Overcoming the Impossible - A Life of Trials and Triumphs

By Monica Gartner

Monica faces a constellation of meteoric challenges crashing in upon her daily. The lifelong burden of her physical limitations is outwardly evident to all. They are unmistakable. Her suffering is all encompassing, and it makes her noticeable. She stands out in a crowd because she appears to be so different from vigorous, strong, and able-bodied people. Her life presents us with many stark disparities and vivid differences when seen through the eyes of regular folks around her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monica Gartner
• Release date: Feb 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9780994772411

Monica Gartner

Since writing this book, Monica now works as a civil servant in the Human Resources Department, and continues to volunteer her time with the Canadian Assisted Travel Society. She is also on the board for Realwheels Theatre. Monica is available for speaking engagements and is able to talk on a variety of topics such as Ditch Fear and Live in Freedom, Superior Customer Service, Creating a non-profit group and Overcoming the Impossible and much more. Her contact information for scheduled speaking engagements is posted on her website: www.monicagartner.ca 

Book preview

This book is dedicated in loving memory to my beloved father, Gerhard (Gary) Gärtner. His, dedication, and unconditional love has taught me to embrace life and be thankful for all that God has given me.

I also dedicate this book to my mother, Agatha Gärtner, and my sister and her family for their love and support through the trials and triumphs of my life.

When I first saw Monica Gärtner wheel into our Sanctuary in her motorized chair, I have to admit that I thought, 'Oh, mercy, how is anything we are saying here today going to minister to her.' But then I heard her laugh at one point in the Service; an infectious, joyful laugh; and thought, 'this lady is going to minister to us.' And then I had a conversation with her. Oh, my! What a beautiful human being! So full of hope. So full of vision for the future. So clearly full of Life. After reading her story, I know why. She has found Life in wonderfully full measure. Read her story and you will never look at another human being the same!

Rev. Dr. Darrell W. Johnson, Director of the Centre for Preaching, Carey Theological College, Vancouver

I have known Monica for over 10 years. My first memories of meeting this remarkable woman was the sound of her voice, especially her laughter prior to actually seeing her. When you first meet Monica, you may only see her disability and wheelchair. Within minutes this barrier is gone and you are deep in conversation with someone whose eyes sparkle, who is curious and attentive, and wants to have every experience that life has to offer. I remember when Monica was told that she needed a degree to get a certain job, she went and got it. When told she would never drive, she went and did it. Monica has done more in her life than many able bodied people have. She has a spirit of generosity and adventure that keep her positive and forward looking. A number of years ago I told Monica that she should tell her remarkable story. In her usual style, she has done more than that. She has written a book, started a charitable not for profit organization and is on her way to television and radio interviews. She is not one to be held back or held down by anyone, least of all herself.

Wayne Rawcliffe, BA, BEd, MBA, EdD (cur), CHRP Educator, Speaker, Facilitator Senga Consulting Inc.

I believe Monica's book will be inspirational to each reader. The conversational style helped me feel part of Monica's family and learn how she overcame incredible adversity to become a gift to many. As a parent of a son with a disability, I enjoyed Monica's stories of how her parents loved one another and loved their children. The power of love is a gift and it definitely is a main reason Monica has thrived. I was honored to read her story and I hope many people will read it.

Gigi Devine Murfitt, Author of Caregiver's Devotions to Go and Co-author of My Message is C.L.E.A.R. –

Hope and Strength in the Face of Life's Greatest Adversities.

Having known the Gärtner family for years, I've had the privilege to witness a living illustration of the type of Godly graces described in the Scriptures as faith, hope, and love the greatest of those being love. Some might read Monica's story as a profile in courage, and they would be right. But on a deeper level, her story is not hers alone. It is a story defined by a unique and powerful model of a family and a community knit together in that godly bond called love. The Chinese philosopher, Laozi, once said that Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Monica's story stands at the nexus of the two as one who has been deeply loved, and who loves deeply. Such a story needs to be taken to heart.

