Thanksgiving in a wheelchair at my mom's

[@westiepower2020]

Interesting question about “accommodations” at friend’s houses. You know from previous conversations that I hate the fact that our home is not accessible - 3 steps up at both front door and onto our new deck. One friend carries a portable ramp but that only works for 2 steps up. We are trying to find solutions. Since we worry enough about making sure we know all our friends’ food allergies when we have them for dinner, and stocking their kind of pop and their favourite kind of wine, then my wife and I NEED to do what we can to make our home accessible to at least the main floor.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a portable ramp in my van too!

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara Really? Do you use it a lot? Is it limited to 2 steps as well?

[@westiepower2020]

It seemed so odd that you would make the place - your home - that you use every day “slightly uncomfortable” but then when you fully explained it, it made perfect sense. Planning ahead. You truly are the “doer of hard things”!!

[@grant4176]

You had me at Pierogi!! DROOLING Then you said cabbage roll! Omg!! Then ham!! Omg! Yummy!! 🤤🤤🤤 I'll dream food from my past 🇵🇱 holidays! Yes always be thankful!! Cheers!! ThankQ for the giggles!! 😋

[@someonerandom6379]

Oh my god, your nephew has the most amazing hair colour ! I would love it 😊

[@EmpoweredPara]

I know! it's so bright!

[@hbhb7900]

A am so impressed, and jealous of your positivity, beautiful attitude. Btw, I want the gorgeous red hair! You don’t need to be in a wheelchair, for your mother to take over! Lol. You will always be a child to them. 😂

[@Lost_and_found85]

What a wonderful family!

[@swilson5346]

Love 💕 how informative you are.

[@rebeccaforbes4183]

Great video! Our family likes the Chinese cabbage slaw too. Wcb for MS since '94. Keep smiling! Blessings.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It's so good isn't it lol!

[@swilson5346]

I got so emotional at the end of the vlog. That’s because I have a hard time saying “goodbye “ and you reminding us to be thankful. God bless always 🙏🏾

[@EmpoweredPara]

I hate goodbyes too! Makes me appreciate the time I spend with people though!

[@billroberts3864]

You have a fun family and your laugh and smiles are fantastic. Thanks for sharing and blessings to you.

[@johnweaver1198]

I'll tell you what kiddo- you ain't afraid to eat lol....... That Ham looked off the hook... You and I would fight over that!

[@EmpoweredPara]

you can have the ham lol, I'm protecting my cabbage rolls and perogies haha

[@johnanthonyalberola6252]

AND THE BLESSING GOES ON

[@cliffkeller7471]

You have a wonderful family

[@sheilabowman5556]

So nice to see your Mom and Dad and the rest of the family. Happy Thanksgiving from the Bowman’s. 😘

[@EmpoweredPara]

Happy Thanksgiving! 😊

[@Lost_and_found85]

Your videos and family are amazing!

[@marianne57]

Happy Thanksgiving. What a beautiful fun family. I love your channel. It’s so full of positivity. Thanks for sharing your Mom’s salad recipe. ❤️🤗

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome! Let me know if you try it!

[@cdnsoul5808]

The turkey meal look so similar to what my mom use to make many yrs ago. Brought back good memories

[@bretdodds653]

Absolutely hilarious lol!! Can't wait for the next get together. Love you!! ❤️

[@EmpoweredPara]

Me either!

[@eduardopadilla5505]

Excellent your videos in general!

[@EmpoweredPara]

thanks!

[@lorettagirk89]

I just just lost my legs and I thank you for showing your videos on how you do it because I'm new at it and watching your videos help me I fell off a cliff and Bodega Bay in California and it was about maybe three stories so that's how I lost my legs I mean I have my legs but I'm paralyzed from the waist down

[@ryanmuir4819]

Looked like a really fun Thanksgiving weekend spent with an awesome, happy family. That food looked amazing too.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah the food and the fun are my favorite parts!

[@ryanmuir4819]

@Empowered Para Nice!! Happy Easter, by the way!!! Hope you have an awesome weekend.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@Ryan Muir just flying home from a short trip! stay tuned for a vlog!

[@ryanmuir4819]

@Empowered Para Right on. I'm looking forward to it. :)

[@brianlowther5929]

Brittney&joe that was amazing nice to see your familey. thank you

[@EmpoweredPara]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tylerhayden8201]

I learned something new. I had no Idea Canada celebrated Thanksgiving in October. Who knew?

