In sharing her story, Carlene hopes to connect with individuals and organizations who can assist in the pursuit of her professional aspirations as consultant, advisor, virtual assistant or researcher.
Feb 18, 2008--(DALLAS, TX)--(eMediaCampaigns!) -- The days and nights of Carlene Strickland are never easy. She's concerned about the usual things most women of her age: budgets, contribution, household management, safety ... In that regard, the Texas woman's life isn't different from many others. Except for one thing: Carlene Strickland is a quadriplegic.
On April 30, 1999, Carlene was hospitalized for 11 months as the result of a multitude of injuries she sustained after being in a nearly fatal automobile accident. She was assessed as a C7 quadriplegic. "Most people do not live to talk about what I went through; I am truly a miracle from God. I am a Christian and was a single mother. My youngest son was 13 years-old and was absolutely devastated after seeing me in a wheel chair," explained Strickland.
Before the accident, Strickland described herself as a very vibrant professional woman who enjoyed her work with a downtown Dallas corporation. However, in a matter of moments her life changed drastically.
On March 15, 2000, Carlene was discharged from the hospital. "I was overwhelmed by this new way of life, but I was compelled through prayer to persevere, love, help my son through the pain he was feeling, and learn how to live from a sitting position," stated Strickland. "It was an extremely difficult time (for my son, as well). I was determined to help him through his many issues whereby he could graduate. I thank God that we were successful. He graduated from West Mesquite high school May, 2004. Young people have such a difficult time these days, but I thank God for my son, as he never gave me an ounce of trouble and was extremely devoted to me."
Tragically, Strickland's son was killed on August 19, 2006, shortly after arriving at the residence of an individual who sought his assistance for employment. The youth was just 20 years-old.
"He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time," commented Strickland. "I thank God for the 20 years he gave me. I’ve been so overwhelmed and grief-struck by his senseless death. A parent never believes that they will have to bury a child; it has been the most difficult thing I've experienced in my life. Most people thought the wheelchair was difficult... not at all. I prayerfully move forward on a daily basis."
Today, the Mesquite, Texas resident spends countless hours seeking employment from her residential office. She is willing to work hard to subsidize her Social Security income. Currently, she is seeking employment with churches, non-profits, and other businesses. In 2005, she secured an annual contract with a local school district as part of their Youth and Family Services program. Strickland provided virtual assistant services and research consulting from her home office.
"Quite frankly, I don't look at my disability as holding me back. I truly believe in my heart that I could be a blessing to someone, but no one knows that I exist. There are days I feel challenged beyond my years, but the Lord will not allow me to give up. He has brought me a long way and I know He is not going to leave me now."
In sharing her story, Carlene hopes to connect with individuals and organizations who can assist in the pursuit of her professional aspirations as consultant, advisor, virtual assistant or researcher. "It is therapeutic for me to work on some form of a project," she says.
For more information, or for employment inquires please email Carlene at CarleneStrickland.sbcglobal.net
At last, a middle school version of Simple Steps to Sentence with all new practice exercises, tests, writing connection pages, and answers. Everything you need to teach your students the easy way to analyze sentences. Just print a page at a time, or
At last, a version of Simple Steps to Sentence Sense for younger students and those whose native language is not English. Students can learn to analyze sentences in 5 easy steps.
Share
Save
