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…
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.
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…
Jason’s first school dance happened last night. Do you remember your first school dance? I believe mine was in middle school. Laura’s was in first grade, and Jason’s now was in first grade. It was a high honor to help him get ready and be his mom to accompany him. A few weeks ago, Jason came home from school. He pulled out his orange folder excitedly, and said, “There is a dance at my school!” Jason handed me the cute invitation. With his big brown eyes looking at me he eagerly waited for my response. I said, “of course we…
Teaching is an amazing experience. Employment is a huge obstacle for people with disabilities. I struggled with employment immediately after completing college. Discrimination is real when it comes to disabilities, and please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I have cerebral palsy, and there is no way to hide it. A physical disability is the first thing people see. Yet, I conquered landing several jobs that are outside the house in the last year or so. Teaching has always been my interest ever since in kindergarten. Teaching is in my blood, but my body doesn’t cooperate with me. Cerebral palsy…
Lighthouse is a symbol of hope, trust, and better days are ahead. Once in awhile, a song will come along and hit you right in the heart. My Lighthouse, by Rend Collective, is that kind of song for me. I just can’t believe that I haven’t heard the song before now. The song is about how a God serves as our lighthouse. He is the beacon when we lost our way. I strive to have a good relationship with Jesus. I listen in my heart His plans for me, and I draw from His strength. The song reminds me even…
Grateful is a feeling that can actually change your life. Let me explain. When someone feels thankful, your spirit relaxes and opens your heart to new experiences. I try to have a grateful heart even when life is difficult. My children are the most reason for my gratefulness. On Sunday, the weather was unseasonably warm for mid January. I don’t like the cold so I always welcome warm weather. After teaching my PREP (Catholic education,) going to Mass, and eating breakfast with my kids, dad and nephew-Jason and I had a fun afternoon! Let the grateful adventure begin Laura and…