Father Stu is a movie worth watching. Movies aren’t my favorite because of the foul language, the subject, or I am bored. Father Stu intrigued me because I’m Catholic. I’m not just Catholic; I’m practicing Catholic as much as possible. I also found it interesting that Mark Wahlberg played the main character. Also, Stuart is the most unexpected man to choose the priesthood because of past life choices. It wasn’t until ten minutes before I went into the movie theater that I knew Father Stu also had a significant disability. Unfortunately, the disability progressed to eventually taking his life. My…
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.
Styling my hair is fun! I went to have my hair colored, cut with some styling. A seemingly straightforward task for most can be somewhat tricky for me. Have you ever tried cutting hair on someone who can’t stop moving? I feel the difficulty in this for my hairstylist. I used to apologize for not being able to sit still constantly. But, in the last ten years or so, I realize this is me, and it’s their job to cut. I try help the stylIng so they can cut my hair as efficiently as possible, though. Muscle relaxers help, not…
Acceptance of yourself with cerebral palsy is right here. Firstly, cerebral palsy never disappears because there isn’t a cure. As a child, I thought when I turned 18, I wouldn’t have cerebral palsy again. I don’t know logically why I thought this. As I grew, I knew a cure wouldn’t happen, but still I dreamed. Sometimes I meet people that think God chooses certain people to have disabilities and somehow we are stronger than others. Or, we have a thicker skin than people without disabilities. It’s not the case. We are all human beings and should find acceptance of ourselves.…
Gas prices, inflation and food prices are on most people’s mind. I have had anxiety over this as a mom with cerebral palsy. No choice for us who need a wheelchair van that uses much gas instead of a fuel economical car. Buying food requires more thought for the kids who like to eat fruits, vegetables and meat. I’m not a hopeless person, but until the current administration changes course, I don’t see anything improving. There are several memes circulating social media that people shouldn’t complain about gas prices because they buy Starbucks coffee. Or, we shouldn’t complain about gas…
Lent is the forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday. Christians celebrate the Season of Lent. Catholics celebrate differently, but we celebrate the general gist of it as all Christians. In our house, Lent is a big deal with traditions, fasting, Bible, Mass, reconciliation and giving. Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is when people receive ashes on their forehead from a priest. The ashes represent that we are mortal, and we need forgiveness for our sins. You can wash off the ashes whenever you feel the need. Every year, Ash Wednesday falls on a different date…
Nine years flew by faster than anything I can remember. Jason was born early in 2013. I have learned, adjusted, challenged and loved as a mom. So much love for children parents have. It’s difficult to imagine not having my children. If you haven’t changed by having a child, I’m not sure what will. When I learned that I was having a son, I felt nervous. I’m very girly, and I already had Laura so I knew about girls. I do have a nephew who I adore so I knew I’d figure it out! Being a mom to a boy…
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that receives a lot of criticism I don’t understand why people are anti Valentine’s Day. Yes, we can celebrate Valentine’s Day everyday by loving someone. This holiday doesn’t take away the fact that we can say I love you daily. Talk about commercial holidays – there is Christmas, Halloween and plenty of other holidays which require money. Valentine’s Day, like any holiday, is whatever you make it. I have no idea why Valentine’s Day has a bad wrap. My first memories of this holiday is when I was young. My parents gave us little…
Winter used to be not my favorite season. The cold runs havoc on cerebral palsy causes muscles to be stiff or flat out haywire with involuntary movements. Since having children, my perspective has changed. I actually enjoy the coziness of the dark, cold night. It forces us to get in our warm pajamas and be together. The kids still play outside during winter when it’s light out especially Jason and his best friend. They could play outside for hours no matter the cold. On a weekend, Jason’s best friend slept over and it happened to snow! They enjoyed playing in…
Summer has to be the fastest season – especially when you have kids. It seems like the last day of school equals endless opportunities. Then, bam, the end of summer hits harder than a speed train! School started back last Monday, and we had Labor Day weekend fly by. We did accomplish several things on our bucket list. Jason and I burn very quickly. We went to the beach, amusement park, and other activities outside. Without sunscreen, Jason and I were lobsters, while others looked lightly sun-kissed. Sunscreen is a definite must for us!I love roller-coaster rides. Jeff and I…
Perfect moments exist during motherhood make me feel awesome. They are fleeting moments that I’d like to hold on to forever, but they never last. The memory remains, especially on challenging days. Perfect moments blessed me in the last few weeks. Whenever I think of them, I smile and wish I could relive them over again. Holy Communion Awesome Tips When Jason was in second grade, he experienced his First Holy Communion. That school year, the coronavirus pandemic existed, so Catholic education was at home. I taught Jason lessons for Catechism. I enjoyed those moments of just him and me.…