by Debby O.
Member since:
June 29, 2007

Wanda Faye's Story

August 14, 2007 12:16 AM EDT (Updated: June 28, 2009 09:51 PM EDT)
views: 107 | comments: 116




Wanda Faye’s Story

By Deborah Lorraine Olsen

 

This is the story of Wanda Faye, a courageous handicapped girl , who I have had the privilege of knowing for the past 40 years! She has been a great inspiration to me and I love her dearly.Wanda Faye was born with Cerebral Palsy. When she was born the doctor and nurses thought her to be dead and laid her aside to try to save her mother, as she was breach birth and her mother was in real trouble. When a nurse finally realized that she was alive it was too late, the damage was already done from the lack of oxygen to her brain. Wanda Faye cannot walk, talk or even feed herself, in fact everything must be done for her each day, but in spite of all of her problems she has always had such a wonderful mind and sense of humor! She communicates with us and with her friends on her computer, which she does by using a head pointer to type with.  It has always amazed me how she does this. She even wrote a book that told what it was like to be trapped inside of a handicapped body! This tiny little bit of a lady was not predicted to live any longer than her teens to late 20’s and I am happy to announce that this month she will be, with the grace of God, celebrating her 55th birthday!She has lived through many rough times health wise and has been fighting bladder cancer for the past 10 years and yet she goes on like a real trooper!We were planning to have a cancer free party for her last Friday, but it did not happen, as Wanda Faye was in the hospital with one more complication.We do not know how much longer we will have the pleasure of her company, but we do know that when she does leaves us, she will be one of the Lords most precious angels! I will miss her so very much not only as my friend and my biggest inspiration, but also my one and only sister-in-law.  She is my husbands little sister and only sibling. So if it is not asking too much, I would like to ask all of my Gather friends to say a special prayer for our family and for our special little angel, Wanda Faye? We would all appreciate the prayers.God Bless You All.

