90 Pound Heavyweight

In this short episode we share more about Janet's mother and her transformation from a young and somewhat rebellious girl into a caring and heart-filled woman.  You will hear some of mother's early thoughts and beliefs and also how those thoughts and feelings changed before her death. It is a very open and transparent look at the multi-generations affected and involved in this strong woman. 

In this episode we learn more about Janet's philosophy and beliefs about preserving history through photographs. She said in specific context that she believed "photographs last longer than people".  Today's talk ponders the way that families, loved-one's and friends can help preserve a legacy and share core values through images. We discuss HOW to accept, reject, preserve and share the history of families. Please visit 90poundheavyweight.org to see new images posted illustrating Janet's life in imagery including a sentimental and candid picture of the family backyard where so much grew--kids, flower, vegetables and spirit.     

Episode 9, shares the personal writings of Janet Barnes and her unique ability and determination to WRITE. She writes about her high school graduation including the details of her prom. In this heartfelt recount you are privy to the unvarnished life of a woman who's greatest desire was to LIVE!  Mother's enthusiasm, spirit and never-give-up attitude  prevail as she shares her wisdom and joy of life.  Please visit https://90pounheavyweight.org to follow more closely with this short talk and view the videos showing life from birth to death.     

Today I am unveiling the real thoughts, action, conditions that can affect welfare and independence.  You will hear a daughter's account of life with a strong woman confined to a wheelchair and the extend she would go to remain independent.  This candid look at what could be or maybe should be a reasonable option to permit and encourage life and dignity can be compromised my other's thoughts about weight, choice and more.  I describe the purpose, function and my thoughts about permitting Hoyer Lifts and why I believe it is so important that we allow them to be used. Mother required this after a most likely preventable incident where an attendant wasn't able to support her manually. She continued to live independently for many years before the terrible accident that cost so much in 2012.

In this episode I share more about mother's daily life, actions and how she moved through adversity--accepted responsibility and was a woman who got things done.   She was a professional photo retoucher and I believe that transferred to her being a creator of making everything she could beautiful.  She respected and championed the act of responsibility. She believed we do all we can for ourselves and those we are responsible for.  Learn more about her amazing spirit and life at 90poundheavyweight.org. Mother never gave up and I'm doing all I can to not give up and share someone who I believe will make a difference in you life and mine.  I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks, Angela   

In this episode I am introducing you to my dad, Harold Eugene Barnes, just like mother a tough act to follow. As a paraplegic man who lived his life in a wheelchair and was a ward of a teaching hospital that used him for exploratory surgeries since he was around 5 years old, he was a giant over 10 feet tall in his ability, willingness and 'never-give-up spirit.  Mother said "My  husband and I both knew we were equal. All we had to do to retain the other's respect was to be ourselves." I share also a short spontaneous poem I am for now calling  'Daddy'.  DADDY  There's nothing he wouldn't do Nothing he wouldn't try He was present He was the most able man I knew He'd get the job done Obstacles didn't have a chance He'd fix it—do it—somehow   The challenges just motivated more My parents were like the Energizer bunny Never stopping Doing more than eyes, hands and limbs Could ever expect But they did They got the job done    

In today's episode I'd like to share more about mother. She was a woman of faith. A woman who believed, and before she died, positively a woman of grace. I am sharing a personal letter mother wrote titled 'A Letter to Barbara--A One Page Autobiography'. We also discuss another writing titled 'Some Things About Me'.  Here you can  listen to my candor in letting you know much of the how and why mother had such faith in spite of small physical ability.  I think you will find much trust and faith in her beliefs and you might even learn why she said she was 'eclectic'.  I am fortunate to know so much and to have learned more directly from her while preparing the tribute book '90-POUND HEAVYWEIGHT: the Life and Triumph of Janet Barnes.  I'd love to hear your feedback. You can see and learn more at 90poundheavyweight.org. Thanks, Angela       

In this episode I share random thoughts about mother's life and you have a special opportunity to hear her voice and learn her beliefs. Learn more about her unstoppable spirit and her never-ending desire to live fully, positively and to make a difference in the her world and beyond. 

I'm sharing today in part as a tribute and in part as a promise—the life of my mother Janet Barnes, with her unstoppable spirit, determined life and belief that there's nothing beyond the determination. When mother lived as the young woman unable to get out of bed, get dressed, use the restroom, scratch an itch or do most of the things we all take for granted, she used her mind—she used her mind to decide what she believed, to focus on this. She trained her brain. I think at some point in her last years she told me she thought she had more wrinkles in her brain than anybody in the universe because she used it so much. I'm sharing here my tribute  to mother written the first mother's day following her death. I titled it Wabi-Sabi Mother.  You can see the full article on the website. Please listen to the podcast that tells more...      

In this short Podcast, Angela Barnes, poet and author, and daughter of Janet Barnes, shares the background of the Janet Barnes Legacy Foundation which was founded just 24 hours after the death of her mother.   Angela shares some of the physical struggles her mother experienced as a quadriplegic from birth as well as some insight into the medical care for the elderly.   Angela shares some of her mother's indomitable spirit of being all that you are– regardless of your physical condition.   As you listen, you will feel Janet's sheer determination to live a life filled with gratitude.   Angela's aim in this Podcast is to awaken and inspire each of us to be advocatesfor those who cannot speak for themselves. The Foundation is an avenue through which this can be accomplished.   Visit www.90heavyweight.org for more information on the foundation and www.heartspokenwords.com for Angela Barnes' website.

Angela Barnes is a poet and writer. In this very personal Podcast, Angela shares the reason for founding the Janet Barnes Legacy Foundation. —just 24 hours after the death of her mother, Janet Barnes. She includes a glimpse of her mother's incredible life–a quadriplegic from birth.   Janet Barnes' life story was published in 90-pound Heavyweight: The Life and Triumph of Janet Barnes, a non-fiction work based on hours of conversations with her author/daughter as well as from diaries and other records. Janet wanted others to know how one can be productive and successful regardless of their physical condition.   As you listen to the Podcast, you will get a senseof the indomitablespirit of a small, frail woman–who at the same time was a giant in spirit, heart, mind and determination.   The Podcast includes a few stories about Janet's life, but mostly about her experiences of pain, suffering, care and survival following a serious accident which broke nearly every bone i