These Are My People!

Becca Neels
Feb 13, 2018
3 min read

I would like to start off today’s post by saying, I am continuously overwhelmed by the outpour of love, support and encouragement that has resulted from me deciding to change the calibre of my blog posts. There is so much freedom in choosing to be “ real” and authentic. I eventually reached a point, where hiding behind a positive persona in an attempt to escape the harsh realities of my condition and life in general was not working for me anymore.

Every day, I am reminded of the effects that CP has on my body. I am reminded of the abilities that I once had and how certain activities used to be so much easier than they are now. Sometimes, I cannot help but wonder what God’s thought process was behind His decision for me to be born with Cerebral Palsy. There have been many times where my faith has been challenged in the face of adversity and arduous situations, but as much as it has tested my strength and caused me to doubt my competence, it has strengthened my faith in more ways than one. It can be extremely difficult to believe that something good can come from our challenges, especially when we do not understand the reason for them. My recent challenges with the secondary conditions related to my Cerebral Palsy have left me feeling robbed; like an integral part of me is being ripped away. I have to say though that this time of anger, frustration, grief and pain has affirmed something very important for me.

Just because you lose one thing doesn’t mean you lose everything.

I am so unbelievably grateful for the people in my life. No matter what I am going through, I know they have my back. They are always in my corner, and for that; I’d like to say thank you.

Thank you for your patience.

There are times when I am not the best version of myself, but you stick around. In every instance where I feel lost and would rather be stubborn and figure it out myself, you’re there. Thank you for that.

Thank you for the memories.

The concept of making memories is something that I consider even more valuable now. Thank you for embarking on crazy adventures with me. Thank you for thinking about how to modify certain activities, so I can have fun, too. Thank you for finding humour in anything and everything with me. I love laughing with you.

Thank you for supporting me.

In every endeavour I embark on, you are the first ones behind me. Even if the goals I set for myself are crazy and seemingly unattainable, you always see the best in me and wholeheartedly believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I think the world of your positivity and how humongous your hearts are. You will never, ever admit this, but I know that it can be difficult to support someone who has unique needs and challenges, yet you have never complained. I only hope that I can be the support for you that you are to me.

Thank you for loving me.

Even when it isn’t easy or I don’t love myself, I know you love me. You have chosen to see past my challenges, flaws and imperfections. To you, I am just, Becca. I don’t show you enough appreciation. I have made mistakes. I've screwed up. You have forgiven me, even when I don’t deserve it. Thank you for that.

These are my people, and I love them with all of my heart.