Joe Sales is one of the new writers for SQPN.com. In this article, he presents himself to you.
When I look back at my 25 years of life so far, I am very surprised at how many barriers I have overcome to get to where I am today. I have many people to thank for their help along the way.
I came into this world on July 7th, 1985 at 9:22pm at 1 lbs and 15oz. I have a twin brother as well, who is two minutes older.
Our entrance to the world was a very interesting but rough journey. My brother was born with Cerebral Palsy and I was born with a mild intellectual learning disability. After I was released from hospital, I started showing signs that there was something wrong with me. My mother and grandmother wasn’t sure exactly what was wrong. They took me to the family doctor who had said that everything was just normal and that there was nothing wrong with me. They had brought me to him a few times before they got annoyed with his diagnosis.
It was after their last visit when they decided to finally get a second opinion. They took me to the local hospital where it was diagnosed that something was in fact wrong with me. The Emergency Doctor told my family that I was going to die if I didn’t get to a special hospital and have emergency surgery. I was brought in by ambulance and had the surgery. I was in and out of the hospital for about 5 and half months.
During this time, family and friends constantly prayed for my health. I believe it was due to the power of prayer that I survived.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was born with a mild intellectual learning disability. Having a disability doesn’t mean I am slow. It means that I learn differently. I have overcome many barriers in my life. People told me that I can’t do anything or go anywhere in life because of my LD. I have proved them wrong on many occasions.
I have successfully gone through elementary, secondary, and post secondary education, I am married, I have moved to a new city, I am involved in Catholic Media, and I am a keynote speaker for self advocate conferences.
During my life, Catholicism has played an important role in my life in how I live it and interact with others. I am not going to sit here and say I am perfect. I, like a lot of others, have struggled in faith and I continue to do so at times. It is my hope that through my postings on SQPN, I can provide you with some great resources to help you grow in your faith, and I believe it will help me with mine as well.
In closing, May this following prayer give you inspiration while you run your race and come across any barriers; “Lord, you know my strengths and weaknesses. You also know that I desire to be with you now and for all eternity. Come, Jesus, and fill me with your strength and your courage. Lord, I want to persevere in running and finishing the race with you!”
Patricia Curriston, and 
Kelly Lee is discussing. 
Janet Schmittgen, and 
Barb in Nebraska are discussing. 
Fr. Roderick, and 
Yes, I’ve posted my favorite podcasts, blogs, apps and websites on the special page & shared the link w/ my friends. I hope some more Catholic priests recognize the importance of having an online presence, instead of brushing off the Internet & all related to it as a nuisance. (unfortunately, some still think that way). I’m currently studying to get a certificate as administrative computer specialist–> God willing, maybe one day I can help promote getting the word out in a more active manner due to the skills I’m currently learning.