As the day passes, I learned that it is national cerebral palsy day. As you you watch me walk and shuffle my feet, you may have wondered what is going on with me? Was I hit by a car, nuclear missile or ravaged by a baby cougar while skiing the Matterhorn. Was I attacked by the villainous combo of Michael Ironside and John Saxon leaving me near death at a mysterious dojo? I like to think I fought groups of invading aliens such as in this clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFgg3vHw6ms (Michael Ironside-Aliens-Hero)
I have mostly Spastic Cerebral Palsy which involves spasms, loss of coordination and at least for me a great deal of clumsiness. Growing up, I was fortunate to deal with minimal teasing, a few pushes and shoves if anything, learning to live with a disability helped me learn to deal with people. My greatest limitations were within myself. Family helped strengthen me with love and kindness, and being surrounded by friends gave me the strength to keep on. My love for Christ helped me when dealing with the Hows and the Whys. Here are some keys to help you if you are struggling to talk with someone with a disability
1. It is not contagious! Putting your hand on my shoulder or shaking my hand does not cause you to spontaneously combust. Cerebral Palsy is not cooties, you will not fall to ground convulsing on touch
2. Eye Contact....Eye Contact.....Eye Contact If your eyes like to wander towards my legs, look at my face and see my smile, or gaze upon my un-massive triceps. If you look down I will be concerned my shoes are untied, trip, fall into you and then there will be legal issues...or I'll just stay on the ground embarrassed
3. I am not deaf! Research by people who walk around everyday says that when you talk to me THE VOICE DOES NOT NEED TO CHANGE AND GROW INTO INTENSITY!!! Cerebral Palsy is not in my ears!
4. Empathy is nice, don't over do it. I likely don't know what you are going through with your bunions, If you want to know about my hurts and pains, ask and I will let you know.
5. Parking is at a premium. Don't park in a handicapped spot unless you have the placard or plate, I have drove back home because the store door was too far away to get to because somebody parked the A-team van in two spots to go get his cigarettes. (Don't smoke-extra free advice)
6. I can be a jerk I love people and interacting with them, be yourself around me don't feel you need to walk around me with a different mindset for fear of offending me.
7. Humor and laughter help. Don't make the pain a prison, laugh with me talk to me not at me :-)
My lunch is ending, but I just wanted to say how blessed I am, and thankful for my Lord, my family, my friends, my church for accepting and loving me.
