TAMPA, Fla. \u2014\u00a0The reigning\u00a0Ms. Wheelchair Florida and her mother are taking a message of joy and hope to kids through their books and public appearances.<\/p>\n
Schuyler Arakawa and mom, Meridith Alexander, have published a series of children\u2019s books about overcoming obstacles.<\/p>\n
In 2016, Arakawa was on a fellowship from Yale to South America, working to expand opportunities for women, when she took a trip to Colombia. She went rafting with a group and then not long after that while exploring a grotto, a boulder fell on her. It caused injuries in many parts of her body, including a traumatic brain injury.<\/p>\n
She was taken to a hospital in Columbia for treatment and later flown to a hospital in Miami, where she underwent multiple brain surgeries. She also underwent rehab. It has been a long road to recovery.<\/p>\n
On a recent morning, Arakawa and Alexander appeared together at the Southshore Montessori School in Apollo Beach to read to a group of children.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, we are going to read our newest book, which is all about fear and doubt and doing hard things even if you are not sure you can do them,\u201d said Alexander.<\/p>\n
A few minutes later, about two dozen children came into the room, where the mom and daughter greeted them enthusiastically. \u201cWe are so glad to see you,\u201d said Alexander.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome in, guys,\u201d said Arakawa.<\/p>\n
Then Alexander started reading from one of their books that includes Arakawa in a wheelchair. She is called \u201cPrincess Happiness.\u201d The books feature children overcoming obstacles like a boulder.<\/p>\n
The life-changing event of being struck by the boulder in Columbia resulted in limits to Arakawa\u2019s speech and mobility, but she turned those limits into a purpose for her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is hard. But the way I see it, some people say I\u2019m positive in my recovery,\u201d said Arakawa. \u201cBut I really think there is no other way to be, because if you were upset you would just hurt yourself. I have learned that you can not control the outcome. So, I might as well make the best of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexander said she and Arakawa try to stay focused on looking for the positive and life. That is what they hope people get from their appearances.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoy is all around us the same way the oxygen is around us. You don\u2019t always see it,\u201d Alexander said. \u201cBut you have access to it.\u201d<\/p>\n