Comments on: Comparing My Before Life to My Present Life

By: Lazaro Gutierrez

Lazaro Gutierrez — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:47:30 +0000

kate, thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

Your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From the depths of personal transformation to the heights of selfless service, your story is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and faith. What stands out most is how you turned a life-altering moment into a mission—one that uplifts, includes, and embraces people in all their uniqueness.

The way you describe your past is refreshingly honest, and yet, rather than dwelling on what was lost, you’ve built something truly beautiful. You didn’t just adjust; you thrived. The sense of community you’ve fostered—whether through advocacy, recreation, or caregiving—is profound. You’ve helped people feel seen, valued, and understood in a world that often struggles to extend that kind of grace.

The program at your church is especially touching. So many caregivers silently bear the weight of their loved ones’ struggles, and you’ve given them a space to breathe, recharge, and feel supported. More than that, you’ve created a safe haven where those with Alzheimer’s and dementia can find joy, companionship, and dignity. That’s not just service—it’s love in action.

Your life, as you live it now, radiates kindness, inclusion, and faith. And in everything you do, you reflect the very heart of God. Thank you for sharing your journey—it’s inspiring beyond words.

By: Paralyzed, Not Powerless: My Life Beyond the Word ‘Pobrecito’ - Audacity Magazine

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:37:26 +0000

[…] Did you check out Lazaro’s other article? Click here. […]

By: Kate Abels

Kate Abels — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:13:33 +0000

I totally agree! I was selfish, self absorbed. I worked 3 jobs, had a lot of parties on my deck. Went dancing and drinking twice a week. Blah blah blah. After I was injured 3 days after the signing of the ADA, everything changed. Peer support came to my bedside and assured me life would be good! Reined onto an ILC board the journey of advocacy began! We had an ADA group that would hit a different restaurant every week. Not just wheelers, blind , too with a dog. We were a group of 5 and a force to be reckoned with! I was the Recreation committee chair and managed to get 650 people to Lake Sunnapee in NH in the summer to ride the chair lift!! The ski resort provided the grills and charcoal and helped volunteer to sit with quadly people on the lift so they felt secure. One of our bod members was in charge of s’mores. He brought a torch and made everyone laugh and get a s’more. Excellent memories of an extraordinary day out!!
Now I help run a program for 24 hour care givers at my church, going on 15 years. We love on their relatives for free for 5 hours a month., while they take time without their loving shadow. Spa, just reading on the beach, shopping, etc. In our environment these care receivers meet new friends that don’t care they have Alzheimer’s or dementia or more. They’ve lost most of their friends because they don’t understand why the memory and conversational skills are slowly leaving them. They make new friends! Our church gives us a budget to run this. Crafts, singing , exercise and games, Chic fil a usually for lunch, Followed by a full ice cream social before ending up with Bingo until their family comes to pick them up. No racism or judgement. We have a gay couple, a Palestinian and an Egyptian who always say good bye in Arabic. A Spanish teacher with a cokeliar implant who’s deaf, she gets a tablet so she can see what’s being said. It’s an amazing life now. I have seen the face of the lord and it is good.