The Student Becomes The Teacher

I babysit my grandchildren at least 40 hours a week and I've tried to impart the love of Jesus to them. But there have been a few times the tables have turned and they've become the teacher. Here are a few...

Just the other day as it began to snow, I began complaining because snow and wheelchairs don't mix well. I looked out the window next to my computer and noticed swirls of snow swimming by my window. Immediately I called 7 year old granddaughter, Brittanie and 3 year old grandson, Nehemiah to view this sight. They came running, while under my breathe I griped, moaned and bellyached. They stared wide eyed out the window at the marvelous, churning picture before them and simultaneously exclaimed, "Wow! God's amazing!" Stunned to silence, I turned with tears of shame in my eye's and looked at the abundance of amazement that stood before me, my beautifully, angelic grandchildren.

Last night I got a call from my daughter-in-law asking if I wanted to watch 15 month old grandson, Merryck for an hour while she did some errands. I've always snatched every chance I can spend with any of my family, but especially grand kids. I want them to have happy memories of our times together and be a Godly example too. Five minutes after I hung up my delightfully, charming grand baby sat on my knee grinning. We played for a while and then he became tired. Now when I rock children to sleep, I sing (it's not pretty, but enjoyable) songs and tell stories of Jesus. Merryck wanted to be held and rocked (the usual). He was impatiently screaming while I transferred from wheelchair to lounge-chair, which made me sullen and I grumbled a bit. I handed him his bottle and reached to pick him up. Abruptly my brilliant grandson stopped crying, jumped in my arms and with the sweetest smile said, "Jesus?!" Once again I marveled at God and his awesome creations

As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Corinthians 6:13

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Confessions of a 46 Year Old Drama Queen

I feel the need to confess to you wonderful people about being a flake and allowing the Devil to keep me from writing lately.

My awesome family is going through some difficult times with Peg having Aggressive Cancer in many parts of her body. She has a very upbeat, positive attitude about the whole thing. Doctors have started her on Chemotherapy and she has some amazing people beside her to help and encourage her every step of the way...

I'd like to pause to thank you one and all for being there for my sister in all the ways you have and are. I know God has us all exactly where we can be used, if we are willing to let Him do so. Thank you for your willingness to go above and beyond what the average person would do and become God's hands, feet and heart for my sweet sweet sister.

Now then I've never been on this end of the illness. Meaning I'm the one usually going through the illness and having others worry for me. It's easier for me to put myself in God's hands with no worries involved, just letting go and let God have his will. But I'm trying to get the hang of giving my anxieties over to God when it comes to someone else.

Sounds crazy I know! Yet it's true!

Every since my illness started twenty years ago I've gotten bad migraines due to the scar tissue on my brain. For a while I've been able to deal with the pain and eventually relieve them. But recently the migraines have become so extreme they have literally laid me flat on my back, unable to move without becoming nauseated to the point of puking and not able to write a daily post (I apologize). My headaches have never been this bad and with my Psychological background I'm pretty sure I know why. They started to become worse the day I found out about Peg, my best friend and confidant. I know these headaches a physical manifestation of my worry and if I don't stop I wont be any good for her when she needs me.

So as I said in the above I'm vowing to place my sister, PeggySue in God's hands and trust Him with the outcome. I'm diligently praying for God's will to be done...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart.
Proverbs 3:5a 

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Be Thankful for God's Blessings

Finally I'm getting back on track.

I lived at the nursing home for two years and have some wonderful memories. One in particular was a beautiful, older, African American woman, named Anna. I knew her from my earlier visit when my dad was living there.

We had a common bound. We both knew and loved my father.

 Since I was a young kid compared to the other patients and my mother ask her to look after me, Anna became a constant in my life.

Every time an activity was offered or even just at mealtimes, she would leave her room walking slowly because of the need of a walker, joyously hollering , "Merrym! Merrym! Come on my sweet girl! Let's go participate, socialize, get ourselves out of those stuffy rooms." By the time she was finished with her speech, her head popped from behind the door frame with a glorious smile that no one Not even the Devil, himself could resist.

There was a schedule of activities in every room, so I knew when things were going to happen. I would get ready for each event ahead of time, but I waited to see that inspiring smile before I'd really be prepared for anything.

It was just a small gesture on her part, but Anna was so generous and loving. She was a shining example of God's power, joy and love. I know God put her in my life to boost me up and I praise Him for this.

This has been one of the many examples of inspiration God placed in my path and I never got to thank her before she went to be with Him. Thank you Anna!

 Is there someone in your life that inspires you? Thank them before it's too late.


Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Genesis 9:1

P.S. PeggySue-Thank you for everything you've done and are doing to inspire me! I am truly blessed to have you as a sister and friend. I love you! My prayers are with you!