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol yeah not even sure why

[@Kdw849]

So glad you added recipes! Fun to see different foods from Texas thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@EmpoweredPara]

What are some Texas Thanksgiving foods?

[@Kdw849]

@@EmpoweredPara we have similar. We don’t stuff the turkey and we make cornbread dressing on the side. 2 bags cornbread stuffing mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 cup sautéed celery 1 cup sautéed sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup fresh onion Lots of sage to your taste Water to somewhat mushy consistency Salt & pepper to taste Bake at 350 F for 40- 50 mins until crunchy on top Green bean casserole, cheesy rice and broccoli casserole, candied sweet potatoes, fruit salad with poppy seed dressing, fresh greens salad, sourdough bread, mashed red potatoes with the skin, sometimes ham (if bigger turkey not available), pecan pie and pumpkin pie. The best is the sweet iced tea. 1-2 tbsp oregano

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@Kdw849 thank you! Totally gonna try everything!

[@Hiiiiiiii124]

Being a wheelchair user this makes me feel better

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm glad!

[@delphinium5555]

Lovely to see family life. What amazing red hair your nephew has!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I love his hair too!

[@endtimeawakening5557]

Beautiful family and much love! You're very blessed and I pray that all remains as amazing as it is now!

[@user-fr9wg9ft3p]

That kid has the reddest hair I've ever seen! And your son looks just like you. You've got a lovely family!

[@westiepower2020]

This is such a good video! Tons of interesting info and lots of fun! I've now watched this video with a couple of friends who wanted to see first hand of what I enjoyed so much! It's now my 3rd favorite one of your videos! So happy!

[@johnjaco5544]

Looks like a good time had by all

[@EmpoweredPara]

It was super fun!

[@maxivides]

23:21 that was hilarious 😂

[@ronunderwood8099]

I'm glad you had a good time. You and your family ought to come down next month and experience Thanksgiving in the south. When all of my family shows up at Mom's house, nobody would notice four extra people.

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol maybe they'd notice the wheelchair

[@ronunderwood8099]

@@EmpoweredPara Maybe they wouldn't? Wouldn't make any difference either way. We would feed you. We don't discriminate.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@ronunderwood8099 glad I wouldn't get kicked out haha

[@darlenetillman6290]

I recently had your Japanese cabbage salad….but with shredded broccoli….very goooooood.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Ooh! Gotta try that!

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

nice looking family, God bless all.

[@EmpoweredPara]

thanks!

[@gregdensham4760]

Seems to me that you and Amy Adams were separated at birth A good friend of mine has a 27 year old daughter who was struck by a vehicle while cycling and suffered brain damage and ended up in a wheelchair Good news is that she is making excellent physical and cognitive progress More to the point - I find your positive attitude and motivation quite inspiring I will be sure to tell her about your site God bless you and your family

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a few kindred spirits out in the world I think! Thanks for sharing my channel with them!

[@andreasantoniades9171]

Lovely✌🏻❤❤

[@donnaconneally3205]

I watch all you do and question why I can’t do as much. It could be that I’m 30 years older, shoulder replacement, rt shoulder problems and cannot use my abdominal muscles at all. You amaze me. Also curious, due to my injuries (crushed sacral nerve root/L2 incomplete) I am a double bagger (colostomy & urostomy). Currently looking at ramp vans instead of taking my chair apart and putting in passenger seat.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Comparison is the their of joy! We all have our unique capabilities and capacities. You're amazing and I bet you do a lot!

[@morgancalvi6675]

I love cabbage rolls and pierogis...my favourite are the Russian ones with sour cream and raisins (I forget the Russian name) and for dinner we always have I love cabbage rolls and pierogis...my favourite are the Russian ones with sour cream and raisins (I forget the Russian name) and for dinner we always have sauerkraut with kielbasa, green beans and Spaetzle, kale, Reibekuchen, Kartoffelpuffer with sour cream and of course baked apples with gingerbread or marzipan and spiced cranberries and Apfel Strudel. Only my name is Italian 🤣.You already told us about new beau...he doesn't care how you pee 😂. I've had Japanese cabbage salad before, except mine has raisins and the almonds are candied...oh and apple slices. I guess we ended up putting a German spin on it because the dressing is sesame seed oil and apple cider vinegar and bacon (and yes, you can't go wrong cooking it in the oven). Now that I think of it, the addition of apple slices is probably a German spin as well 🤔.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It's my sister's boyfriend not mine!

