Disability doesn't stop Janette Parmley
Janette Parmley has been an active member of the Florence Labor Day committee for the past two years and serves as chairman Tracye Warner's right hand assistant.
The two other committee members are Vickie Turner and Mary Jane Grimmett.
Parmley suffered a stroke shortly after the 2002 Labor Day celebration. The stroke weakened her left side, making it difficult to get around.
However, that has not stopped her from continuing her activities with the committee.
She said she told workers at the Lady of Lords rehabilitation center in Wichita, "I have to be home for the first Labor Day committee meeting."
They didn't think she was ready to go but, despite their misgivings, they let her return home just on time for that meeting, which was held at the end of September.
She said she walked into the house with the help of husband Tim and son Travis. She had been gone less than two weeks.
She discontinued physical therapy a few months ago, and receives strength from her independent nature and positive outlook on life.
"God left me the two best things I have," she said. "My finger to dial the phone and my mouth to talk."
Because she has difficulty walking, she spends most of her waking moments in a wheel chair. She obtained a motorized wheel chair in February, which allows her to be more active and get around on her own.
Her 6-year-old grandson Cody, who often spends time at the house, likes to help his grandmother as much as he can. He puts on her socks, holds the leg brace in place while she puts on her shoe, and sometimes rides his bike alongside her when she travels in the wheel chair. She also has a 3-year-old granddaughter, Corin, who likes to spend time at Grandma's house.
Parmley recently spent time going around town distributing Labor Day fliers and posters with Cody's help. She helped design the Labor Day T-shirts and used the telephone to contact entertainers and other possible participants.
Parmley was instrumental is bringing back the car show and the kids' tractor pedal power contest.
She recently received word that a company is planning to bring a water game and rock wall to Florence and will pay the town to do so.
Also, 11-year-old fiddler Jake Tanner, sponsored by the Florence Chamber of Commerce, will entertain, as well as singer Cheryl Doty.
Parmley is excited about the celebration and is sure to be seen motoring around during the three days of festivities.
"I just keep going," she said. "I don't want anything to stop me."
