Welcome to the Women Who Shine Brightly Series - a group of amazing women who brighten my life and the world.

#1 - Priscilla Hedlin aka Wheelchair Mommy

Anyone whose been around these parts for any period of time will find she needs no introduction but for those who new, please allow me to introduce one of very best friends. This is true virtually and IRL.

We have been all over each other’s blogs and platforms, shared favorite drinks across YouTube, and had a BLAB talk show back when BLAB existed. Our kids have grown up together. We’ve mourned great losses and celebrated terrific accomplishments. Simply put, when I think of women shining brightly, Priscilla comes immediately to mind.

Meet Priscilla

Born and raised in Texas, Priscilla was paralyzed in a car accident around age 18. Having known from a young age, however, that she wanted to be a mother, one of the first questions she asked as began her transition into her new life was “can I still be a mom”?

That was really the only question she needed answered. She couldn’t change being paralyzed but that was the most important thing in her life. She wanted to be a mom, a TGIF mom. When she received the answer yes, she knew she was going to be okay. It wouldn’t be “sunshine and roses” but she could and, more importantly, would have a good life.

But obviously the family didn’t come with the chair as they rolled her out that day. She found her husband online in 2001, in the nascent of internet dating. People thought they were a little crazy but there must have been foxes around because they have been married almost two decades, and yes, she became a mother. To three, in fact.

For her, everyone has a “thing” and this is her thing. We each face an obstacle, strive to be our best, and keep moving. She just does it on pink wheels.

More than a set of Wheels

She has been writing online for about 20 years now, starting not long after those fateful words. And as her kids have grown - they are now 10, 13, and 16, her posting has evolved away from much of the Mommy side of her blogging.

Priscilla has an eye for style - a serious eye. She and I both love thrifting, especially when Lilly Pulitzer is the winning find! She shares this love of Fashion, including the moment she became a Target model.

And sometime back, she began “Stylish Gimp” as a secondary style blog and now it is her primary.

And if that weren’t enough, she has been in the process of redecorating her home and sharing it one square at a time over at TheHedlinHome.

I chose Priscilla because she shines. Period. I could have listed other “things” she’s had but she’s not special because of or despite her chair. The chair is just part of her journey and one that could never dim her light. Not even a little bit.

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Thanks for joining in celebrating my Golden Year and these amazing women. I know I enjoy watching them shine every day. I hope you will, too!