Thanks for Making Me a Fighter!

Throughout my life, I have come to view my cerebral palsy and the experiences associated with it as a gift, because it has played a role in shaping my perspective. It has allowed me to see things through a uniquely different lens. Don’t get me wrong. If I was given the opportunity to walk tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate. If I said that I wouldn’t trade my disability for anything, I would be feeding you a load of crap. However, I will say that it has taught me so many valuable lessons that I honestly do not think I would have learned if life had turned out differently, and for that, I am grateful.

I have learned that the misconceptions and stigmas attached to disabilities are largely due to a lack of education. It is a common occurrence for people to focus on disability from a medical standpoint. For example, because of your disability, this might be harder for you, this is your reality, or my personal favorite- “you can’t. This statement is not an expression of anger, but rather an attempt to promote understanding and acceptance. I know that I have Cerebral Palsy. I know that because my muscles are tight, my mobility is limited. I know that it might be harder to complete certain activities. I have lived in the same body for twenty years now. I don’t need a reminder. None of those things matter to me. What I want is to know that at the end of every day, when I lay down to go to sleep, I did the very best I could with what I have been given, no matter what.

There is always going to be situations where my different ability will be a factor in my decisions. That is something that will never go away, but misconceptions do not have to define the quality of my life. Just because I have Cerebral Palsy does not mean that I don’t have dreams. It doesn’t mean that I should have to compromise. It gives me even more reasons to challenge those misconceptions and fight for what is inside of my soul.

Thank you, Cerebral Palsy. Thanks for making me a fighter!