Over the course of my life, especially when I was younger, many would say to me, "You're so brave," in reference to living while disabled. At the time, I also thought my disability lent me bravery. Now I have mixed feelings about the phrase. Living with cerebral palsy is the only life I've ever known.… Continue reading On Being Brave
Tag: language
Please Just Call Me Disabled
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
“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?”
"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"
Being Blessed
Over the years, I've had many people tell me how "blessed" I am. I used to have conflicting feelings about this word in particular, and admittedly wasn't one I would use during the times I felt particularly sad or upset about having CP (I'm only human, after all). That phrase, which sounds kind of like… Continue reading Being Blessed
Saying "Sorry."
Recently, I was at an old cider mill, and in order to get inside had to climb a few stairs. I am able to navigate stairs well, so I didn't consider this an issue or lack of accessibility for myself and my situation (though I very much realize that stairs may be inaccessible for others, and… Continue reading Saying "Sorry."
The Spastic Diplege 