Author: Jessica Grono

Today I had to walk home from my car repair shop because my brakes need to be replaced. As we were walking, my friend asked me why do people look at us strangely when I’m just walking in town? I stopped noticing any obvious stares and live my life. However, it does make me wonder why people say and do when they notice someone different. In my forty one years, I’ve learned to not let everything bother me when treated differently. However, there are some moments that stand out more than others. I realize that it is natural to look…

I really don’t want summer to end, but it needs to, unfortunately. Today is Labor Day, and the unofficial day of summer. The weather has been absolutely amazing this summer especially in August. Usually we go on trips and vacations, but this summer we stayed mainly at home. I’m certainly not complaining because it was amazing anyway. Jason went to summer camp for many weeks. He went to the same camp that he was going to attend pre kindergarten. The camp was about four hours a day, and he loved it. Although getting up early deemed difficult on summer vacation,…

I remember someone said to me that my life was very easy. I looked at them with a puzzled expression because I’m not one to complain, but easy isn’t what I would describe my life. I asked them for more clarification on why they would say that. Their explanation was quite simple but extremely surprising to me. My life is easy, according to them, because I have personal care attendants and that attendants do everything for me. The person said my life was so easy at a time when I was a single mother to my baby daughter after my husband…

January is a new month and time to make resolutions. Having cerebral palsy shouldn’t stop anyone from making new year resolutions. I like Christmas time, but I also always liked opening a brand new calendar to write down my New Years resolutions. I rarely complete all of them, but writing my goals down helps keep me on track. Having goals keeps you moving ahead and obtaining achievements. Big or small resolutions doesn’t matter as long as you make them and not give up when they start being difficult. Here is a suggested list of new year resolutions that might inspire…

Dating is difficult for everyone at one time or the other. Disability or not, finding a date, asking for a date, and actually going out on a date is stressful. What do you do when you have a disability and want to date? Should you just forget about it and move on single for the rest of your life? No! You get yourself together, create a goal and follow your dreams no matter what people say or self doubt in your mind. I would be lying to you if I said dating is easy when you have a disability. It’s…

School is beginning after a nice relaxing summer break. I hope that you had fun with your children, and they are prepared to go back to school. As you sit down to discuss manners, school etiquette and homework policies, please add to your conversations disability awareness and about being open to friendships with children who have disabilities. I am asking you to do this as a special education teacher and as someone who has cerebral palsy. Parents often prepare their child on how to handle strangers, using their manners, what to do if being bullied and how to be a…

March is a very important and exciting month for cerebral palsy. March is cerebral palsy awareness month, and during March, we can educate, volunteer, and get to know people with the disability. Green is the color for cerebral palsy awareness so you should wear green for more than St. Patrick’s Day. First of all, what is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is a condition that will affect otherwise healthy movements of someone’s limbs overall body. With cerebral palsy, moving can appear to be stiff, jagged, or very active and sporadic. Movements in the right direction or the way the person…

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 consider when you communicate or with someone with cerebral palsy. These are facts…

Laura is now in fifth grade! Where has the time gone? Have you ever wanted to go back in time to see the child at a certain age again? Snuggle them, cuddle and hold their tiny hands. I’m a firm believer of savoring moments, but even still I want to go back and do it again. Laura is an amazing girl who I thank my lucky stars for each day. She is smart, funny, and has the biggest heart in the world. Jason who is four isn’t always the nicest to Laura is so lucky to have Laura. No matter…

Like I say every year, I cannot believe how fast summer has gone by. Summer goes way too fast, in my opinion, and I’m a mom of two. Back to school time always has me reflect on my own school days. Having cerebral palsy and going through the school system is quite an experience. For some, the school experience can be very awesome but for others, it can be quite lonely. My personal experience was a combination of wonderful and loneliness. I can’t help but feel a bit envious when looking at all of the technology available now to students…