"Living with Cerebral Palsy ..." 'Judith Whitehead' ( Inspiration Sunday))

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years..." Today she talks about  not being 

limited by physical disabilities and the importance of enjoying the simple things in life.   ;D) Enjoy...

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Recently a good friend I had known  since  high school passed away from a long battle with cancer.  She and I had re-connected with Facebook, as she moved to Florida many years ago.  Back in the 1970’s she gave birth to twin girls on an army base where her husband had been stationed and  sadly enough their birth was a complicated one and they were both born with Cerebral palsy; she was faced with a full plate of responsibility as her husband and she were also no longer together.  She knew nothing at the time about the condition but learned quickly how to help these girls survive.  They had limited function from the waist down but she soon found out that  they had  brilliant minds and she made it her mission to help them succeed into accomplished adults that could lead 
independent lives.  She was their advocate and mouth piece for the rest of her life even when she was suffering from the worst of cancer.  

 Being  born with Cerebral palsy does not mean that one’s  life cannot be complete, and full of joy and accomplishments.  There are many  forms  of the disease ranging from limited motion, speech  and independence.  Each case is different and must be looked at individually as to what the greatest accomplishments each can reach in their goals.  Just because her girls could not walk or move on their own did not mean they could not have goals and aspirations of their own; and my friend made it her mission in life to reach every goal they were capable of achieving.  She devoted her life to making sure that they were as  independent as they could possibly be and helped them achieve every desire they set their minds to.  I am so happy that she was able to watch her daughter accept her PH.D. degree this   past  Summer and her other daughter obtain her masters degree.  They are both productive members of  society, giving back every day and living a fulfilled life despite their limitations.  They did have one advantage that many with Cerebral  Palsy don’t have…a mother that would go to the ends of the earth 
to protect, advocate and watch over her most prized possessions, her twin girls.  She  was  living proof that whatever hand you are dealt with in life, you can succeed with faith and perseverance. Her twin girls are now in their 30’s and they are the legacy that she has left.

Having a physical limitation does not mean that your life is over; everyone has something to offer and everyone has gifts to share in life.  I am convinced that  we are all put on this earth for a reason and I know what my friend was meant for.  Her greatest joy was watching over her girls and taking them to a level of independence; I am so glad she was able to see that before she passed away.  

Our lives are so short lived.  We all can learn a lesson from my friend; pay it forward and give a little something of  yourself every day.  Don’t put off that good deed for another day,  for another day doesn’t always come along as my friend realized early on in life.    She will long be remembered for her kindness and gentle 
soul and her spirit will stay alive in others that were touched by her.

  Giving of  ourselves  to  others cost nothing and it is the greatest gift of all.  There are many children and adults with C.P. that are struggling to lead productive lives much like my friends twins.  There are many services out there  and resources  ready to be tapped .  We are all Gods children and we all deserve a chance to lead successful, joyous lives.  

Rest in peace my friend; you have taught your children well and you have accomplished your goal.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...



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