April 20, 2006 April 20, 2006 Dear Family and Friends, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. Many of you wondered and asked me, ‘Why didn’t you write a Christmas letter?’ Well, those of you who received my card know that a picture says 1,000 words. My card was a picture of me riding in a convertible Mercedes SLK 320 with a HUGE smile on my face. On the side of the car, it read, “Los Angeles City Commissioner on Disability- Theresa de Vera”. Although the car did not go with the theme of the parade, ‘An Old Fashioned Christmas’, riding in the parade meant the culmination of overcoming so much. Today, April 20, 1996- I celebrate my ten year anniversary since my incident. Why would I call it a celebration? Why would I want to remember that fateful morning when my parents were told I only had a 50-50 chance of making it through the night? I’m celebrating in many ways. For one, I am alive; I can eat on my own breathe on my own, walk, talk, and even go to school on my own. I’ve accomplished so much more disabled than I probably would have able bodied. The road to recovery has not been easy, but with my family, Faith, and very close friends by my side, it has made it a little more tolerable. I have so much to live for. Medical knowledge still cannot pinpoint why I am alive today. They call it a ‘miracle.’ I’m Catholic, I’ll go with that explanation. I don’t need to know why I am alive, the fact is- I am. I woke up from a three month coma against all doctors expectations, but I didn’t need to know why- I believed that God would reveal more to me in His time, when He knew I was ready, not when I thought I was. And here I am now: I returned to the same school that I was forced to withdraw from back in 2002, and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 2004. From 2004-2005, I enrolled in the LMU Extension program and obtained my certification in Pastoral Care. I am currently finishing my first year in the Masters program at Loyola Marymount in Pastoral Theology. Did I forget to mention, on September 20, 2005- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed and City Council unanimously confirmed a position as Commissioner on Disability for the City of Los Angeles. This has truly been an honor and privilege to serve the constituents that have the same needs and concerns as I do. So, where do I go from here? No where, really. Ten years marks a milestone of proving doctors wrong, professors wrong, and in fact, it has been more of a learning and growing experience than anything else. I have shown society that if a person is just given a chance, whether disabled or not, one never knows what gifts each one can learn from one another. I have taught myself to never take anything for granted; whether it is family, education, or life. Many people say that I am an instrument of ‘HOPE’. Every time that I am asked to speak, someone says, “You are such an inspiration.” Yet, as I’ve learned in my Theology classes, we are the prophets or catalysts for Jesus. Sure, my story is inspiring, but I would not have been able to tell it, had I not had been given the Grace of God. So, my dear loved ones- thank you for walking this spiritual journey with me. I have come very far from where I was back in 1996 (for those of you who were there) Yet, I could not have done it on my own. I humbly thank my immediate family (Mom, Dad, Randy) who fought the doctors’ everyday. They fought tooth and nail to save my life (okay, Kleenex break) Often times, when I get ‘moody’ and we have an argument or something- I have to stop myself and remember who were there to fight for me, when everyone else gave up? To my extended family: I know that the ten years have not at all been easy on any of you, especially the younger ones, who are still too young to fully comprehend what happened. Thank you for being so supportive through the years. To my parish family: You helped my family during the most difficult time back in 1996, and you are still with us today. I am forever beholden to you for helping me know what it means to be ‘Christ-like.’ To my LMU family: You will be receiving individual notes!!! To my friends: We may not see each other everyday, talk to one another everyday, but please know that not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts or prayers. I thank you for your understanding, patience and support throughout the years. These ten years have flown by really quickly, and I’m honestly looking forward to the next 10 or 20. I was brought back for a reason, a reason that only He knows. But, until then- I will continue living my life, trying to follow in His Footsteps. God Bless you and your Families- Theresa “Tisa” May de Vera