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Introduction: Celebrating the First Half Century

In 2011 I celebrated 50 years of life on earth, 50 years of joy, struggles and pain. Living with cerebral palsy was taking its toll on my body. My neck, shoulders and lower back are always in pain. Even so, each year was intertwined with God’s faithfulness. I’d had 50 years to live for Him.

So, what do you do to celebrate half a century of life? You go big! We booked my dream vacation, a Hawaiian cruise, in September 2010 and planned the excursions we wanted to take.

“How do we get Deb on the tours?” asked Heather, friend, attendant and travel companion.

“Like always; we just do it.” Pretty much my mom’s answer to everything.

I’d taken many trips with only my parents to help, but they weren’t as young as they used to be. Five of my friends volunteered to save up and come along. My poor dad was the only man in the group.

On March 26, Katie, Holly, Heather and I left Huntsville, Ontario, at 5:00 a.m. to drive to the Lester B. Pearson Airport in Toronto. Sylvia drove from London and met us there. We then flew to San Diego, where we connected with Mom and Dad. Esther was to fly in later.

Exhausted but unable to sleep, around 4:00 the next morning I asked, “Syl, is Esther here yet?”

“Not yet.”

What’s happened to her? Is she going to make it on time?

Not long after, there was rustling in the hall. “Syl, I think someone’s at the door.”

Whew! It was Esther. Her flight had been grounded in Atlanta, and she’d had to get another to San Diego. She was tired, but she made it.

The salt air tickled my nose as the eight of us boarded a cruise ship bound for Hawaii.

Over the next two weeks, each friend took turns helping with my care. It’s one thing to assist in my home, but trying to help me shower or get to the toilet on a rocking ship...that’s a whole new world. My wheelchair and I ran into many walls because of the rough seas. Without my power chair, I was totally reliant on my travel companions for everything.

When we arrived at the first island, we were greeted warmly by nationals who placed leis of shells around our necks while others danced to Hawaiian music. The tinkle of the shells and the rhythmic drumming filled my ears. It brought tears to my eyes. I’m really here!

We had 14 days of food and crazy fun. We toured four islands. We saw beautiful gardens and Waikiki Beach. My friends even helped me walk into the water. We attended a luau, saw the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and toured the Ocean Center in Maui. We enjoyed the many activities and abundant food aboard ship. We even had cake on my 50th and my dad’s 73rd birthdays. Amazing!

Months after my birthday, on Friday, July 1, I was walking my dog on the road. (There are not sidewalks where I live.) It was busy, being the first long weekend of summer. A glistening black BMW swerved toward me. I thought, “I’ll need to watch out for these crazy city drivers.”

My brother Terry stuck his head out the window. A grin spread across my face. The family got out of the car to greet me, stopping traffic in both directions. They were in town from Vancouver.

That Sunday my family threw a surprise party for me. They put on a spread fit for a queen. Seventy people from all over came to celebrate. I was blown away. I caught up with friends—some I hadn’t seen in years—including my grade eight teacher. I was in awe. God blessed me richly.

Dream 50th birthday in Hawaii, 2011

Deb with The Honourable David C. Onley