Our special guest, Althea Holmes, joins us to share her remarkable journey. Born with a rare disease called arthrogryposis, which affects her limbs and requires her to use a wheelchair, Althea has never let her condition define her. Despite numerous challenges, she has forged a successful career as a full-time adjuster and talented craftswoman, creating memorial purses.In her candid conversation with Vickie, Althea discusses the importance of independence, the struggles and misconceptions faced by people with disabilities, and the emotional journey of reclaiming her sense of self after personal loss. Althea's story is a testament to human resilience, and her insights are sure to inspire and motivate listeners. They delve into the significance of education, crafting as a therapeutic outlet, and how asking for help doesn't equate to showing weakness.Highlights:- Althea’s determination to live independently and her educational journey despite losing financial support.- Personal stories of navigating life in a wheelchair and common misconceptions about accessibility.- Crafting as an emotional release and a tribute to loved ones.- The emotional impact of losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.- Practical advice on embracing and accepting help while maintaining one's dignity.Timestamps: 00:03:20 - Introduction to Althea Holmes and her background. 00:15:45 - Althea shares the challenges and learnings from her college days. 00:32:10 - Discussion on the impact of Althea’s spinal surgery and quest for independence. 00:47:25 - Althea’s experiences with crafting and the significance of her memorial purses. 01:01:55 - Reflecting on respect, inclusivity, and awareness for individuals with disabilities.Join us for this heartfelt and insightful discussion, and don't forget to subscribe and click the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of "Today's Dream, Tomorrow's Reality."#Resilience #Independence #DisabilityAwareness #CraftingTherapy #Podcast #Transformation #VickiePoole #AltheaHolmes