For as long as I can remember, I have identified as disabled. It doesn't necessarily mean that I think I am not "able" to do certain things, or moreover, that I let cerebral palsy hold me back from doing what I want to do, or from enjoying this life I've been given. It just means… Continue reading Please Just Call Me Disabled
Author: M
“What’s Wrong With Your Legs?”
I have been posed this question many times before, and I hate it every single time. The most recent instance was when I was at work in a clinic, and I had to walk to retrieve a patient's receipt for the day's visit. After I returned to the front desk with the receipt in my… Continue reading “What’s Wrong With Your Legs?”
Exit Walt, Enter Heisenberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkKTY_ZljyU I am going to hereby assume everyone is familiar with the TV show Breaking Bad, which is arguably one of the best shows ever to grace our television screens. I could go on for days about the show's cleverness, perfect pace, and masterful storytelling....but instead I'd like to shed light on one of the… Continue reading Exit Walt, Enter Heisenberg
Owning The Name
The Simpsons was almost always on our TV when I was growing up. It's a mark of my childhood, which is probably true for most people given the program's longevity. This particular clip, from the episode "To Surveil With Love," which aired in 2010, is very significant. From 0:36-0:50, Lisa Simpson scolds the bully Nelson when… Continue reading Owning The Name
On the Concept of Autonomy
autonomy (noun): self-directing freedom and especially moral independence The concept of autonomy in relation to living with cerebral palsy has always been fascinating to me, and is worth exploring. Though I do have autonomy in many respects, at times it's hard not to feel like my disability keeps me from fully expressing myself physically, and… Continue reading On the Concept of Autonomy
"Don’t Be The Hero"
hero (noun): a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage Beyond both being providers, there's one more thing my surgeon and physical therapist have in common: they have both repeatedly told me not to be "the hero." My surgeon would tell me not to be the hero during follow-up appointments… Continue reading "Don’t Be The Hero"
Fighting the Fear
This Thanksgiving holiday, I spent some quality with my grandfather. He mentioned this blog, which he follows. In regards to one post, The Beauty of Progress, my grandfather told me that my fear may be preventing me from walking without crutches, and that it was mostly all in my head. That statement is partly true,… Continue reading Fighting the Fear
The Spastic Diplege 