Author: Jessica Grono

I’m a huge Olympic watching fan from ever since I can remember. I have fond memories of gathering around my grandmothers television in the 1980s with my cousins as we watched the Olympics unfold. I don’t know what interested me so much. The competition, the hard work ethic, the putting all you have out there or the unity of the world are all valid reasons why I enjoyed them. I am a firm believer of hard work equals reward. I do not think it necessarily has  money is the final destination  but more about accomplishments.  I worked hard to become a…

Most people might know me as the woman who has cerebral palsy and children. Some might know that I’m a Special Education teacher and writer who had breast cancer.   But here is a fun top ten list of things that you might not have known about me.  Enjoy!! I would try to do anything humanly possible not to hurt someone’s feelings. I don’t like to see anyone hurt or even close to being hurt, and certainly don’t want to be the cause of pain. One of my favorite times of the day is when the house is quiet, kids…

Sometimes a movie grabs your heartstrings and will stick with you. I fully admit that I’m not the biggest movie buff on the planet. In fact, it takes a lot of convincing for me to sit and watch a movie. Why? Sitting still is difficult for me because I always feel that I need to be doing something. However, I’m very happy to say that seeing the movie, “The Greatest Showman,” is not something I regret or will forget. The  Greatest Showman is about the life of PT Barnum who is the founder of Barnum and Bailey Circus. The circus…

No matter what type of cerebral palsy a person has, cerebral palsy limits their independence to a certain extent.  Technology has helped people with disabilities so much. Independence is amazing especially when you have such a limited range of freedom. Technology has improved the quality life of thousands of people who have significant disabilities. I know each time that I can do an action for myself, the feeling is indescribable. This week in the news, two children have experienced the unexpected thanks to advances in technology. First, Kyleigh is a girl with cerebral palsy.  She cannot speak, but uses a device…

Jason has had a fascination with numbers for a long time especially 100 years. We used to have a clock that chimed every hour but broke when Jason was two. Before it broke, we would count each chime, and he got his first understanding of counting.  I don’t miss the chimes waking me, but I miss counting with Jason. Laura learned counting with that clock as well. I have been strict about restricting TV and iPad time for everyone the last few weeks. I have enjoyed the changes in the kids and more family time. I like watching them play,…

I’m a very fortunate person despite having cerebral palsy.  Yes, I cannot walk, do daily tasks or other activities for daily living. But one extremely important and wonderful thing that I can do is to be a mother.  I love my children with all of my heart. From the moment that I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I felt an instant need to protect, nourish, and take care of her the best possible way I can. I felt the same when I became pregnant with my son. The most incredible thing about being a parent is how…

Today is Jason’s fifth birthday! He is so excited to be five years old.  I remember everything about his birth like it was yesterday, and yet it was five years ago!!!  Jason was born 19 days early for a scheduled c section.  I woke up around one in the morning feeling not so good on February 20. After using the bathroom, I noticed some pain that came and went. I handle pain quite well so I didn’t realize I was actually in labor. I googled my symptoms on my iPad, and the more I read, the more I realized that Jason…

I hope your new year went well. We stayed home this year with the kids.  A few years ago, we went to a hotel party and it was people, unbeknownst to us, who were about 10 to 15 years older than us. We had a blast and one of my favorite experiences.  Last year Jeff had to work so I went dancing with my best friend. After midnight, my husband picked us up and we hung out together. This year was more calm. I helped Laura clean out her room and rearrange it. I’m very happy with the set up now,…

Jason went back to pre k today, and he couldn’t have been more excited. I’m so happy he loves his school. I’ll miss it next year because they are so nice to him and our family.  I hope he has the same positive experience next year. Shawn, my attendant, is sick today.  I knew from just being with her because we are so close.  I even feel bad she had to work today, but I found out after work she went to the doctor and can’t come back to work for at least three days.  Luckily, my other attendant, my…

Laura has always been academically inclined.  She was speaking before she turned one. Often people thought she was much older simply because of her speech development. As a new mom with cerebral palsy, I feared her speech would mimic mine.  However, both my children have very clear speech so I feel happy  about that! I emphasize to Laura that education is the key to many doors in life.  I’m glad she took my advice to heart. She is an avid reader, creative thinker and a perfectionist (which is good, but overwhelming sometimes.) I want her to have as many opportunities…