Change and goodbyes are my weaknesses. Laura is a senior in high school and a very busy one. She will shortly be applying to colleges, and the last celebrations will be had as the year continues. Her life as an adult will begin. I remember these times as clear as day and how exciting I felt. I didn’t realize how painful the senior year could be for my parents, especially my father, because I lived with him. Of course, I want Laura to grasp everything she can in life. For almost 18 years, I held, helped, guided, and taught her.…
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.
National Ice Cream Day is a delightful celebration that takes place on the third Sunday of July each year. This sweet holiday was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, who recognized the popularity and cultural significance of ice cream in the United States. He proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. Mark your calendar and grab your family to go out to get ice cream. Ice cream made its way to the United States in the 18th century. The first mention of ice cream in the U.S.…
Friendly Shoes are made to help people dress independently. As the website suggests, these are shoes for all abilities to live life as independently as possible. I am excited that stylish options are available for people who have disabilities. Friendly Shoes are easier for people who have disabilities to get them on off for the person or someone helping them. I learned about the shoe from Facebook so I decided to give them a try. I normally buy shoes that are not cerebral palsy friendly. I know that sounds ridiculous especially coming from someone who uses a wheelchair everyday. I…
God has a mission for everyone. I mean everyone and none of us are exempt. If you want to come up with a million excuses or justifications, realize that is you – Not God.. Our job is to find out the job He has given us. Whenever I think of a mission of God, I always think big and difficult. Many of us might have those missions, but there are many of small missions to do. Early in my life, I knew Jesus wanted me to be a teacher, mother, and speaker. I’m also a writer. But, listening to God…
God knows us more than we know ourselves and God’s plan is the best. He loves us more than anyone we know. I tell my children as much as I can possibly love them until my heart explodes, God loves them more. Are you feeling down? I hope these tips help you. I wish I could remember how much God actually loves and cares for me. We can easily remember when life is going well that God loves us, but when life is hard, we forget how much we are loved. As life often doesn’t go the way we want,…
Daily routines with cerebral palsy improves my daily life and well-being. I’m organized out of necessity. People often say to me, “You are so organized!” While I’m positive that there is some truth in that statement, I know I’m organized, I also believe a huge reason why I am organized has to do with having a disability. Relying on others involves routines to keep the household and my basic needs being met. If you have a significant disability, like cerebral palsy, personal care assistance is sometimes needed. The time allowed for personal care is not unlimited. People work different time…
Parenting conflicts aren’t easy if you’re trying to be a decent parent. In fact, parenthood is the hardest occupation that exists. I know if you’re not a parent, you probably think, “How hard can it be?” I know I had a ton of misconceptions before I became a mother. Then, you add a spouse into the mix and truly learn how difficult parenting can be with different approaches. I highly recommend discussing parenting , methods before getting married. The more you agree, the better everyone is in the family. Parenting Conflicts Being a good mom has been a goal since…
Snow is a definite enemy to a wheelchair. I have a heavy Permobil motorized wheelchair, and I admit that it’s the best wheelchair I’ve had for bad weather. I used to be terrible driving in snow but going to college in a snow belt taught me real quick. What do you do on a snow day? As a mom and a teacher, I do value my off days. Here are my ideas. Some are activities I actually do while others are what I would like to do with help. Snow day activities
After dinner, I could have three chocolate chip cookies. Three is a fun number. Think back to when you had your first baby. In an Instant your family became three. God is three persons in one. What can you do with this magic number? Choose three people to love today. Give them your prayers and attention. God does this with millions of people a day. I challenge you to try this with only three people today and see how it helps. I bet your prayers will not only help the people you’re praying for, but also yourself. Thinking about others…
Thankfulness never goes out of style. Why are you thankful this year? Even if you have had the most unpleasant year of your life, I’m positive that you can find something to be thankful to have. I’m going to share my list for this year with all of you. Keep in mind as I list mine, they are in no particular order. When you make your gratitude list, you can order them or not. I feel thankfulness because this year I’m having my sister’s family and both of my parents over to our house. We haven’t had everyone in years.…