I was recently asked by a casting director to write an elevator pitch of my life.

Here was my response.

I was the Valedictorian with coke bottle glasses who grew up in a one-stop-light town and married my high school sweetheart, a gifted athlete. 

I graduated from pharmacy school with a doctorate degree in 2008 and was 7 months pregnant when I walked the stage. As intelligent as I was, I was ignorant. I had enveloped all my worth and value and other people’s worth and value into a superficial and objective measure of intelligence. Holding my new baby girl Isla, I wanted desperately what society defined as a successful and fulfilled life for her and for me. Little did I know that the last thing she would need from me was predefined standards. The world would give her enough of those. The world would also give her a lot of labels. Autism. Intellectual Disability. Seizures. Speech Delay.  My Isla suffered prejudice and ableism enough for my heart to be humbled enough to hear the calling towards advocacy. As the world’s lack of compassion dampened her spirit, my soul, mind, perspective and definition of success were so forcefully broken but slowly and lovingly reshaped. Isla’s life is composed of the pages on which I had to write out my biggest, hardest mistakes. I tried my best to compile these pages in a book titled, “Waiting for the Light Bulb: The ramblings of a crazy, gritty mom” which has a chapter for each year of the first 10 years of Isla’s life.

I am still married to my high school sweetheart who made me a momma and a coach’s wife. We are still crazy about each other which is a rarity I have never taken for granted. Together we have three children, Isla Love, June Olive and Greg Major each of who has enhanced my life in such different yet potent ways. I work as a clinical pharmacist for the veterans of our country and spend my days serving those that served us first. At the age of 35 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and opted for a total radical bilateral mastectomy. It saved my life. While cancer stole so much, it gifted me time. Weeks and weeks sitting in an electronic recliner where I edited and self-published my book and created a nonprofit. I continue to spend my evenings building a sustainable nonprofit called Labeled & Loved that focuses on creating connective experiences for mommas like me with children like Isla. Writing is my ultimate therapy but serving others is my ultimate coping mechanism.

Many years ago I prayed the scariest prayer of my life knowing that the ramifications could be severe. It was only two words. Use me. I didn’t know what that meant at the time but I knew, I know, that my life and my gifts were meant for greater purpose. But for what purpose, I didn’t and sometimes still don’t know. But I do believe that that prayer continues to be answered with every open door to something new and challenging and I am here for it. I am ready. The elevator pitch of my life is not complete without me making it abundantly clear that Jesus is my Savior but kindness is my religion.

drlisapena5@gmail.com