link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 116

Kim A. Aug 14, 2007, 7:53am EDT
Wanda Faye will be in my prayers.I enjoyed your article.God bless you!!
Debby O. Aug 14, 2007, 10:06am EDT
Thank you so much for your kind words and your prayers Kim.
M & M. Aug 14, 2007, 1:41pm EDT
Thank you for posting this sis. It is an inspiration to us too. Yes, I will pray,you know I will. Huggers, love you.
Debby O. Aug 14, 2007, 2:48pm EDT
Thanks sis, I know I can always count on you. Yeh I thought this would be a good entry for the champ essay contest!
M & M. Aug 14, 2007, 3:05pm EDT
Honey, I don't see any other posts from you. This is the only one.
Barbara N. Aug 17, 2007, 4:23pm EDT
Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family that all will be okay. It is a wonderful thing that you have had the opportunity to have someone so inspiring in your life.
Debby O. Aug 17, 2007, 4:44pm EDT
Thank you Barbara, she is a real inspiration to all of us and will be missed terribly when she leaves us.
Mary H. Aug 18, 2007, 10:40pm EDT
I said a prayer for Wanda Faye and your family. I believe she is an angel who inspires those she meets. Blessings always
Debby O. Aug 19, 2007, 8:35am EDT
I agree Mary, she has to be an Angel to have gone through what she has in her life.
Thank you for the prayer.
Jennifer P. Aug 20, 2007, 5:19pm EDT
Wow! She sounds like a great person to know. Thank you for sharing her story with all of us.
Debby O. Aug 20, 2007, 5:25pm EDT
You are welcome Jennifer and yes she is a little sweetheart
Lisa J Aug 21, 2007, 8:45am EDT
What an amazing person! It is so easy for us to dismiss those differently abled than ourselves, and every one I've ever spent time with has had an insight and wisdom that enriched my life.
Debby O. Aug 21, 2007, 11:38am EDT
So true Lisa, thank you. Some people don't even seem to see her or if they do they think that she has no brain or something, but it is their loss. She was once call a little boy and just about wiggled out of her wheelchair to explain that she was a girl! Her hair has just always been cut short for everyone to be able to tend to it easier.
Kylee S. Aug 21, 2007, 5:08pm EDT
What a sweet piece, she and the rest of your family will be in my prayers.
Debby O. Aug 21, 2007, 5:10pm EDT
Thank you so much Kylee, prayers are definately welcome!
Heather C. Aug 22, 2007, 11:00am EDT
Thank you so much for sharing the story of the life of Wanda Faye. I most certainly will pray and ask others. Wanda Faye's story is an inspiration. Where can we buy her book? So many people do not realize that everyone matters and everyone has a purpose and everyone is valuable, not just to God, but to the rest of us. Disabled people are that, disabled. There are still people and I think more people need to hear Wanda Faye's story...please contact a talk show to get her story out. I pray Wanda recovers soon! Her story could help so many people! Many hearts need to be changed towards the disabled! Thanks Debby!
Mary S. Aug 22, 2007, 11:17am EDT
Sending lots of prayers Wanda Faye's way. My mother has a cousin like this. He wasn't supposed to live to see his 2nd birthday - he turned 54 last year. Bless them all, there must be a reason for them to live as long as they do. Maybe it's to teach those of us without disabilities to be more thoughful and thankful for what we have.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 11:23am EDT
Thank you so much for your kind words Heather! I wish I could tell you where to purchase Wanda Faye's book but she never had it published and just the family has copies. There is no doubt that I was suppose to meet Wanda Faye and have her as a part of my life, as I as a child was one of the ones that did not understand what handicapped meant. Infact I feared a handicap person if I encountered one as a child. She has taught me so much and will be in my heart for eternity. Thank you again for your nice post and for your prayers.
Denise B. Aug 22, 2007, 11:25am EDT
May God Bless her and keep her always. And may you have the blessing of her friendship for a few more years.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 11:31am EDT
Thank you Mary and Sheryl for your kind words. She is a very special little lady.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 11:32am EDT
Thank you Denise, I hope so too, but she has been through so much.
I will pray with all my heart for Wanda Faye, beautiful article Debby.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 11:37am EDT
Thank you so much Randee.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Aug 22, 2007, 11:50am EDT
What a wonderful tribute to your sister-in-law. She sounds like a wonderful person. I certainly will keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Carole D. Aug 22, 2007, 11:55am EDT
"There, but by the Grace of God, go I..." Bless you all.
sharon SugarMomma is a wise woman, Aug 22, 2007, 12:02pm EDT
Power and blessings.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:14pm EDT
Thank you Nana, everyone is so kind here.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:15pm EDT
Yes Carole that was the first lesson I learned from her. Thank you for you post
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:17pm EDT
Thank you all for being so kind. Power and blessing back to you Sharon.
William Dotani Aug 22, 2007, 12:24pm EDT
I pray the doctors can help her. I met my wife by helping her roommate who had CP.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:29pm EDT
Thank you for your post William. You then know that CP people are just like us, they think the same, they just cannot get their body to express it! The motor skills is the part of the brain that has been damaged, so they cannot move or talk as we do, but other than that they are as normal as we are and have feelings as we do.
Lisa Frost Aug 22, 2007, 12:30pm EDT
Debby, a few years ago, I lost my aunt who had suffered from severe bleeding and such in the brain and cerebral palsy was there diagnosis after she was finally stabilized. The hospital she was in was going to let her die, but my grandfather would not have it and moved her to a hospital that would take care of her. Unfortunately, it caused her disability to be more severe, and her ability to learn was severely damaged. They also told my grandparents she would not live to see 18. They finally stopped telling her an age. My grandparents always cared for her, talked to her, and treated her as an individual. I was privilaged to help care for her more after my grandfather passed, and I wrote something to her memory. Too many people are afraid of how they would feel if it was them, and don't realize how much they have to offer people, even in a child like state like my aunt. Wanda is in my thoughts and prayers. My aunt was 53 by the way. If you want to read the poem it is here:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977009229