Dr. Lyle Schrag

Monica Gärtner is a force of nature. In my years of knowing Monica and coaching her in wheelchair dance, she continues to be a light of inspiration and a constant source of joy to anyone who knows her. Monica is an entrepreneur, owns her own home, and travels the world. She is a consummate entertainer, actor and motivational speaker. When Monica enters the room her energy and presence enter with her. For any woman, all of these positive traits would be considered outstanding. Monica does all of this from her chair. I will always picture Monica as she whirls and races and laughs her way through life. Monica Gärtner is a true treasure and one of the diamonds in my life. Thank you Monica.

Toni Triplett, Canadian Wheelchair Dance Academy, Artistic Director and Principal Instructor

Copyright © 2016 by Monica Gärtner

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,

in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-0-9947724-1-1

Photo Cover: Kevin Clark Studios

http://www.kevinclarkstudios.com/

Cover Design: Brad Marx

http://bradjmarx.com/

Copy Editing: Sara Chang

http://esque21.com/topics/21home/

Content Editing: Made for Success Publishing

http://www.madeforsuccesspublishing.com/

Proofreading: Sheila Martindale

http://sheilamartindale.com

Content Consultant: Dave Symington

Consultant: Dr. Paul Beckingham

http://www.pacificsoulcare.com/

Art Work: Nicole Makihara

EBook Conversion: SpicaBookDesign

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my Uncle in Germany, Hermann Gärtner for his love and support throughout my life and all my family and friends for their encouragement throughout this journey.

A special thanks to Brittany for all her help over the past 20 years. Without her I would not have been able to accomplish as much. She is the most dedicated person I have ever met.

And to God, for giving me such an extraordinary life that taught me to see the world a little differently. It is through my challenging life I have learned we can all Overcome the Impossible!

Preface

Special people come in distinctive wrappings. Such an individual is Monica Gärtner. As you read her story, you will quickly see how her small size is her special gift-wrap. It struggles to contain her gigantic contribution to us. She has a huge heart for others and an active faith in the Triune God upon whom she daily depends.

It is a truism to say that people everywhere live broken lives. Some are tattered and shattered by the injuries of disappointment and personal disaster, and their hope lies in ruins at their feet. Yet, to become more fully human requires each of us to confront and climb our personal mountains of menace and extreme circumstances that will eventually confront us all.

Some folks seem to be quietly able to safely navigate their way upon a swelling tide of trouble. They approach their trying tasks with cool determination. Others simply sink beneath their heavy load. Eventually however, the human condition dictates that all of us will reach the limits of our finite capacity to cope. An overwhelming trial is precisely that – it forms a tsunami wave big enough to sweep away even our hope. At such times people of faith lean heavily upon God. His unbroken promise is that he will never abandon or desert us. Monica's narrative bears testimony to that truth.

Some individuals are remarkable for their persistent resilience. They keep bouncing back. They don't give up, even when confronting constant physical and inner pain. To read accounts of their bravery in the face of devastating challenges both astonishes and strengthens us. These persons seem to stand high above the rest of us. Why? – Because from their birth they bear the unreasonable weight of catastrophic loss, yet they carry it with courage. Monica Gärtner is such a person.

Monica faces a constellation of meteoric challenges crashing in upon her daily. The lifelong burden of her physical limitations is outwardly evident to all. They are unmistakable. Her suffering is all encompassing, and it makes her noticeable. She stands out in a crowd because she appears to be so different from vigorous, strong, and able-bodied people. Her life presents us with many stark disparities and vivid differences when seen through the eyes of regular folks around her.

Nothing about Monica's suffering can be labeled average. It is, in fact, quite exceptional, made just so by her rare and limiting condition. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is an uncommon developmental disorder and those who face it know how it can literally break them apart in body and in spirit. Yet, Monica demonstrates something even more extraordinary. Page after page of her story becomes a record of her rare courage. With determination, she has learned to smile at every new tomorrow, no matter what it might unfold.

