Fun isn’t always associated with social distancing. Keeping occupied in these times of isolation is essential. Kids are used to the busy school schedule so it’s a huge change. As a mom with cerebral palsy, using the imagination to keep busy is challenging. I absolutely love Pinterest plus ideas that come from others on social media. Please feel free to share any insights that you have. Jason has enjoyed LEGO challenges that have been going around Facebook. He looks forward to them everyday. I admit he has gotten quite good, and I recorded each build. We also go on walks…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
Everyone has a story about the Coronavirus. How we handle it is being observed constantly by our children. I’m normally a calm and cool person. I try my best but also have claustrophobia and anxiety to take care of my kids. Their mental health and losing quality education is my concern. Being hopeful and remembering the positives are hard but necessary. I hope everyone can see some hope. Recently, I had an X-ray on my hips because pain had increased. Even though I’m responsible for my hip damage from years of sitting in the W position, it’s hard for me…
Learning at home has started today at our house. Children are amazing and exhausting all at the same time. Life as we know it has changed completely. Today was our first day home from school and work. The children were all mine. Thankfully, Jeff still can go to work. Ironically, I finally obtained a job teaching only to have it very bluntly end. It was good while it lasted, and I’m very hopeful to start again. Today I started homeschooling Jason. For the most part, things worked out quite well. We didn’t do everything that I had planned, but we…
Coronavirus has changed everything in a matter of days. We live in Eastern Pennsylvania exactly where most of the Coronavirus patients are in Pennsylvania. In a 5 day period, life went from normal to basic upheaval. I’m a relatively laid back person, but all these changes can drive anyone crazy. Cerebral palsy on top of it all equals “buckle up and take it one day at a time.” The Coronavirus doesn’t scare me as much as it does others. I read a lot about it and, if for some reason we get it, I have faith we will be okay.…
Jason turned seven last month. I still remember when he was born – I actually remember when I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t think Jason would ever come to be because pregnancy just didn’t happen. But one day, in July 2012, my lower back ached and just felt off. When I saw 2 lines pop up on the pregnancy test – I felt goosebumps and complete joy. Right away, I went into “mommy mode” of eating right and protecting myself for him. Seven years later, I cannot believe how fast time flew by. Having him around…
Who doesn’t love St. Valentine’s Day? Well, alright not everyone does. Some even call it just a commercial holiday. Well, I think Valentine’s Day is fun and full of love! My husband claims he isn’t romantic, but he is very much so. This year I received a gift almost everyday during the week of Valentine’s Day. It was so sweet and unexpected from someone who claims they don’t believe in it. I got a necklace with one half of a heart and he wears the other, a box with a beautiful rose inside, a pillowcase declaring his feelings and a…
Handicapped parking spaces have a purpose for people with disabilities. I’m not sure why handicap parking spaces are very controversial, but they are. In the news recently, a man in a wheelchair found himself physically assaulted because he simply asked someone not to park in a handicapped space. I never thought a problem could happen asking someone to pull out of a parking space that they didn’t need. It is scary to believe that people would ever hurt someone over a reasonable request. I firmly believe that people with disabilities should support one another. If they really need to park…
February has always been one of my favorite months. January seems to drag, but February you know that winter is more than half way over. Groundhog’s Day is a fun holiday to celebrate and no presents are needed. St. Valentine’s Day is full of love and friendship. In our house, we also celebrate Jason’s birthday. Yes, I like February! I feel that I did pretty well accomplishing my goals last month. It wasn’t easy because I kept getting sick. Every time I felt a little better then bam, I had strep throat or a cold! I feel like it was…
20 things you might know about me might be a fun blog. Now obviously some people know because of being friends and family. However, my readers could be surprised to know a few more things about me. 20 things about me I like many colors so it’s difficult to choose a favorite one. Pink and blue seem to be my absolute favorite. I have a pink wheelchair!My favorite animal to observe is the tiger. Tigers are majestic and mysterious. They are also unpredictable.My religion is Roman Catholic. I go to Mass every Sunday because it makes me happy and centers…
National Junior Honor Society isn’t easy to join. It is much like a college application. For some colleges, this application might actually be more difficult. Laura has accepted to join the NJHS. It has been an excellent way to celebrate all of her hard work. Laura is a very serious academic student with an awesome track record. She has only once gotten an 87 on her report card. All of her grades exceeds 90, and I’m not even sure how she accomplishes it. I know that I’m extremely proud of her and so grateful to know her. When Laura entered…