The CP Question

I was recently asked the question, when did I know that I had cerebral palsy (cp).

To my knowledge, that was the first time I had been asked that question and it kind of stumped me for a minute. When you’re born with a disability, it just becomes part of your everyday life that one truly doesn’t focus on.

As I began to ponder the question asked, middle school came to mind. I went to an elementary school that only kids with disabilities attended. I loved my elementary school Gorman. Gorman has a lot to do with my achievements to date. Plus, I met many of my lifelong friends there and because all students at Gorman had disabilities, we were the majority.

It wasn’t until I hit middle school that things started to change.

I was mainstreamed in the seventh grade at Fairport middle school. Mainstreamed means: to place (a student with special needs) into a mainstream class or school. This is where I really started to realize I had cerebral palsy. Looking back, although I loved my elementary school, I kind of wish I was mainstreamed from the start. Unfortunately, during my Fairport years, I was no longer a part of the majority.  I was instead a minority, which made life a bit difficult.

Good thing I had big brothers that taught me how to be strong and, also, how to defend myself. This included language that they said, Mom wouldn’t approve of, but use them when needed. Thanks to my big bros, I defended myself then and still know how today, when I need too.

Kids have no filter, and some can be mean. If children are not taught at a young age that differences are ok, one with a disability can sometimes find it hard to fit in, especially if your disability is visible. Don’t get me wrong, not all kids are mean. Most are just curious when meeting someone who may talk, walk, or move differently. When curiosity comes into play, awareness is key. It can often help clarify but you must be prepared, there’s a risk that no matter how much you try, you’ll never be accepted by all.  But that’s ok, you don’t need the un-empathetic people in your life anyway.

My cp was very apparent to the middle schoolers, and some took advantage of it, at my expense. Of course, my feelings were hurt but thanks to my family, faith, and real friends my spirit came shining through to be the best. I became amazing and most of all, the happy Shari, the one you know today.

My cp is part of me which I had to learn to accept and even love. As I dig deeper into this question, I thank the heavens that I didn’t let the negative vibes of some of those middle schoolers throw me off my course and dictate the rest of my life. Accept who you are, for your unique and the world is a better place because of you.

With this, hello world, I have cp and I’m truly ok with myself and I’ve learned at the end of the day, that’s all that truly matters.