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Surprise! Surprise!

As most of you know yesterday, November 18th, was my birthday. This made me reflect back to this date twenty years ago.

I was in LDS hospital for the fifth month of my extended vacation, that I so unwillingly took there. My attentive family had done everything possible to make this birthday as normal as they could. They planned a surprise party, inviting all my friends and co-inhabitants, and waited until every family member would be off of work, so they all could make it.

I woke up that day as mischievous as ever and proceeded to give the staff a hard time. Not knowing of the impending event that was coming later that day, I managed to convey, slurred speech and all, that it was my birthday and jokingly wanted to know what each one had gotten me as a gift. They joked back, "We don't even like you! Why on earth would we get you anything?" I'd just giggle and roll on my merry way.

As the day progressed, I used all my energy to be the rollicking jokester I've always been. So by the time dinner rolled around I was exhausted and asked if I could skip the meal, to go straight to bed. They flat out said, "No!" I became furious and loudly started to let them know my opinion on that thought, when I was stunned to silence. There before me stood a large group of family and friends who had come just to see me, with my gorgeous children center stage.

Energy flowed through me like a socket to a plug and all my tiredness drifted away. The rest of my party was a blur of hugs, kisses, pizza and monstrous smiles. I was never so happy to be alive.

I praised God for saving my life, so I could enjoy this awesome display of His love for me.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Thank You For Being A Friend

As you know I rocked the pageant. Everyone got an award, we all deserved something. After all we showed our vulnerabilities off, up there on that stage. But I believe by me showing God's joy, I received three awards. I'll name them and explain what each is for:

• The spirit award-In recognition of her outstanding outlook on life. Her attitude is phenomenal and she is full of spunk.
• People's choice-Her online public out-voted the other girls. (Thank you all for contributing!)
• Ms. Congeniality-The other contestants chose her as the most friendly and accommodating. I didn't even process that my fellow contestants picked me until approximately 4 am the next morning.)

and last but not least:

• First Attendant-In recognition of her superior communication skills, motivation, and character. She is an outstanding "roll" model for Utahns of all abilities and wholly exemplifies the Ms. Wheelchair motto: "Keep on Rollin".

I truly was blessed to participate in this awesome event and want to thank God and you all for helping make it possible for me to do so.

Blessings for God’s People.
Joel 3:17

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Knuck-Boom!

From that moment on, a fast friendship formed between J.R. and myself. He was so excited to be the escort of someone of like mind.

As we waited backstage we became more acquainted and he said, "I love your personality and I think we need to make it more apparent to the audience. I want them to get a small taste of your joy and spunk. How about when you finish your speech we bump our fists together?" Once again I didn't think about my answer I just said, "OK! After we do knuckles, lets make our hands look like their exploding." He started jumping up and down like an excited two year old waiting to sit on Santa's lap, muttering, "Goody! Goody! Goody!"

I did my speech, then we proceeded to do the 'knuck-boom' motion. The two combined brought the audience to their feet, laughing and applauding. I've always gone for the laugh, so my mind computed this and suddenly I knew a part of how I would entertain MY audience.

 Each time I did anything a tiny bit noteworthy I 'knuck-boomed' J.R. This was a crowd pleaser that made many people (a lot I didn't even know) feel comfortable enough to freely come at me, hand in fist position, ready to do my signature move...

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
Mark 3:17

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Eye Candy

The night before the pageant I was so excited I couldn't sleep. After watching the clock until 4:00 a.m. I finally dozed off and was awoken at 7:00 a.m. by a remarkably animated call from Michelle. At that moment I was so groggy she was more thrilled about the days events than me. She said, "Wake up sleepy head! You have a big day ahead of you. I'm so excited. Aren't you?" I answered, "Yes! But I didn't get much sleep, so I'm going to snooze until my CNA gets here to help me shower. OK?" We hung up and I closed my eyes, but my mind started going over the many things I needed to remember to do. I gave up on getting any more shut eye, got up and called Michelle back. I let her know I was up and around, getting things in order, so she wouldn't worry.

The building we got ready for the pageant in and had our Soiree at was just two blocks from the venue, so I drove my electric wheelchair down the Salt Lake streets in my pageant dress to get there. That was one of the highlights of the evening, because every few seconds there was a jaw dropping in stunned amazement or finger pointing with a 'Look at That?' glance sent from person-to-person. I did my usual, "Hello! How are you? Have a wonderful evening!" with a energetic wave. This brought the usual, smile and "Thanks?!" Followed by a questioning look.

