Up and down days seem to come and go. Something seems to have marred my mood this morning. Watching my daughter take part in her first Race for Life UK cancer research event has brought back bittersweet thoughts about my own struggles with cerebral palsy.
It was a long way back to the car, and as I struggled to walk in the 26-degree heat, I started to feel sorry for myself. I wanted to be back in that familiar place, until such a time I could deal with my feelings.
Of course, I am immensely proud of her, and she has my total support, but I need to find an acceptance on my own experiences and not feel discouraged by my own difficulties. Inevitably, something always comes along to change the way I think and feel about things, then I find myself having to build myself back up again.
As I see my family taking charge of their lives, I sit back and contemplate my own. I need to be more pro-active in my thinking even though I know I will potentially have set-backs to deal with, particularly because I deal with a disability.
It would be interesting to know if there is anyone out there who has reached old age and is still living healthily with cerebral palsy. It would take the pressure off any doubts I have.
While I try and empathise. I don't think anyone can really understand how you feel unless they are in similar shoes. I hope you are feeling better today though.
You are doing great things with this site and by helping others. You should take some comfort in that.
Thank you. My site definitely gives me a purpose and continues to inspire me. As it helps me, I hope it helps other people too.
I do agree that unless any one struggles with the same things; it's hard to know what that person goes through. It also doesn't matter that we deal with different things; it's the empathy and support that's important, no matter what.
I would also like some feedback from people in their 70's and beyond that live with CP.
I think because of the CP and the wear and tear on our bodies we age faster than able bodied people (I hate that saying). We are people first and the disability always comes second.
I learned that when I worked at a place that supported people with disabilities. Quite true.
It would be lovely to have some feedback from someone in their 70's still living with CP. If there is someone out there I hope they will come forward.
I agree with your sentiments about the wear 'n' tear on our bodies. We do tend to age quicker that way.
It would be great if you could get some feedback from someone in their 70's who deals with CP. I'm sure there must be somebody in that category who could help you with some support.
I don't always consider how much it does affect your life and how it can make your life very difficult.
Hopefully things will get better for you so you can enjoy your life a bit more!
It's lovely having you on site. I totally agree with you, it would be nice to know someone in their 70's who deals with CP like I do!
I hope you're doing okay yourself.
I agree. I think you need to speak with others who have lived longer with CP and are doing well.
I can't say I know how you feel since I don't have CP myself. The only other person I know with it is 4 years old. His is a very mild case right now. I do know how you feel about your activity level though.
The difference is that at one time I was able to be very active. I was a dancer for 10 years and taught a little and I could absolutely kick myself for quitting.
Now I have a hard time walking for long distances due to the CFS/FMS. I just get so tired and have a lot of pain. My endurance levels are bad too. I hope you feel better soon.
Thanks Lisa. I am feeling better this morning.
You're right, I need to find others that are a lot older than me, who are doing well living with CP. It would be helpful to know how things manifest themselves in older people as far as CP is concerned. As far as I am concerned, it's a grey area.
I hope you feel better soon. Don't be too hard on yourself about quitting your dancing. You danced for 10 years and shows great commitment.
My daughter who has CP hasn't yet reached 70 (thank goodness); but she's always told me that she's not going to die until she's at least 400 years old, so 70 doesn't seem so bad under those circumstances.
Me neither Mike! I love your daughter's attitude. How old is she? She sounds lovely. Many thanks for posting.