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Living Beyond My Circumstances: The Deborah Willows Story
Copyright ©2014 Deborah L. Willows
All rights reserved
Printed in Canada
International Standard Book Number: 978-1-927355-18-3
ISBN 978-1-927355-17-6 EPUB
Published by:
Castle Quay Books
Pickering, Ontario
Tel: (416) 573-3249
E-mail: [email protected]
Edited by Marina Hofman Willard
Cover design by Burst Impressions
Some names have been changed.
Front cover photo and photo on page 48 were taken by London Free Press.
Printed at Essence Publishing, Belleville, Ontario
All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publishers.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Willows, Deborah, 1961-, author
Living beyond my circumstances : the Deborah Willows
story / Deborah Willows with Steph Beth Nickel ; foreword by
Joni Eareckson Tada ; note from the Honourable David C. Onley.
Includes bibliographical references.
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-1-927355-18-3 (pbk.).—ISBN 978-1-927355-17-6 (epub)
1. Willows, Deborah, 1961- —Health. 2. Cerebral palsied—Canada—
Biography. 3. People with disabilities—Canada—Biography. 4. Olympic
athletes—Canada—Biography. I. Nickel, Steph Beth, 1961-, author II. Title.
RC388.W54 2013 362.19892’8360092 C2013-907943-2
C2013-907944-0
Dedication
This book is dedicated to Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Lord. Without Him, my life and this book would be meaningless.
Endorsements for Living Beyond My Circumstances
Courage. Heroes. Crisis. Victory. God doing the impossible. A storyline for a novel? No. This is the life story of Deb Willows. She lets God shine through her circumstances. She honours her parents and friends as heroes...and especially honours God for giving her life and opportunity. Love and joy permeate her writing. In my own life I was deeply impacted by a mentor who had cerebral palsy. Deb is making the same impact in countless lives. This book will challenge you to walk in and live above your circumstances.
—Jerry E. White, PhD
(Major General, USAF, Ret; International President Emeritus)
Debbie Willows is on a journey that none would desire, but getting to know Debbie is a very encouraging experience. As a handicapped person, it is so challenging to see how, in her determination, no mountain is too high to climb. Her faith in the Lord Jesus is one to be espoused and causes one to realize that, with God, all things are possible. This book will be an encouragement to deny the negative and try those things made possible by God.
—Dr. Nell Maxwell
This story is about a young lady who can’t walk or use her hands but who, by her strong character and unwavering faith in God, is living a life of positive influence and service to others. I believe this book will have a life-changing effect on all who read it. Debbie has never been a burden on anyone. She is truly an amazing inspiration to all who are blessed to know her.
—Dan, Deb’s dad
I hope and pray that those who read this book will see the Deb we know: smart, loving, kind and generous, and one who has the ability to make friends. She puts God first in all she does. She once said to me, if she could walk, she would not be who she is. Deb is an amazing lady, and anyone who has the privilege of getting to know her will be blessed.
—Marg, Deb’s mom
Growing up with Deb was like growing up with any other big sister. What my parents did, which was very unusual, was to tell Deb and us that she was normal and everyone else was disabled. We believed them and therefore treated her like any brothers would treat a sister. From my perspective, she was a fantastic sister. Deb laughed with us, cried for us and set an example of how to live.
—Terry, Deb’s brother
I always thought of Deb as fun. (She would lick her Smarties and O’Henry bar so we wouldn’t take them from her.) Deb was also really brave, especially as a teen attending a school of 2,500 students. As an adult, she is a patient leader. (We’re quite impatient.) She has a pastor’s heart, a real love for people—people I’d write off. She ministers to me and to my family. When we need advice or wisdom, we go to Deb. We all gravitate to her. She is an encourager, a servant of God. She has no other agenda but to serve the Lord and do His work.
—Danny, Deb’s brother
I am pretty proud of Deb and what she has done with her life. Unfortunately, I work a lot, so I don’t get to spend much time with her. But when she needs someone, I am there no matter what I’m doing. She is awesome, and I can’t imagine having anyone else as my sister. Deb is the best.
—Sharon, Deb’s sister
Table of Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction—Celebrating the First Half Century
Go for the Gold
International Adventures
A Slight Setback
Real School
Family Life
A Daughter’s Love
Minds of Our Own
A World of Extremes
Tally Ho!
Beyond Competing
Foray into the Business World
Lego, Another Name for Independence
Help Wanted
Go North, Young Woman
A Note from the Author
About the Authors
Appendix 1—Author’s Biography
Appendix 2—Highlights of Author’s Athletic Timeline
Appendix 3—The Romans Road to Salvation
Appendix 4—The Paralympic Games
Appendix 5—Resource List
Foreword
Deb Willows is one of those people you never forget—and those who know her well consider her a treasured asset in the Kingdom of Christ. That’s because Deb knows something about what it means to be “more than a conqueror.” She understands how to “welcome a trial as a friend” and “rejoice in suffering.” She understands the virtues of perseverance and persistence. She lives out the encouragement Paul gave to Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier. Such mandates from Scripture are tall orders for the average believer, and I’m convinced that is why God raises up special servants like Deb Willows. He understands the power of example.
And that’s why Deb is such a treasure in the kingdom. She’s the example we all need. Why? Well, those who endure greater conflict always have something