I hope it gives you some words to keep in mind.
Otelia S. Aug 22, 2007, 12:36pm EDT
Wanda's story deeply touched my heart. I will definitely pray that the Angels walk right beside her after life as they have throughout her life. God Bless your entire family and now, all of us who have been touched by an angel named, Wanda Faye. Thank you for sharing her with us. People usually want to keep their precious things to themselves. God Bless Always.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:45pm EDT
Thank you Lisa for telling me this. Yes not all CP people are lucky enough to not have other damage besides the motor skills, and that is such a shame. We just need to get it through to the world that these are not vegetables, they are people like you and me that have been damaged through no fault of their own! They are still in these bodies, even though it is hard to see that! Why are they treated as anything else? It is not right! Wanda Faye has always been taken care of at home from her loving family as your aunt was, and in later years with attendants coming in to their home to take care of her needs. Not all are this lucky. They are put in places sometimes that don't even treat them as human! Can you even imagine what that would be like for you if the only thing that was wrong with you is that you can not evpress yourself? It happens. It must be a nightmare for them! No wonder they are predicted to have such short life spans! God help our humanity who fears such things and hides them away to be forgotten.
Beverly M. Aug 22, 2007, 12:50pm EDT
What a sad story, but an inspiring life. Sending prayers and hugs to you all.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:51pm EDT
Thank you Otelia for your kind words. God Bless You.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:52pm EDT
Thank you Beverly for the prayers and the hugs!
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 12:55pm EDT
Beautifully said Sandy, thank you!
Judy C. Aug 22, 2007, 12:59pm EDT
What a wonderful, blessed story. She sounds like such a champ! She will definately walk with the angels amd I envy her that walk! You are so blessed to have such a person in your life. She has taught, many I'm sure, that life is a blessed thing and being able to do the simplest things is a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Wanda faye and your family.
Roger Kiser Aug 22, 2007, 1:05pm EDT
She will, without a doubt, be in Judy and my prayers. She sounds like a wonderful individual and it must be a blessing to have witnessed her beat the odds and become a wondeful and loving person.

Roger Dean Kiser, author
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 1:08pm EDT
Thank you Judy, you are right she will walk with the angels for sure and it will be the first steps that she ever was able to take! She has taught me so much through the years! She refers me in her slurd little voice, in a loving way of course as her big sister as "The Old Bag!" :) Her brother and I will soon be 58 and older than her. He is just Brub. Her sense of humor has always been great!
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 1:09pm EDT
Thank you Roger!
She is in the HANDS of a power mightier than we.

The HOTTEST ORIGINAL graphics on the NET at Sparkletags.Com
WwW.SparkleTags.Com

She and the rest of the family have my sincere prayers:

The HOTTEST ORIGINAL graphics on the NET at Sparkletags.Com
WwW.SparkleTags.Com

The HOTTEST ORIGINAL graphics on the NET at Sparkletags.Com
WwW.SparkleTags.Com
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Aug 22, 2007, 1:28pm EDT
Debby - My heart goes out to you. Many well wishes and prayers for you, your family, and most of all Wanda Faye!!

