Author: Jessica Grono

Cerebral palsy doesn’t just affect how I move—it affects how I feel. Not in a way that’s always easy to explain, but in a way that is very real. Emotions don’t always come gently or at the “right” time. Sometimes they arrive all at once, spilling over before I have the chance to hold them back. March has been a good month. And also… a hard one. I had the opportunity to step into a classroom I absolutely adored, filling in while they were between teachers. At first, it was day by day, then week by week. I didn’t know…

There are moments in life that quietly mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Turning thirteen is one of them. It’s a milestone that feels both exciting and heartbreaking at the same time—especially when it’s your youngest child. My youngest just turned thirteen. And just like that… the child years are over. I don’t know how it went so fast. People always say it does, but you never quite believe it until you’re standing in the middle of it, wondering where the time went. One minute you’re picking out toys and tying shoes, and the next…

Sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned—they show up quietly, unexpectedly, and change everything. The day after Thanksgiving, my husband surprised us with a cat. Laura was home from college, which made it even more special. From the moment we met him, we knew he was something special. He was about a year old, sweet, playful, and full of personality. It was hard to believe he had been sitting at the SPCA for so long, waiting for someone to see what we saw right away. That first night, he made himself completely at home. He curled up on my…

One minute you’re teaching them how to open their own juice box and the next… they’re teenagers. Jason is officially a teenager now, and Laura has just six months left before she leaves those years behind. I find myself sitting in that strange space between pride and disbelief—wondering how we got here so fast. I remember holding them as babies, telling them silly stories and making up the best imaginary games. Being a mother is the absolute best. They are both incredibly talented in their own ways. Jason is a creative thinker, a musician, and someone who feels things deeply.…

I never wanted a cat. I had a dog and a baby that was barely two. I had a childhood cat before but I can’t say that I was that close to it. And somehow, I ended up with one who changed my life. Hip Hop came to me as a kitten—small, unwanted, and on the verge of being sent to the SPCA. My friend’s mom didn’t want him, and even though I wasn’t thrilled about the idea, I couldn’t let that be his story. So I took him in, telling myself he was cute, Laura loved him and my…

Most people complain about a cold and then move on with their day. I brace myself for it. Because when you have cerebral palsy, a simple cold isn’t just annoying—it can turn everyday moments into real challenges. Having a cold is never fun. Most people can agree on that. The sore throat, the congestion, the overall foggy feeling—it’s uncomfortable for anyone. I can’t swallow pills too well so I take liquid medication which tastes horrible, but does the job. But when you have cerebral palsy, a cold can feel like so much more. For me, it’s not just about feeling…

Commencing college can be emotionally challenging for parents. We invest our hearts and love them deeply, but the separation can be arduous. Allow me to share my experience. Campus Arrival Journey back home

Staying organized isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace and strategies. For me, it’s the steady rhythm of routines that helps me approach each day with a little more clarity and a little less chaos. I think it is partly disability related but also just my personality. . With so much riding on each week—my students, my family, my own goals—it’s essential that the foundation is set early and well. Here’s a glimpse into the small choices that make a big difference in how I stay grounded and prepared. Clothing: One Decision, Once a WeekEach Thursday, I carve out a few quiet…

Graduation day is always a milestone filled with emotions, and Laura’s special day was nothing short of memorable. Many parents struggle with emotions at graduation time. I know that I have been dreading it since Laura was in Kindergarten. All of the school years seem to fly by but seem so slow in the moment. I always wondered how parents survive this monumental occasion. I have learned how now – we just go with the flow. Allow yourself to feel but keep in the moment. I know easier said than done, but I am an emotional person so if I…

Graduation day is a milestone not just for students, but for their families as well. I remember clearly when Laura started pre-school to crying as the bus pulled away for the first day of Kindergarten. All the nights of homework, school clothes, conferences, school parties, report cards, tests, plays, late night studying, friends, peer pressure, lunches, parties, field trips , and achievements burn in my memory. I made it burn in my memories because I knew high school graduation would come. I knew Laura would not stay in the area, but she would spread her wings. She spread them a…