[@morgancalvi6675]

​@@EmpoweredPara...just razzing you 🤣. I know you're married and not going to announce to the world in front of hubby you have a beau.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@morgancalvi6675 lol maybe we are a thruple

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara 🤣

[@javierbarrucz7755]

❤❤❤❤wow and funny

[@brittySS]

As I've commented before I'm not a wheelchair user but do use mobility aids. When I'm not at home accommodations aren't made for me except maybe a bin in the bathroom & I am given assistance with whatever I decide to ask for help with.

[@MrYoda707]

I’m not in a wheelchair, but I need to know all the stuff so if I meet somebody in a wheelchair and help me get respective of what they go through and if we become friends, I need to know all the stuff

[@EmpoweredPara]

It would be awesome if more people took the time to learn like you are! Thanks for widening your perspectives!

[@jacquelinetennant5049]

I am not a wheelchair user BUT, that would not stop me from making all the necessary allowances within my capabilities for a guest in my home. Did allergies, intolerance issues with kids diets for 15 years so what's a bed or bathroom change up. 🤷‍♀️

[@EmpoweredPara]

that's awesome! Most people aren't that thoughtful!

[@jacquelinetennant5049]

@@EmpoweredPara when you spend years trying to educate people to make everything inclusive for a child, you get it. And true many don't but, then again they've never been in a situation where they need to make allowances and adjustments. My children attended a primary school here that bent over backwards to be inclusive and had special education units attended by one of my children. Like most things - unless you spend time with it you don't get it.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@jacquelinetennant5049 unfortunately you're right. I wish things were more obvious to others but that's just life. We are all ignorant in our own way.

[@ATG.0331]

I knew there was something off about you!!!! Your Canadian!!!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Do I sound Canadian lol?

[@westiepower2020]

I didn't want to bug you again today, but Deb and I have a question about this salad which we are making this evening or tomorrow morning - do we cook the Ramen Noodles, and leave the chow mein noodles as is?

[@EmpoweredPara]

both noodles are uncooked

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara Thank you.

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara Well, I can see why my attempt looked sooo much different than what it is supposed to look like! Big Whoops!

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@westiepower2020 I've made it with cooked noodles and it's good that way too!

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara You are sooo nice!

[@tedwardfox]

Dotto on the recipes. Amd, youu seem to have a reasonably true-to-life famo;y… even the sister's boyfriend whose name may not yet be known. Plus, I've never celebrated Thanksgiving (down in he U.S.) with both turkey AND a ham. Meat Fest!

[@EmpoweredPara]

We love both lol. Plus my husband hates turkey so we make ham for him lol

[@georgeprice6252]

Did I hear you say your sister is Gluten Intolerant, I am gluten free person, Your Thanksgiving meals look delicious

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

Your son has your eyes and your daughter looks like Joe funny how genetics work so cute.

[@EmpoweredPara]

At least something of mine got through the gene pool lol!

[@3macgirls]

I avoid all of those issues because I just don’t travel. People come to me or I go see friends and family here in the area. my routines take with you much time and energy for me to enjoy being around others and it please tell is not my home. Traveling is not something we all enjoy.(I am using a first to text software, so I hope that this comment comes out OK.)

[@westiepower2020]

I think the time has come that the “blue pads” might be an added precaution for my wife. Since I know some supplies, such as a male urinal, can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart, can blue pads be purchased at only medical supplies stores? And, is there a fuller name for these blue pads? Thank you.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Tena pads

[@westiepower2020]

Many thanks Brittney! We appreciate the information.

[@megangeiger7629]

Ok so I’ve been bingeing your videos for like a week now and I have an idea for your vlogs! Drinking game: 1) Viewer takes a drink every time you forget to hit ‘record.’ 2) Viewer takes a drink every time you mention bowel routine 3) Viewer takes a drink every time you pee somewhere that is not a bathroom 4) Viewer takes a drink every time a kid takes over the vlog 5) Viewer takes a drink every time someone says “Canadian.” See how many vlogs it takes to get tipsy! Here’s the problem with this idea: I don’t drink. So somebody else try this for me please kthx.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't drink either lol. But that sounds fun! I think it's awesome that there are themes in my vlogs lol.