God bless you and keep you in his sight!!
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 1:33pm EDT
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ernie, she certainly is in good hands. I am overwhelmed from all of the loving posts that I have recieved about Wanda Faye's Story and want to thank each and eveyone of you for your kind words.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 1:35pm EDT
Thank you Ester.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 1:49pm EDT
Thank you Susan and God Bless You and thank you for your prayers and your love.
Jay M. Aug 22, 2007, 2:53pm EDT
It is apparent that God is using her for his will. She will remain here until her work is finished, and then God will take her and reward her accordingly. We can pray for longer periods of time to share with her, and we will, however try to understand and be rejoiced if her time is near. Pray then that you will someday soon join her in her completeness. She is someone very special.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 2:57pm EDT
Yes Jay, I realize that and yes she is indeed very special! Thank you for your post!
Sheila Deeth Aug 22, 2007, 4:00pm EDT
What a lovely article, and thanks Heather for sending me here. Makes my own problems seem pretty small, so I'm praying for Wanda and all those who love her.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 4:10pm EDT
Thank you so much Sheila, God Bless You!
Susan C. Aug 22, 2007, 4:21pm EDT
This story really touched my life. My prayers will be with Wanda and the rest of your family. I really think Wanda is already God's special angel on earth. Look how long she has blessed you all with her company. May she win her battle.
Debby O. Aug 22, 2007, 4:24pm EDT
Thank you with all my heart Susan for the kind words.
Susan N. Aug 23, 2007, 3:46am EDT
There are miracles happening everyday - I will claim one for Wanda Faye!
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 10:03am EDT
Thank you Susan.
arlene (no shame in my game) w. Aug 23, 2007, 10:31am EDT
She is certainly in mine!
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 10:46am EDT
Thank you, God Bless You
Wonderful true story. She (and you as well) are in my prayers, in hoping that you have many more years together - you're both very special people.
Hugs,
Marilyn
Elaine B. Aug 23, 2007, 12:43pm EDT
Beautiful story! God bless you and your family.
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 1:26pm EDT
Thank you Marilyn you are so sweet!
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 1:29pm EDT
Thank you Elaine everyone on Gather has been so kind and it is helping me to learn how to cope with what is in the futher. God Bless You All and thank you for your support!
M & M. Aug 23, 2007, 10:12pm EDT
Prayers and hugs always little Bloomers. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 10:16pm EDT
Thank you Nan
Debby O. Aug 23, 2007, 10:19pm EDT
Hi sis! Margieanne is my big sister everyone! Sharing this has been a real release for me Mee. Everyone is so kind and loving here!
Dena Straughn Aug 24, 2007, 1:06am EDT
Incredible story
Blessings to you both
Wow, I have nothing to complain about
Debby O. Aug 24, 2007, 9:51am EDT
Thank you Dena. You have had rough times yourself. We all have at sometime or other. I shared this originally to vent, as I feel so helpless, but my gather friends with all of their wonderfully kind words have helped me see that it is okay for me to feel the way I do and also that when we do lose Wanda Faye it won't be the end, but a new beginning for her!
Amanda, the Dark Tigress W. Aug 24, 2007, 11:49am EDT
I will, and I thank that is buttful.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your friend, Debby! We will keep her in our hearts for you. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. You wrote Wanda Faye's story exceedingly well.
Debby O. Aug 24, 2007, 8:36pm EDT
Thank you Angela
Nyota *Star* Aug 25, 2007, 2:28pm EDT
Wanda Faye is blessed to have a sister like you.
Debby O. Aug 25, 2007, 9:08pm EDT
Thank you Nyota, but I have been blessed by her! She has taught me so much about life and to be grateful for things that we just take for granted.
Kerry (A tree, not a lemon) .. Aug 26, 2007, 5:29am EDT
Prayer said! Great article!
Debby O. Aug 26, 2007, 11:18am EDT
Thanks Kerry!
Jerri H. Aug 26, 2007, 11:50am EDT
We will keep her in our thoughts!!!

myspace comments
MySpace Comment Graphics
Debra H. Aug 26, 2007, 1:07pm EDT
What a wonderful story! Of course we will pray for Wanda Faye. Thanks for posting this. 10
Debby O. Aug 26, 2007, 5:47pm EDT
Thank you Jerri and Debra!
Amanda J. Aug 26, 2007, 9:13pm EDT
So glad Wanda is still with us.
Debby O. Aug 26, 2007, 10:13pm EDT
Thanks Amanda, even though I know she will be in a better place it is still going to be rough.
Heather C. Aug 27, 2007, 4:11am EDT
Please write an update article when you can Debby, so we can all know how she is doing!
Debby O. Aug 27, 2007, 11:06am EDT
Oh Heather, I'm sorry, I just didn't think about that! Wanda Faye is home once more from the hospital. She is on a special diet to keep her stomach from bleeding again. It is pretty strict, but he is okay with it, as she can still have her grilled stake and mashed potato dinners, which is her favorite. Taking one day at a time, as every one of us should anyway! We call her our little Energizer Bunny! :)

