When I woke up this morning the house was warm, the lights came on when I flipped a switch, hot water came out when I turned the shower on and when I went to the closet I had clean clothes to wear.

But moving back to when I woke up, I used my arms and hands to move the covers off the bed, after I petted both the dogs. Both of my arms worked as I reached to turn off the alarm clock. When I stood up both of my legs worked and let me begin my day. My eyes worked so that I could see what I was doing as well.

When I got to the office, I was able to drink my morning Coke and eat what I wanted for breakfast without requiring any help from anyone.

I take all of this so for granted each day and never even give a second thought as to what I would do if I lost any of these body parts, or they no longer worked for me.

I possibly would find myself being angry with someone, maybe questioning God as to why this happened to me. I might give up and think life is not even worth living.

Last week, I had the pleasure of listening to a young lady who came to speak at Kiwanis who was born without arms or legs. This young lady has spent her life in a wheelchair. She does have control of her chair by way of blowing into a straw-like device that enables mobility.

But this young lady does not feel sorry for herself; she holds down a full time job and is one of the most upbeat persons that I have had the pleasure of knowing. She spoke about not realizing she was different when she was young because she did not know any different. She also mentioned that her parents tried to give her the most normal life she could have and did not tell her she was limited in what she could do.

This young lady attended school and college and received her degree. She learned to write by holding a pencil or pen in her mouth and even mentioned that she had better “handwriting” than others in her class.

But she has a contagious energy that made you want to grab hold and hang on for the ride. She had not and was not going to sit idly by and watch life pass her by. She has and continues to live her life.

By listening to the words Allison shared and feeling her enthusiasm as she talks about her life makes me want to be a better person. I need to use and share all God has given me to be a blessing to others. God bless you Allison and thanks for helping me to remember my cup surely runneth over.

Many times God puts someone in our path as a reminder that all blessings come from Him and He does not make mistakes.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.