Her account will touch your heart and inspire your hope; it does mine. It may also leave you with the profound conviction that differently-abled persons like Monica Gärtner have so very much to teach each one of us. For followers of Jesus, her record will invite you to rest in God's love and relax in his care trusting him in all circumstances. But please don't let me try to persuade you. Simply open her life story as she shares it here. Read it for yourself. Take it to your heart. Let it powerfully speak to you of love, hope, and faith in the face of immense suffering.

Paul M. Beckingham, Vancouver, BC.

Author: Walking Towards Hope: Experiencing Grace in a Time of Brokenness (Castle Quay)

History

I want you to meet this nice-looking young bartender. It was a hot and humid June day, and Marie and Agatha had been walking down the street on their lunch break.

I don't know if I can do that just yet. Oh, come on. It's a nice bar!

But what if someone sees us? You know nice girls don't go into bars.

Don't be silly! Who's going to see you in the middle of the afternoon? Reluctantly, Agatha followed Marie into the bar.

Marie was in her late twenties and had medium brown hair, and blue eyes.

Agatha was in her mid twenties. She had sandy blond hair and an aristocratic European nose. Agatha came from Germany after World War II when she was just sixteen years old. Agatha, her mother, brother, and sister immigrated to Leduc, Alberta. On June 6, 1948 Agatha arrived in the new promised land. She could not speak a word of English, but after a few short months, she had taught herself English by reading comic books. Once Aggie became more familiar with the new language and culture, she began working as a waitress in Leduc, Alberta. On her first day, she spilled a cup of coffee onto her first customer's legs because she was so nervous. She had never had a job before.

Aggie did not enjoy living in a small farming community and left Leduc when she was twenty. She headed to the big city of Edmonton. Once in Edmonton, she found a waitressing job in a local restaurant on the south side of the city. After a year away, she quit her job and headed back to Leduc because she missed her family and friends. However, after having the experience of living in a bigger city, she still found Leduc to be too socially conservative so, Aggie decided to move to the even bigger city of Toronto. There, while waitressing in a local restaurant, Aggie befriended a woman by the name of Marie.

Once in the bar, Marie and Aggie sat at a cozy table and waited for the bartender to take their order for something cool to drink.

The bartender came over to Marie. She asked for a beer.

And what would you like to drink? he asked Aggie.

Well, I think I'll have a 7UP. A 7UP and what? he asked. That's all--just a 7UP.

Oh, ok.

While he turned around to get the beverages, Marie said, Oh Agatha, can't you be a little daring.

Gary, the 28-year-old bartender was a strapping man, with dark brown wavy hair and dark blue eyes. He was born in a small Northern German village called Oberlüebbe. His mother and father had raised four children through hard labour by making cigars. They wanted more for their children, and they worked hard so they could send all their children to school. When Gary was fourteen, he wanted to become a chef, so they sent him to an apprenticeship in a hotel in Badoenhausen to study. In 1942, there was not much cooking going on in restaurants due to the war. He learned how to cook after the war by watching other chefs, and stealing their secrets with his eyes.

However, before 1945, he was drafted and told to join the army but he didn't want to fight. So the night before he was to report, he got a flat planer knife and hit his legs over and over again. The next morning, his legs were swollen and red. The medical exam said he could not fight, but he had two choices: 1) Go to a ship that night and report to the kitchen; or 2) Leave with the ship the next morning and report to the kitchen. He put up his hands to go the next morning and his buddies did the same. That night, Gary and his buddies tried to escape, but they were caught. They could have been shot on the spot, but thankfully the soldier that caught them knew the war was about to end, so he let them go. Life was beginning to go back to normal and his mother started urging him to find a wife and settle down, but Gary had another plan even though he was being offered a well-paying job.

