Living with Cerebral Palsy

I have always wanted to tell my story, to some one who would really listen. To have them gain some understanding of my life or hope for their own. My life growing up wasn’t easy, in fact it was anything but. Since birth I have been told that I will never be normal, and never be able to do normal things, like ride a bike, or roller skate. Basically be a normal kid. All I have ever wanted is a chance to prove them wrong, and for some one to honestly believe in me. Anywhere from after school jobs, to playing soccer, to trying out for school plays, singing on stage and learning chorography. I was told I will be never be good enough.

It seemed like the world was against me, I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. For a long time during my early teen yrs I was semi depressed. But I never let it show. Because I was one to never talk of my personal issues, I almost felt guilty if I did. After all it could be so much worse.

I was born 3 months early. Weighing in at only 1 pound 14 oz. Even my own doctors didn’t believe in me. They told my parents if I were to live I would be mentally handicapped, blind, and deaf and I would never walk or talk. They were very wrong. My only abnormality is that I have what’s called spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy. Where the left side of my body is half paralyzed, however, I only have a mild case leaving me with a slight limp. It didn’t stop my teachers, youth leaders, parents or any other authority figure from constantly talking down on me.

I was very outgoing and loud, through the years though of every one telling me I won’t make it. Has left me shy, self-conscious and almost no self esteem. From the time I was very young until now I knew I would have to try 5x harder to be at least be average at the things I did try. I tried so hard to be normal that, I even forgot I had a disability. I would get very angry whenever some one would ask questions. Make me think,” why me?”

I have come to realize that questions will come and that I have to answer them the best I can. I believe that my childhood and early teen yrs have helped me become a better person, not only to have compassion to those who do have a disability but also to not be judgmental. I hope that by reading this you too, learn to have compassion and maybe some empathy. Most importantly to never give up no matter the situation or circumstance and you will overcome just as i have.=]