Author: Jessica Grono

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back and appreciate the journey I’ve taken over the past year. Growth isn’t always a linear path; it’s filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Here’s how I’ve grown this year: 1. Achievements and Milestones This year has been marked by significant achievements. I accomplished an awake surgery to restore my vocal cord from vocal cord paralysis, my fourth year teaching ESY, going to Pittsburgh with Laura and Jason, going to Virginia with Laura, filling a role for long-term substitute for life skills, surviving heartbreak from life choices…

Motherhood is a profound journey filled with challenges, joy, and immense love. As a mother with cerebral palsy and a devoted Catholic, my journey is uniquely enriched by the values that shape my daily life. Here are my core values: 1. Faith and Resilience My Catholic faith is the cornerstone of my resilience. It guides me through the tough days and strengthens my resolve to provide the best for my children. In moments of doubt or difficulty, I find solace in prayer and the teachings of my faith, reminding me that I am never alone. 2. Compassion and Understanding Living…

When I tell people about my life, I can’t even believe the words coming out of my mouth. I don’t understand why I have been given so many struggles. I’m not one to have self-pity but sometimes life is mind-blowing difficult and you can’t help but wonder why. If you feel the same way at times, please know you are not alone. I know that I’m not alone even when I feel the most alone. Jesus and all of the Saints are right here. I reached out to friends and family who I knew would help and just listened. I…

Acts of kindness is not a new concept. Most Americans grew up in a kind world where people loved and shared what they had with each other. As time went on, people became more distant and in their heads. But we still need kindness and love to make the world go around. I live to give acts of kindness because I don’t just have joy doing it but I see what the kindness does to others. Kindness Ideas Here are some examples of actions that anyone can do despite age of ability. I know others have so many ideas that…

Holiday buying guide for great gifts for everyone in the family.

Imagine watching TV without hearing adults bash each other. Presidential Election Day is tomorrow, and so many emotions come to mind. Worry, fear, anxiety, and hope are a few. Here are five happy reasons to celebrate the end of the election. No more TV ads As a parent, teacher, and decent human being, I don’t like seeing people tear each other apart. I teach children to respect others and stick to the facts. Most of the ads are obviously spliced to make the candidate look horrendous. I wish the ads state what they believe and what they will transform. Hopefully,…

October has come and gone, but we can’t forget the beauty of October. Life has been rough personally, but life has also been uniquely beautiful. We must remember to look back at the memories and be thankful for what is right in front of us. We have four glorious seasons, and each one has beauty. Yet, fall has turning colors on just about every tree. Look around to spot the beauty. Special Education Teaching Job An unexpected opportunity arose and I was asked to take a long term special education position. Teaching is a passion that goes back to my…

Are you a morning or night person? Usually, most people have a preference what time of day do they have the most energy. With cerebral palsy, I feel like I’m a mixture of the two. In the morning, I’m not sure if it’ll be a good or bad cerebral palsy day. That means my muscles could be stiff, involuntary, calm, or all three. However, I like mornings better because I’m more patient and proactive. At night, I might get a second wind and stay up too late, which leads me to be tired. Most of us have a morning routine.…

I sit in silence as I type this blog. My daughter is off at band camp, and my son is on another trip with my dad. Jeff is at the gym. Silence often is what mothers think we want. However, after we have it, silence hurts the ears. Today, let me reintroduce you to having a son in middle school. Jason is 11. He seems to have matured well beyond his years in several ways. In further ways, he is right where he should be. For the last two nights, Jason has dragged a massive tub of Legos from his…

Sitting in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy might seem easy. However, sitting all day can create havoc on your body. Your body needs movement and exercise. Having a disability isn’t a great excuse to not exercise. Anyone can do it. I want to be independent and as pain-free as I can. Independence is important to me because I don’t enjoy relying on others. For the rest of my life, I’ll have to rely on someone for meals and daily living activities. Even though relying on help will always be present, I can make independence a bit increased by exercising. My…