The owner of a resort in Germany had offered him a job. However, Gary wanted to live in Canada for a couple of years, learn a new language, and experience another culture. The owner told him the job would be waiting for him when he returned; he need only ask. Gary promised his mother he would be back in a couple of years and settle down, get married and get a good paying job. In the meantime, Canada was calling.

While Gary was preparing the order for Marie and Agatha all he could think of was, what kind of woman goes into a bar and orders a 7UP? He decided to go over and strike up a conversation with them.

Hi, here are your drinks, ladies. Now which one of you ordered the beer?

I did, Marie replied. Thanks.

Then you must have ordered the 7UP. Yes...thank you.

Well, my name is Gary and what did you say your name was?

I didn't, but my name is Agatha, but most people call me Aggie, and my friend's name is Marie.

Before Gary went back to work, he asked for Agatha's number. She hesitated and blushed but Marie nudged her arm to encourage her.

Two weeks later, he gave her a call. He asked her if it would be alright to have dinner at his friend's place. She agreed. When they arrived at the home, they were greeted at the door by a warm couple who were about twenty years their senior. This made Aggie feel very safe. The woman introduced themselves as Evelynn and Cecil. But our friends call us Eve and Ces, Evelynn said.

Aggie and Gary had a delightful dinner in Eve and Ces' cozy home. Their décor was contemporary with modern appliances. Time flew by as they talked for hours about their past and their hopes for the future. Even though they had just met, Aggie felt very close to them. The two men stepped outside for a smoke while the ladies were talking. Ces said to Gary, This girl is a keeper. She's the right one for you!

Yes, Aggie is pretty special. She's a very lovely woman.

This first date led to many other dates and as time passed their love grew stronger and it became apparent that their bond was destined to last. Gary finally decided to ask her the big question but first, he had to visit his parents in Northern Germany and tell them he would be staying in Canada. His mother's heart was broken but his parents gave him their blessing. Unfortunately, they would not be able to attend the happy occasion because they could not afford the cost of the flight.

Upon Gary's return, he sat down beside Aggie, and then in the middle of their conversation, he asked point blank, Agatha, will you marry me?

What! Agatha exclaimed.

Will you marry me? he repeated. Yes, I love you!

OH, my love, YES! They embraced each other and kissed.

Their wedding took place on February 8, 1958, with Eve and Ces as their adopted parents. Like parents, they decided to host the reception. Since money was tight, the reception would be in their basement. Gary and Aggie married in the Lutheran Church. They had a small wedding with only fifty people present. The reception included the bridal party and only twenty-seven close friends, since that was the most the basement could accommodate. The party lasted until 5:00 am! The only reason they stopped was because Aggie had new shoes on and her feet were killing her.

Unfortunately, their honeymoon was delayed for six months because they could not afford the time off and until then they both would work Monday to Friday. Gary continued to work as a bartender, while Aggie worked as a keypunch operator for an insurance company. They were like two ships passing through the night for several years. While Aggie came home from work at the end of a normal working day, Gary was just leaving to begin his work night. Nevertheless, on weekends they were always together.

Quite often, they would go out onto the town with Eve and Ces to concerts, plays, movies and of course, parties, such as costume parties with their friends for Halloween. I remember watching a slide show where both my parents were dressed up as hobos and gypsies. They went to church on special occasions like Easter and Christmas but they were not regular church attenders. There were Christmas parties to attend, delicious food to eat, and plenty of dancing the nights away. Year after year, their life was easy-going and lively, walking hand in hand through parks and around the city. With the challenges of the war in their past, they could now live a normal lifestyle. Of course, life has a way of putting unexpected detours in our path!

The Early Years

My sister and I

The day before I was born my mom kept busy by sweeping and washing the kitchen floor. She was humming to herself while Anna, my elder sister, was sleeping in the bedroom when all of a sudden mom clenched her teeth in pain. She rushed over to the phone and called dad. While dad was on his way, a friend of my parents came over to watch baby Anna. She grabbed her overnight bag, which was already packed in anticipation for the big day, and headed off to the hospital with dad by her side. My parents were going to have their