This time each year at the Vicksburg Post we are tasked with looking through the work we did the previous year and finding our best to submit for the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Media Editors Professional Contest.

There are many categories for which entries can be submitted including personal columns, feature stories, breaking news and photography.

Aside from this being an added assignment in an already busy environment at the paper, sometimes for me it also feels a bit awkward to discern what I deem as my “best” work.

If I were a narcissist, I would say, ‘It’s all good!’ But I am not, so I like to try and be diligent in selecting pieces that are not only reflective of my writing skills, but also assiduous in trying to find some of the more intriguing stories I have had the privilege to share.

Most of the stories I write for the paper are feature stories that highlight homes in our magazine, business milestones in the community and or shining a light on individuals or events in Vicksburg, thus making it really hard to choose only a few for contest.

With that being said, next year when it is time to start pulling out our best, there is not doubt in my mind, I will submit the feature story I did on Brandi Toney.

And it won’t be because of my writing ability.

Brandi’s story is one that I would call a best.

At the age of two she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, which is a cousin to ALS, and has been in a wheel chair pretty much ever since.

Brandi has come close to death several times, and it was predicted she would not live past her teens. She is 27 now.

With all of the obstacles, including a tracheotomy, so she can breathe on her own, Brandi has had to endure; this amazing person has not let anything seem to alter her passion for life.

She even has a website in which she shares many of her challenges, not so people will feel sorry for her she says, but because she wants them to understand she is just a regular young woman.

She even talks about what it is like to date.

Here is just a snipit she has written on her website.

I’m not gonna lie. I’ve turned down so many people when they’ve asked me out. Not because I’m not interested but, because I just feel like it’s a hassle. Everyone’s disability is different though. Unless you’re dating a doctor or someone who knows about your condition…. It’s gonna be a whole new world to them. How do you go about telling them, “Yes I’d totally love going out to eat with you but hey, do you mind helping me pick up my glass when I’m thirsty?” Lol that’s just not attractive sounding. You don’t want your date feeling like he’s at work. So how do I date? I typically don’t at first, to be honest! Lol I’ve had boyfriend’s, of course, but we have always just hung out until he realizes the things I need help with THEN we date… I’m afraid to let people help me because I don’t want to be a bother. I know people say “it’s not a big deal” but to me, it is. Dating with a disability is so much more complicated than you think. Lol don’t even get me started on the specs…. you order stuff that you can easily just eat yourself.. Oh… Wait… I need salt on these mashed potatoes? Oh well.. I’ll just eat them bland so I don’t have to ask for help! lol and yes, I can feed myself but I do need help with other stuff.. these are just things that WE think about… Or how about we go to the movies? Oh… I’m sitting way taller or lower than you because I’m in my wheelchair.. Well that sucks. I guess I could just ask you to pick me up and put me in a regular seat… hmmm… nah, too embarrassing. Lol

In my opinion, this young woman is quite a writer along with having an awesome wit!

I don’t know about you, but I am not sure I would have been willing to share my trails and trepidations of dating, but for those who may have similar challenges as Brandi, what a Godsend she is for others.

It’s stories like Brandi’s that inspire and whether I win an award or not, I’m already a winner for have the privilege of sharing her story.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.