Author: Jessica Grono

Today is International Women’s Day, and I’m happy to celebrate all of the amazing women I know and those who I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting. Being a woman is terrific because we have super hero qualities and can turn them on as easy as a switch as needed. Women are smart, compassionate, strong, sensitive, goal orient and beautiful people. All women – including those with disabilities. Women with disabilities are often overlooked as they strive for that college degree, job, finding an obstetrician, and taking care of their families. They stand out even though they strive to blend in.…

We live in eastern Pennsylvania, and we have been hit lately with snowstorms. On Friday, we had a nor’easter that dumped about 4 inches of snow and lots of wind. We were fortunate that our power only went out for three minutes because many people in my area weren’t so lucky. Some were out of power for days.  We did see a huge branch fall across the street during the storm. Everyone was okay though. On Friday, my attendant worked all day during the storm.  My daughter felt irritated because her fun field trip sadly had to be cut short…

Ever since I can even remember, I have enjoyed the Olympics. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s winter or summer Olympic Games, I will watch!  I believe I enjoy watching so much because of the competition and the unity of all are watching.  While I watched the Olympic Games,  I realized that the Olympics are similar to having cerebral palsy. A person with a disability is often seen as less in society. In some people’s eyes, the person sees them as somehow less simply because of having a challenge. That logic doesn’t make much sense to me because having a disability…

Did you know that March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day?  National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day originated in 2013 due to a government resolution < https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/sres89> to celebrate. The nation has come a very long way in accepting cerebral palsy and understanding cerebral palsy, but there is still some work to do. In my lifetime, I have seen some major improvements in the treatment of people who have cerebral palsy, and that is an excellent thing to see. I compiled a list of 15 points to know and share.  These are facts and suggestions to make both of your…

To a medical professional who is caring for someone with cerebral palsy    During my life, I have had to see numerous medical personnel due to being sick or normal well check ups. Unfortunately, doctors and nurses do not understand how to properly communicate and care for someone with cerebral palsy.  In an emergency situation, not knowing what to do can quickly turn into a life or death situation.   Here are some suggestions that I believe will help if you’re giving someone a check up, mammogram or any medical attention when you have a patient with cerebral palsy.  …

Jason loves to eat Oreo Cookies so much, and they are by far his favorite cookie. I always make sure we have them in the house. I like them too, and I eat them as a snack. Double stuffed happens to be my favorite. Oreo cookie day falls on March 6. Oreo cookies are the cookies with two chocolate wafers with icing in the middle. The Oreo cookie brings delight to children and adults alike. The Oreo cookie originated in 1912!  I’m sure that Nabisco had no idea how popular the Oreo was going to be! In 2006, they replaced the…

Before I had Jason, I was an avid coupon lady. I cut coupons, used the  binder, sorted and shopped all of the best deals. For some reason, after I had Jason, I stopped cutting coupons  as much. I still did but nothing like before even though I really should have kept up with coupons. Toward the end of January, my friend and I went to an extreme coupon class. Just like that I went back into the coupon game and started saving money! Yes, it takes some time and effort, but I have fun with it and like to see how…

People often tell me that I’m a tough movie critic. I am certain that I obtained my picky movie taste from my father. When we were growing up, my father had the strictest views on movies.  We basically could not watch anything PG 13 even after the age of 15. Even though he was very strict, I honestly do admit that I’m better off in not seeing all the unnecessary violence, sex, language and such. At the time of my teenage years, I did not appreciate his firm beliefs. I complied a fun list of movies that are my top…

A common question many people ask of us who have disabilities is “How  do you do it everyday?” Or, my favorite, “I don’t know how you do it?!? I couldn’t handle doing what you go through.” My initial reaction is to feel a bit offended and annoyed because really what choice do I have? I am just living my life as anyone would and making the best of it.  I think I have a great life. But, what I forget is to ask myself am I living my life as anyone else would? One of my longest closest friend who also…

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…