Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Burle.
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2017, I became a mom to triplets. Maggie, Max, and Miller were born at 24 weeks gestation and spent the first 5.5 months of their life in the NEGA NICU. The past five years have been full of ups and down but we are learning to navigate the journey of disability and how it has impacted our family. Our life is never boring and always a good time.
Over the past five years we have done a lot of traveling for medical surgeries, treatments, and neurological therapy intensives. It was in our traveling that we saw a need with families impacted by disabilities. Most families in the disability world spend 22-30% of their income on disability related items each year. Whether it be travel, food, parking, housing, or the actual treatment. We saw an area where we could offer safe housing for free to these families to help relieve some of the financial burden. We have started a non-profit called Love Your Story. LYS was founded in 2022 in Gainesville, Georgia where we host families for three weeks at a time who are needing a safe place to stay during their child’s therapies. We will be hosting five families this year and we are beyond grateful that we get to play a small role in creating safe places for these families to come and rest, physically and financially.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Suffering, grief, and immense struggles are a part of life. When your life is impacted by disabilities it can seem that your life is harder, less than, or other. But quite the contrary, all three of our kids live full lives and are very happy. As a parent I have learned to lay down my expectations of my kids and to truly enter into their lives for where they are instead of what I thought.
Seeing the world of disabilities up close has only brought more joy, relationships, and a true appreciation for a life well lived.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Even though I am a Stay-at-Home-Mom on paper, I spend most of my time advocating for my kids and others in the disability world. Meeting with parents to discuss insurance and IEP questions. Having deep faith conversations about healing and Jesus when it comes to the world of suffering, loss, and disabilities. Speaking in our local community about the power of play and importance of belonging. All in all, I have many hats I wear on a day to day on top of creating and running the non-profit, Love Your Story.
At of all of these accomplishments and roles, I am the most proud that I am still standing. That I have learned that I can do hard things and will find glimpses of joy no matter how small. My hope and intention when sharing our story is that it creates spaces other families to share their story to help the next person. Sharing our stories is what connects us and creates the ultimate since of belonging.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5-10 years, I hope that Love Your Story is in multiple states and reaching hundreds of families impacted by disabilities. Personally I would also love to have my book published and share with others how you can live your story and develop a Love for your story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loveyourstory.us
- Instagram: @loveyourstory.us
Image Credits
Alfredo Briones Film