I will try to remember to keep you updated from time to time now, Okay? God Bless You.
Debby O. Aug 27, 2007, 5:15pm EDT
Thank you very much Lyle, all prayers are appreciated.
Debby O. Aug 27, 2007, 5:17pm EDT
Sorry I hit the wrong letter in your name Lyla, I am only about half with it today!
Debby O. Aug 28, 2007, 8:04pm EDT
Thanks Vishenda
Bundy P Aug 29, 2007, 12:57pm EDT
I have a family member with cerebral palsy...she's in her 20's and so bitter. I wish she could meet Wanda Faye and learn from her.
Debby O. Aug 29, 2007, 4:12pm EDT
Oh Bundy, I am so sorry she is having such a hard time, but the rest of us just have no idea how trapped they feel inside a body that they have no control over. Was she born this way or was it caused by an injury ? It has to be so hard to see others getting around and doing things that they will never be able to do. All you can do is show her all your love and compliment her on every little achievment that she makes no matter how small. The rest is up to her I'm afraid. Wanda would be more than glad to help you out, but she is really having a hard time right now and very fragile at best. I will pray for her and your family that she somehow finds her peace as Wanda has.
Jamie ~grant me the serenity..~ G. Aug 30, 2007, 8:52pm EDT
Wow, that was a wonderful article. Thank you so much for sharing a little of Wanda Faye with us.
Debby O. Aug 30, 2007, 10:54pm EDT
You are very welcome Jamie.
carmel m. Sep 1, 2007, 9:07am EDT
The power of will and love is an awe inspiring thing. She sounds very strong and very blessed in that she is loved unconditionally. That you wrote that she amazes you reminds me that even the simplest things I take for granted are a sheer act of will for some. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings to her and all that love her!
Debby O. Sep 1, 2007, 5:50pm EDT
Thank you so much Carmel, God Bless you.
Quinn (aka Entwife) Blackburn Sep 5, 2007, 10:00pm EDT
Such special people are a tremendous blessing to our lives, enormous inspirations, and one of the many miracles that often pass unnoticed.

..
u wishing you both laughter
Debby O. Sep 6, 2007, 1:17am EDT
Thank you so much Quinn, you are very sweet.
Barb M Sep 9, 2007, 12:19am EDT
Just came across this article - I always see your icon and I always think to myself wow she seems like a nice person (just by your smile) :)
Now that I've read this I know that you are a BEAUTIFUL person. I will be praying for Wanda!!!!!
Debby O. Sep 9, 2007, 5:21pm EDT
Oh Barb, you are so sweet, thank you! I am just a caring person, I love life, I love people, animals, all of God's creatures! We all share this world together, so why not care? It is much easier than being mean or cruel! What purpose does that have? We are here on earth for such a short time, so we have to make every day count, right?
Thank you for the prayers and I will be updating every now and then so everyone will know what is happening. God Bless You.
J. P. Sep 10, 2007, 6:59pm EDT
May God bless Wanda and may Wanda always happy. Wanda is a real extraordinary peso and I feel that she like to share her happiness with her family. Thanks for sharing this inspiring article Debby.
Debby O. Sep 10, 2007, 7:10pm EDT
Yes she is very extraordinary, thank you Julya.
Debby O. Sep 19, 2007, 2:59pm EDT
Thank you Kathleen, it hasn't been a hard chore being Wanda Faye's big sister, she is great!
Debby O. Sep 25, 2007, 8:38pm EDT
Thank you Lindy, she is very special
Heather C. Jun 28, 2009, 1:16am EDT

Please repost this.

Hugs and love, Heather
Debby O. Jun 28, 2009, 9:53pm EDT

I did it Heather.  At least I think I did!  I am not sure exactly how to repost something.
Ginger C. Jun 30, 2009, 12:53pm EDT

I wonder how I missed this the first time! Wonderful tale of human strength and love! She will be sorely missed by those who knew her!
Debby O. Jun 30, 2009, 1:21pm EDT

Yes she sure will Ginger, thank you sweetie.