As I got to the Salt Palace the Events Coordinator began gathering contestants and introducing us to our escorts (The Honor Guard of Fire Stations around Utah...HOT! lol) for the evening. When my escort saw me he ran over, leaped in the air, gestured with a pumped fist exclaiming, "Yes! I got the cool girl!" I just chuckled loudly as I shook his hand. He then said, "My name is J.R. Do I need to help you in any way? Do you need me to drive or push your chair?" I answered without a thought, "No! Just stand there and look pretty! Be my eye candy!" He laughed so hard I thought he was going to lose his balance and said, "They matched us up perfectly. I'm as wild as you. If that's possible?!"...

Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.
Deuteronomy 22:10

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Joy Unspeakable

While the contestants waited for their second interviews with the judges we became restless. Looking around at the bored, anxious faces, I gladly took it upon myself to be the entertainment during this time.

There were vases with roses at each table. I grabbed a flower and used it like a microphone. I started going from table-to-table interviewing people, even the Pageant Coordinator. I said, "Hello! This is Merrym Bruce reporting from the Ms. Wheelchair Utah Pageant. I'd like to know your impressions on the event so far?!" All the others glanced at each other and then looked at me like I was off my rocker (little did they know?...LOL). I then put the rose/mic to their mouths for an answer. The first couple answers were mumbled softly and shyly. BUT me being me I quickly yanked the blossom back and remarked,"Please speak a little louder into the rose!" Suddenly the tension in the room dissipated and a peel of vociferous laughter rang out. Unsolicited comments flew; "Your so funny!", "Your a nut!", and "Your a kick in the pants!" until I was called for my interview. Reluctantly I left my adoring public, but I was energized by them.

I entered the interview room once again and I had to dial myself down a few notches, but there was an electric feeling bouncing from judge to judge. This gave one of them the courage to say, "I know this is not a textbook pageant question, but...Where's your green hair?" I giggled, as the other judges chimed in, "Green hair?!" I then told them about my hair colors and how they change with my whims. Feeling more at ease with my strange persona the questions flowed forth: "How would your children describe you?"-Spunky, Courageous and Non-judgemental. "What do you like about being in a wheelchair?"-I'm at eye-level with children and this opens doors of communication about being proud of who you are, no matter the differences you have. "Why do your wear your hair like that?"-I've always been different and love to stand out. Mostly, people in general try to ignore disabled people and people with Mohawks, but put them together and no one can ignore me! It gives them and me an opening into conversation. By the time I left that room there was a unexplainable joy.

As I gathered my things to go home everyone came and thanked me for 'Being Me' and putting them at ease...

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
1 Peter 1:8


I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

In All My Merrym-ness!

As I entered the room with the three extremely serious judges, I could feel the tension that they unknowingly displayed. But because of the prayer I had said moments before I was at ease knowing whatever happened was God's will, so I was more determined than ever to be myself.

I rolled up to the table with a confidence that stunned all the judges, sending a questioning look between them. This brought an enormous smile to my face and a eager greeting to my lips, which in turn brought more quizzical looks to their solemn veneers.

The judges went about asking their usual, formal, stodgy questions. I answered each with all the joy God had afforded me and their business-like facades began to slowly melt.

Suddenly, as soon as it started, my first seven minute interview was over and I happily returned to the conference room with the other contestants, where Mark Eaton was just wrapping his session of helping up. He then said, "Well ladies, I'm finished now. Is there anything else you want me to do for you?" In all my Merrym-ness I piped in, "Tap dance! We want you to tap dance for us!" Boisterous laughter filled the room as Mark's jaw dropped wide opened, stuttering he exclaimed. "I can't d-d-d-ance!" Unafraid, I quickly answered with an overly silly grin, "Mark, you never gave us any restrictions! You just asked what we wanted you to do! Golly!" Relief flowed across his face when the Pageant Coordinator rescued him saying, "Thank you Mark! I'll take it from here," in an amused tone...

God had given them great joy.
Nehemiah 12:43


I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce        

My Pageant Speech

A week later it was time to meet the judges and have our one-on-one interviews. The contestants all wore their Sunday best and Mark Eaton, number 53 of the Jazz basketball team was in our midst to help us with our speeches for the pageant.

As you've learned through this blog, I act like me, not allowing any reaction or snide comment to phase me outwardly. People I love and respect figured this out many years ago and  have just come to accept me as I am. So if I never change for them, then why in the world would I comply to the outside world's views?

Right away I was excited because we were placed at different tables, which gave me a chance to get to know several other contestants more intimately (Awesome!).

After we ate breakfast (I had Michelle take her turn tasting...HA! HA! I got her back! LOL) it was time to start the interview process. During which Mark Eaton went from girl to girl reviewing what we wanted to tell others about us, which had to be done in two minutes. Here's my final draft:

    One hot August day I awoke in a hospital bed with 3 stern doctors standing over me,...six months earlier I was dancing for a living, with no cares in the world. Not knowing what had happened, I glanced down, and saw my leg mangled beyond recognition, ravaged by the flesh eating virus. Doctors proclaimed; I would live my life as an invalid. At first I believed them, but eventually my tenacious spirit could not be held back by depression or the medical opinions of human beings. I decided that what counted in my life was what God and I thought was possible.

