Sad Side of Life

"In terms of putting special needs kids on our covers, we've learned
that the logistics make this really difficult and expensive...we
have to hire a professional photographer, go to a family's house,
and then hope that the children are in good moods and will
cooperate."

One of the CP Moms in my support group saw this message posted in a twins magazine. This comment made a lot of disability parents mad including me. My son smiles when the camera flashes. He loves to be photographed. He does really well when I take him to the studio or when someone else is taking a picture. All children can act up and not cooperate. It’s part of being a kid.

The editor who wrote this acts like children with disabilities are a hassle. It’s sad to say, but I’m sure most Americans think that too. I think the only reason why americans think that way is because of how children with disabilities are perceived. I’ll admit it, when I was in school, I was afraid of children in the special need class. I didn’t know a thing about autism or cerebral palsy. Now that I know and I’m a mother to a special need child, I look at the world differently. I am ashamed of myself today for being so scared because I could have met some really cool kids. I could have taken the time out of my life to get to know them.

I think this world isn’t education enough on children with disabilities. I think children should go to a class to learn about the disabilities so that they can learn not to be afraid and not to make fun of anyone. I think adults should have to take a class before having children of their own. But, we do live in a free world.

This past year, I have been hiding myself and Tyse behind closed doors. I do not want to hang out with anyone who has “normal children” because I feel like my son isn’t good enough. I feel like he is not apart of this world, but apart of a different world. I’m afraid of the hurt that may be down the road, or the long list of questions that are waiting for me. I get tired of always saying his story a thousand times over hoping that someone will get it the first time I say it.

This article made me realize that if I don’t open my doors and walk into the light then Americans will keep thinking my son is a hassle or thinking the worst possibility. They will never get to know his laughter, his smile, or his abilities. I have to education every individual and share with them the facts of Cerebral Palsy. I have to give them the knowledge that they may be looking for. I may knock on the wrong door, or get the door slammed on my face, but there are a lot of those Americans out there who are so kind hearted and want to get to know my son. Then maybe, the ones who learned about Cerebral Palsy will tell those who didn’t want to listen to me. Wouldn’t the world become closer to being a better place?


Tyse and I are doing better. Tyse is still vomiting but I think it is due to reflux issues. I think I'm over my cold. My neck isn't swollen anymore. Thank you for your prayers!