Santana was my third Canine Companion. How we became a team is a remarkable story. My second service dog, Lanzner, was getting old. I wasn’t taking her out as much and needed a young, vibrant dog to continue life with. I had already put in an application to CCI for
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A Response to an Unwelcoming Church
A South Carolina man and his service dog was recently denied access by a church. My colleagues and I were shocked. As my friend, Steve wrote: “Every time I start to think that churches are finally starting to “get” the idea of welcoming kids and adults with disabilities, some elder
Continue readingA Modern Day Mephibosheth
(Writer’s note: I originally wrote this for my church’s blog. Enjoy!) You may have wondered who is that man in the wheelchair at the 10:45 service. (Actually there’s two of us now. I’m the one sitting in the middle asle toward the back.) Well, my name is Tait. I came
Continue readingMy Experience at the 2018 Warrior Games
Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.” -Neil Marcus I was surprised at how nice it was at the swim meet. It was not too loud or humid in the Air Force Academy’s
Continue readingNight to Shine Celebrates People Living with Disabilities
Centennial, Colorado — Sometimes you just have to dressed up and go to a prom.
Continue readingWorship with a passion
I was glad to see my friend on my way into church. I can count on Dan to hear me out when I have burdens on my heart, and I had more than my share on that particular day. Dan and I spent a few minutes talking until it was
Continue readingWhere’s the Church?
If you follow me on Facebook, you know I’m very opinionated with my politics. I’ve backed off a lot with my postings since Trump won the election, but my commitment to the conservative point of view hasn’t changed. (Actually I’m probably more of a classic liberal these days, but I
Continue readingHow God uses Dogs in my Life
You know the saying that dog is God spelled backwards? Well, it’s true. Okay, my theological mind can have trouble with this. I’d probably could write a theological article about how this is incompatible with Scripture and how ridiculous this is. Some might even call it heresy.
Continue readingRemembrances and Memorials
Maybe I do this too often. I have this habit of looking back through the years and remember where I have been. I look at the calendar and remember where I was and what I was doing on a certain date and year.
Continue readingMary Jane and me
Mary Jane Ponten was born in Chicago in the early 30s. The beginning seemed bleak. “This baby is too weak to survive,” the doctors told the parents. “You better give her a name right away for her gravestone.” But even doctors can be wrong. At ten days old, they let
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