Frankie Wright, center, is shown with personnel at the Southeastern Technical College, Jenkins Center, where she is studying with hopes of receiving her GED. Shown with her, from left, are Elaine Williams, instructor; David Smith, instructor, and Linda Beck, secretary. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett) Born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, some might assume that Frankie Wright, 55, would find little for which to be thankful this Thanksgiving holiday. That, however, is far from the truth. Frankie not only counts her blessings but also works daily to improve her situation.

Frankie did not attend school until she was 15, and, therefore, did not receive a formal education. Determined to overcome that barrier, she has been attending the Southeastern Technical College (STC), Jenkins Center, two days a week for over 10 years working on basic skills with hopes of getting her General Education Diploma (GED). Her ultimate goal, she said, is to become an advocate for the handicapped.

Frankie Wright and Samuel Phoenix are shown in the kitchen of her home which has recently been made handicap accessible. “I just want to show everyone that you can do whatever you want to do,” Frankie said.

Her optimism is also an inspiration to those she encounters, said STC instructor Elaine Williams.

“Frankie always has a positive attitude and is very dedicated. Once when she didn’t have a way to get to the learning center, she crossed busy Highway 25 in her electric wheelchair and came. If Frankie can do that, then none of us have any excuses,” commented Williams.

Overcoming obstacles is very familiar to Frankie. When her primary caregiver, Dorothy Wright, her mother, passed away five years ago, Frankie knew she would have to make her home handicap accessible in order to continue to stay there. She sought and received assistance with the task from Congressman John Barrow and Dr. Kyle Gay, and now has a home in which she can do things for herself. Frankie does require assistance with some daily activities from a home health aid, and also relies upon her niece, Tammy Ward, and boyfriend, Samuel Phoenix. Still, she is determined to be as independent as possible.

“I try to live my life as full as I can live it. I don’t let this chair stop me,” Frankie said.

And when her family and friends celebrate the Thanksgiv- ing holiday this year, they will gather at Frankie’s home to do it. There they will find Frankie counting her blessings as she continues to make lemonade from the lemons life has dealt her.