Temptation of sin happens. As a mother, the temptation to sin is real whenever you feel anger. Not only in motherhood but any aspect of life, temptation is a real thing that we need to conquer. Having cerebral palsy can lead to sin by self pity or using cerebral palsy as an excuse for your sin. The worst thing you can do is give into it and give up. Fighting against temptation will not only make you stronger, but it’ll draw you closer to God, love others and time to conquer other sins. When temptation occurs, we need to move…
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.
Material items are in our mind in November and December. Christmas often equates with presents. Giving presents is sweet and kind. However, these gifts can be kept small and humble. Sometimes we equate material items to status and we feel that giving gifts means we don’t need to be loving or kind. Owning the most expensive material items doesn’t mean you’re perfect. In fact, the most humble people are the happiest. Being humble means being happy with what you own. Material items are just items. We need to act in a loving, forgiving, kind manner. Let your words reflect God…
Time is one of the only things that we cannot control. I have had paralysis of my vocal cord since June and it feels like forever. However, when looking at my children, time seems in fast forward. What do we do with our time? How do you use it to the best of your ability or how do you waste time? Slow down. Life is too fast in the internet era where everything is at our fingertips. News, games, shopping, and eating are moments away. I remember spending hours at the mall – just wandering, dreaming of my future. Or,…
The weekend could not have been better despite laryngitis. Tonight the same sweetness – Laura and Jason volunteered to help our parish preist with Mass for the Holy Day of Obligation. They make a great team. Mass is always sweet. My health issues continue with laryngitis. Laryngitis has been since June 24! I’m feeling more convinced that it’s stemming from my hiatal hernia and GERD – I have no idea why they won’t give me an endoscopy even though I begged. Laryngitis is a sign of acid damaging vocal cords. Today I drank lemonade and immediately started uncontrollably coughing for…
Home renovations are only one of my favorite activities. Before Jason was born, we did a major renovation but had some issues with our contractor. In the end, we gained more space, but it was a headache to accomplish that. Our bathroom recently has had some issues that required attention. We found the mold. But not only that, I needed more space. During our first renovation, I wanted a lower sink to use it. Remember that I am on the floor at home because I’m much more independent. The sink seemed like a great idea, but it limited space in…
Being a mom with a disability limits capabilities, but you can have fun with your kids by playing pretend. Sometimes, I daydream that I can walk and do all the fun things. Of course, daydreaming will never change, but you can have fun with your kids without standing or using your hands. I have the best memories of playing pretend games with my children. Imagination is a gift. No one needs to stand, move, lift, or use limbs. You can go anywhere just by using your mind. Laura used to set up her dolls and stuffed animals. We would pretend…
Today we went to Mass and a retirement celebration. We only miss a Sunday if someone is sick or there are some circumstances that we can’t make it. I enjoy going to Mass because it’s a spiritual reboot. No matter how exciting or tedious a homily is, the main focus is the Eucharist and Jesus. Nothing else matters, and you can’t find the Eucharist unless you’re at Mass. Laura and Jason altared served. An altar server helps the priest with Mass by holding the Bible, carrying the cross, helping with the gifts of the Eucharist, and processing with candles. Being…
A productive Sunday helps you to get the week off to a great start. While I agree that Sunday is a day of rest, as the Bible instructs, I know that there are low-key jobs that you can do to get your week to go smoothly. Church or Mass is a priority for me, and I recommend it. Why? Getting your soul and mental health in the right mindset is a priority to make a productive Sunday. Plenty of churches exist for you to visit and feel how you fit in. I’m Catholic, so I feel at home no matter…
Best friends are amazing. When I think of the term “best friends,” I think of elementary school days when girls especially would argue over who was best friends with who. As you age, you realize best friends are much more than that. My best friends stick by me no matter what happens. I met Megan at Edinboro University. We both went to Edinboro for numerous reasons, but the main benefit was the disability assistance programs that they offered. For instance, the 24/7 personal care was great! As we moved in, I passed her room a dozen times and decided to…
I felt reluctant buying an Apple Watch with cerebral palsy. I thought I’d destroy it by having a spasm or just couldn’t use it. My mistake. When FitBit decided to stop doing challenges, I decided to give the Apple Watch Series 8 a try. Apple Watch with cerebral palsy pros Apple Watch with cerebral palsy cons I’d recommend buying the Apple Watch with cerebral palsy. There are a million things to customize and it is a great investment to make your life easier and safer.