides, I know my mother, little sister, cousins, and 80-year-old grandmother are all going to make a line to beat me after reading this. I beg the Indulgence of all of you. This is advocacy in its purest form. Are you comfortable naked?
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24 NIV
Two years ago, I was on a respite with my twin brother. They undressed me on the bed. When my brother said that, he had to use the bathroom most urgently. Our staff quickly went to go handle his needs, and they left me like Adam in Paradise before he discovered fig leaves! I rolled over and grabbed my phone and began listening to music. A few minutes later my staff finds me in my little world drumming along to the epic drum solo in the song I Can Feel It calling in the air tonight by Phil Collins.
I have often said that I’m uncomfortable with my body, but I have become comfortable being naked around strangers. I am a 35-year-old male wing roughly 135 lbs. Exactly 5 feet tall with hair everywhere on my body except my head, with a collection of scars from past surgeries. I will not be on the cover of GQ magazine soon. The staff that saw me in this vulnerable status had met me less than 24 hours earlier.
There is this trend on the platform Tik Tok where people walk in front of their significant others in the nude facing the camera outward to capture the reaction. Every time I saw one of these videos I had the same thought “this does not represent my life and those in the disability community.” Imagine having a conversation about sports or if they liked the Chinese food last night as you go over the proper procedure for them to clean your backside. Some people might find this awkward or even laughable I am still one of the lucky ones because being naked often leads to torture for some individuals. For many years, receiving a cold shower was a form of behavioral control for those who lived in institutions. Individuals or the very staff that were supposed to protect them violated some daily. This still happens today. How would you communicate that the water was too hot if you couldn’t speak? This also happens every day.
I have a challenge for every person who reads this post. Tell or ask someone you love something personal about you when you are nude. Then make yourself have a conversation This simple exercise would hopefully give you a glimpse of what it is like to feel like those of us with disabilities. Even when you are getting a break because most of the time, the people that see us in this vulnerable state we don’t love.
Here are the rules:
You can’t do it after sex when everything is perfect.
You can’t do it to get their attention, you know this is not about sex.
You can’t cheat and say, ” is this a mole on my back?” It’s got to be something real.
The most important conversations I have ever had have been in this moment.
All I ever wanted to do is share my experiences with the rest of the world to show that people with disabilities are people first. Something that society forgets about from time to time: thank you to anyone brave enough to try this. Have a great day, friends.
Greetings friends, I always want to hear from my audience please let me know how you are in the comments. I always get questions about my wheelchair. so, I decided to do something about it. Below are 10 things I want people to know about wheelchairs. I hope you all take away something from this. Enjoy and have a good day.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV" https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-5
If you see someone struggling to push their wheelchair. Don’t just go behind them and push. How would you like it if someone grabbed your legs and made you walk?
Not all wheelchairs are the same. Most of the time their custom made. Just like every human, every wheelchair is different.
If you see someone in a mass-produced wheelchair. Please be patient they are probably uncomfortable. These chairs are not meant for everyday use.
If you see someone, open the door for them. Don’t cut in front of them because you’re in a hurry. It’s not polite to assume that someone else will help.
The wheelchair may be an extension of their body but unlike yourself, they can’t just clean it when they want to. If you see that it’s a little dirty don’t judge them.
Ask how to transfer them if you’re going to do that. Don’t just grab someone’s body. That would be very rude wouldn’t it?
Not all wheelchairs have tires filled with air.
The vision is at eye level come down to us if you want to talk to us. insurance companies generally deny those wheelchairs that raise up.
don’t ask if we have a license to drive the wheelchair you’re not the first person to think of that joke.
it is perfectly acceptable to have your children come up to us, just don’t be rude about it.
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
Happy Wednesday friends, as always I hope this week’s message finds you well. We get so busy in this world with our schedules and obligations. We don’t make time to sit and reflect on our lives and where it’s headed. It is for that purpose I created this new series where I leave you with a series of questions for you to ponder. The theme for this week is, “the importance of listening.” In the comments please let me know what you think of this idea. I wanted to create awareness for our spiritual and mental growth. Thank you all for reading enjoy the rest of your day.
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13 NIV
When your friend calls you, do you talk more than you listen?
At a restaurant when the waiter comes over, do you wait to listen for the specials, or do you just tell them to order?
In a job interview who should speak first, the employer or the prospective employee?
Do you notice your eyes rolling when you’re annoyed by comments?
Are you aware of others’ body language?
When you sit down on the airplane, do you listen to the safety demonstration? I hope we all know with you if God forbid the plane goes down.
Are you comfortable around older adults? Their advice might be important someday.
Do you take your hearing for granted?
When you pray do you listen for God’s response?
Do you know the difference between hearing and listening?