I wanted to be a good example for my children So I stepped out on faith and went back to college. I was scared, but God helped me through it. I proved to others and myself alike that; No matter the obstacles life puts in your way, YOU can accomplish anything you set your mind to do, with perseverance,…family… and God!

All this has helped me to realize that; I’m not disabled. I’m different-abled! I do things differently than others. I also found a new better me in the process. Someone who is unafraid to try new and unusual things. Someone more excepting. Someone more loving. Someone I could be proud of. Mostly someone my children and grandchildren can be proud of!…I am blessed and so are you!

When they called me for my first seven minute interview with the judges, I was nervous,  but I prayed and put myself in God's hands...


Then even the bravest soldier, whose hearts is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your Father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.
2nd Samuel 17:10

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

I'm One of Those People

Three weeks before the pageant we, the contestants, met for the first time for orientation. There, even I, disabilities, medical problems and all was humbled by the awesome strength and determination that was displayed by all 13 contenders.

There was some with Cerebral Palsy, others who were Quadriplegics, had Down Syndrome and unknown disabilities. But the most amazing to me were two young sisters, ages 3 & 10 years old, with Spina Bifida.  What was so amazing is the marvelous joy they exuded, which I believe was what kept their extremely giving family so strong. With just a tiny smile the whole room lit up and everyone fell totally in love, wanting to scoop them up and take them home.

After our meet and greet, they fed us a lunch with many new and exciting things to try.

Let me pause for moment and explain, we each brought a companion, mine being my wonderfully sweet and caring daughter-in-law, Michelle. Now, Michelle is a very picky eater, so...

She had me try every food, especially the more exotic looking stuff and then entertained herself by watching each of my responses (The Brat! LOL). As we ate they went over the game plan of events.

It was a blast! My most favorite memory of that day was the reactions I received from the others about not conforming to their ideas of a beauty pageant contestant, inner beauty or not, with my Mohawk and spirited attitude of: This is me!  Take me as I am!...

I'm not going to change the way I look or the way I feel to conform to anything. I've always been a freak. So I've been a freak all my life and I have to live with that, you know. I'm one of those people.
John Lennon

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Put Your Hope In God

Today after after such a wonderfully, awesome time at the Ms. Wheelchair Utah  Pageant my head is spinning with so many images and fun stories to tell. Once again I'm completely overwhelmed with God's awesome power and love for us all!

I guess the beginning is a good place to start (I'm so silly!)

As many of you know when I heard about this event I asked if you wonderful people thought I should compete and whether anyone had ideas how to go about finding the funds for my application fee.  First I was gently reminded to pray for God's blessing and provision. Wow! Even after all the things I've been through I needed to be reminded of this!

Immediately I stopped what I had been doing, bowed my head and ask the Lord His opinion on the subject. As I looked up from my prayer your responses were instantaneous! From offering ideas of asking businesses to sponsor me to you donating money yourselves. Money started spilling in like sands of an hourglass and two days before the fee was due I had enough to apply.

Then it was time to worry about a pageant dress. I remembered to put it in God's hands this time and prayed (pat myself on the back LOL). Once more friends, family and businesses very generously contributed an abundance of money. Which allowed me to get a dress, accessories and makeup with your awesome help. Thank you all for allowing God to use you to help me with an experience of a lifetime...

Put your hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17



I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Reach Out and Touch Someone

Hey blog fans Mer asked if I'd write today, as she is in Salt Lake City for the Ms. Wheelchair UT Competition. So exciting for her!

I have not joined in on the blog lately, because I was at a physical distance from Mer during much of this time, since she now lived in Utah and I was still in Washington state. I called as often as possible, sent as many care packages as I could afford and supported her with money if she had a need.

I know she was very lonely at times and some what depressed. I think the thing I'd like to say here isn't really a part of the story in any way, but so important to those who are in need. Be it physical, financial, emotional or spiritual.

We all need to reach out to one another in any way we can, ESPECIALLY TO FAMILY!
Giving time is one of the most important things we can do for people who are down on their luck. A phone call or a visit means all the world to them. If you can't do that, then send some homemade cookies, a personal note, some warm cozy socks, a movie or their favorite snack. Believe me just the little things, as you read with Mer's friend, Clarence, can brighten someones day.

Reaching out to others is just as good for each of us as it is for the one you are reaching out to.

I hope this suffices for today, may each of you be blessed!

Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down and from you receive instruction.
Deuteronomy 33:3

Love You Mer