[@aberration3869]

Why do you say you are “in” a wheelchair? You are on a wheelchair. I know it’s a habit but it’s what people say who don’t know any better , like it’s some kind of box or cell. When actually it’s the exact opposite,as you know. It’s freedom and ability. The poor wheelchair is so misunderstood. 😢. 😊lol going into my 43rd year, happened when I was 23 in 1980 and even though life can be a nuisance I’m still in no rush to go anywhere. I was looking into travel trailers just for fun so I watched your lift vid for some info, thanks!.I wish you the best, cheers.

[@SuburbanDon]

Very good. Your kids seem to have their fathers eyes. Are you sure you're the mother ? :o)

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol pretty sure 😅

[@latanyafrancois6108]

Amen Amen and Amen in Jesus Name to everything!!!😁

[@darkfoxcollector5794]

jace her nephew is my brother

[@EmpoweredPara]

Love you buddy!

[@darkfoxcollector5794]

@@EmpoweredPara love you too

[@seanmc1351]

hey girl, im sorry, lve your videos, i have commented and you have replied You bang on about thanks giving dinner thats a sunday roast we do every week in uk, you guys need some lessons girl lol where is yorkshire puddings, gravy looks anemick, just kiddin great video BUT YOU DO LESSONS FROMA BRIT LOL XXX

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'll take that as an invitation to your house for next Thanksgiving lol. You csn show me how it's done!

[@seanmc1351]

@@EmpoweredPara i was comparing american food to us in the UK. your family would be welcome. i meant nothing by it, appologies

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@seanmc1351 I didn't take offense lol. I was just joking with you!

[@seanmc1351]

@@EmpoweredPara will post a vid of our sunday dinner lol, message you, wil have to be sunday, lol, loved the video of your solo road trip, working my way through all your videos, i find it inspiring

[@seanmc1351]

@@EmpoweredPara making dinner sunday as usual will take a short video an post it, video will not be to your standard, i will do the cooking you do videos. love them by the way

[@dazza70smith]

👏💜👍🙏🤗♿️

[@lovlyviolet]

No no no no no no no no no no (in the Kevin Hart voice) First off you are totally yoked!!! Good for you Second, thanks for the email. You're awesome!! I will definitely let you know when I start my channel. Maybe we could do a collab or something 😉 Third, it's so sad to hear that you make your home slightly uncomfortable so it's easier for you to deal with slightly uncomfortable situations outside of the home. Work smarter not harder my friend from the north!!! Your home should be easy and very comfortable. I know traveling is hard, but make it easier on you by bringing the things that you need. My in-laws house is set up with a parking spot and 36-in doors. They're pretty set up without the grab bars at the toilet. My mother's house, our family cabin home, and part of my travel 🧳 is equipped for my necessary assessment stuff. Which includes a bedside commode, a walker, bed cane (which I absolutely need to post that for your bed necessity) various spices (if we go to an Airbnb) and gluten-free / healthy foods. I have a bed cane that breaks down into parts so it's easy to pack. Yes I do have a big glorious roller bag. But it's under the 40 lb airplane limit and I'm able to pack all of my stuff and my sons. I have found that people just do not know how to make things accessible. However they are happy to do anything that will make it easier for you if you just ask. I love love love your energy and positivity. Keep posting new videos cuz I love watching them.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a few friends that think I'm crazy for not making my home more accessible lol. It's mostly just what I have gotten used to when I couldn't afford make things accessible lol.

[@lovlyviolet]

@@EmpoweredPara I mean you're stronger for it there's no doubt in that. But once you do make your house more accessible you will wonder why it's taking you so long!!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@lovlyviolet when I start rolling in the $ from youtube I'll renovate lol!

[@georgeprice6252]

The little guy with the red hair , who did he belong to

[@j.d.h8645]

lucky no named bf

[@MrOGREATWISEONE]

Pierogis?.. I give up, what are they? We certainly don’t have these here in Australia. 🐨 🦘🦘

[@EmpoweredPara]

omg lol you are missing out! Perogies. If I could ship food to you I would lol.

[@tykolmel9452]

Perogies are…………..HEAVEN…….only if homemade…….lol.