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
Hello wonderful friends. I hope everyone had a fantastic start to the new year. I know some people probably did not. To those folks, I hope these words provide you with a few minutes of comfort I know in February It’s not popular to wish someone a happy new year anymore but, I’m writing this in January so it still counts. Everyone wants new beginnings for the new year however, a calendar change does not equal a change in life circumstances. I began 2022 in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. One of my family members surprised all of us with a cruise for the holidays. I know that was last year but I still plan to write a blog about the accessibility features on the cruise ship. I ended the year in the corner of my living room writing and producing content for a podcast.
People and politicians can say what they want but the Covid-19 Emergency did not “end” until about 6 months before the end of 2022. I can attest to this because we all came back from our cruise with the virus. On my first significant vacation in two years, I ended up in the doctor’s office. Before I begin with the official topic of this post. I want to remind those in power that there are still folks being isolated because they are susceptible to this public health crisis.
I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions. We give ourselves false expectations and then we feel bad when they’re not accomplished. Setting goals for the new year is theoretically a good idea. Yet setting additional pressure on yourself before the world has already decided what pressures to put on you. In my opinion, this is unwise. So how can I or anyone make the upcoming year of 2023 a productive year? Instead of creating a list of expectations or goals, I decided to plant seeds of faith.
“Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Mark 4:8-9 NIV
If you think I’m nuts, let me give you a fun example. Cinderella had to find the pumpkin and the mice before she could go to the ball. Any miracle needs work. I’m not good at this kind of thing so I’m going to list what I’ve done so far. Please I pray whoever reads this does not misunderstand it as bragging. They’re small steps I’m taking to let God take the lead.
I’ve tried to produce a podcast two different times now. I would go bonkers because the quality was never to my liking. I finally saved up enough money to buy myself podcasting equipment. After weeks of research. My grandma decided to get it for me for Christmas. I was not happy because I wanted to do it for myself but God used her to give me a head start.
Despite popular opinion I cannot stand writing about myself. I always wanted to use this website to let people share their stories. My colleague Jesse Schwartzman and I are excited to announce a second podcast under this website brand called the Normal Life a podcast where we simply interview other folks with disabilities to let them tell their stories. This is why I am renaming my podcast The Purposely Broken World. All you have to do is click on the link in blue.
When you have a disability like mine it’s hard to get together with friends So my best buddy David and I are getting together to release Lost in the Political Woods. A podcast where we laugh our way through the headlines in today’s world.
Most people don’t know about national authors’ writing month. The idea is simple, to try to write 50,000 words in November. After I publish my first book I immediately wanted to write another book clarifying some mistakes I made. I’m not going to lie and say I wrote 50,000 words in 30 days. I wrote just shy of 30 pages. When you use voice dictation software it’s a much slower process. Not to mention a Puerto Rican family is always getting together around the holidays.
After I published my book I learned the hardest part was trying to market it. I struggled with this because I wanted to message of disability inequality to reach as many people as possible. By the time you’re reading this, I would have been featured on the Rising Rebels social media platform. The focus is to showcase individuals beyond their limitations. It is the brainchild of the Walk & Roll podcast. I can’t guarantee people read the message of my book but at least it will be exposed to more people.
The new year symbolizes a new beginning but if we don’t plant the seeds nothing can grow. Remember it will take time and a bit of life’s hard rain. You might not see the finished product right away. Faith is the key. What are you planting this year?
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
This number sequence if seen more than once means to trust your intuition because your angels are trying to tell you something. Whether your life is about to change for the better or you need to take action to have faith that what you’re trying to manifest will come to pass.
Numerology is a connection between the mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events. The master number 11 is defined in numerology as duality and spiritual inspiration. The number 11 in numerology also has ties to one’s intuition. When the sequence of 11:11 is seen more than once it means that it’s time to take action on a goal or something you have been dreaming about. What are some of the life goals that you have been wanting to accomplish?
For example, one of my life goals is to become a successful blogger. For example, when I first started seeing double 11s I thought it was ironic because when my mom signed me up for New Jersey Partners In Policy MakingI didn’t know what I was getting myself into. However, I somehow knew that this was where I needed to be. When it came down to realizing my life purpose was all about writing, advocating for the expansion of transportation options, and energy work. I knew then that I needed to have an action plan. The action plan is all about mapping out what you want to achieve and coming up with specific action steps to achieve it. This connects 1111 by setting a goal and taking action to achieve that goal.
By listening to your angel’s divine wisdom, one can achieve many blessings. By following divine numbers like 1111, we all can achieve greatness and a greater sense of who we truly are.
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
In this first episode of the Purposely Broken World. I discuss the brand expansion of The Advocacy Life. What is the future of this podcast is. I reintroduce myself. The topic of this episode is disability representation in reality TV and game shows. What are disabilities acceptable in the television landscape? It is good to have disability representation. There is always room to grow. Please subscribe and leave comments. Join the conversation today! Additional resources are below.
Available on all platforms this is the link to Spotify
The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog 