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DISABILITY AND POSSIBILITIES

July is my birth month, a time to re-assess life… things to be thankful for, things that have to be done, places to go to, people to meet up with after the pandemic, etc. But for now I’d like to write again about a topic close to home.

Can a disability affect living your dreams?

As I wrote in my blog last time, I mentioned about my having Cerebral Palsy of the choreo athetoid type.

This means I have physical limitations and involuntary movements that affect my balance, my muscles and my speech. Thank God I can manage to walk long distances as long as the path is not steep or slippery.

But our life isn’t like walking in the park, right?

As we age and mature, the challenges that come our way become harder and more complicated.

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES: PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS

I was born pre-mature and with a congenital disability that I, my family and friends and even my colleagues are aware of. Growing up, I was treated normally so I was able to move, play rough, and go outdoors and live the way normal children do. But in many instances I would stumble, fall or bump into something or someone. I remember during my P.E. class in grade school my role would be to stand like a post where my classmates would run around. I even had a funny episode where I fell off the stage while making the turn for our Bulaklakan dance in kindergarten.

As I grew older I became more aware of the changes in my muscle coordination and my speech would slur sometimes especially if I get nervous or excited. When I reached mid-40’s I noticed that my balance was already making it a bit hard for me to walk when the path is steep or if I go up the stairs without a hand rail or something to hold on to.

Hmmn, I thought I needed to do something about it.

So, aside from my annual neuro (neurologist) visit and maintenance medication, I decided to go into Physical Therapy to address my balance and leg issues.

*Pre-Pandemic, Id go to the Rehab Center for my PT. Since we are now on heightened restrictions. I just do exercises at home.*

DO I HAVE QUESTIONS AND REGRETS?

As someone with disability, I’m usually asked these questions– Do you have regrets? Do you have frustrations?

Yes, in the sense that I know I could have gone much farther had I not have any speech impediment or balance issues.

I was also asked if having CP can also be emotionally stressful? It is. Well, aside from having to cope with the bullying and name calling which I got used to over the years, even in my adult life some bullying just didn’t end.

Until I got used to it and realized that there’s something to be thankful for. Because I’m able to see my strengths beyond my limitations.

I’ve always wanted to work in a fast paced world. I’m glad I was granted that experience and to this day, I’m still working and learning new things as a writer.

And with everything that I have now, who am I to complain?

I can say, truly God compensates for all that you do not have.

*I’m thankful how God sustains me everyday.*

LIVING MY DREAMS AND COPING WITH MY DISABILITY

Having discovered my love for writing when I was in high school and enhanced by volunteering in social activities such as writing for the school paper until college, I must say it’s God’s way of preparing me for a career of a lifetime.

Because writing is a lifelong skill.

We may have difficulties, physical challenges, struggles but we must learn to see His will behind it.

And as I turn another year older, with all the love and support people give me– I can only be more grateful than ever.

The good behind all these is the miracle of life that I live today.

*It is by His grace and the love and support of people around me that I’m able to cope, for that I’m grateful.*

In line with the above, I hope you could also support the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Cerebral Palsy Warriors Philippines and other related local groups in your LGU’s.