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Following the Mores of One’s Heart

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 by klynn

How many times have you honestly and earnestly shared your hopes and dreams with not only the people closest to you, but friends, collogues and those who claimed they could help; only to hear words that hamper you and held you back.  How many times were you stifled?  And, how many times were you and your abilities to move forward held back.   Did you feel trapped, frustrated, and beside yourself?  Did you wonder when your chance was going to pan out?   But instead, you were no further along on the pathway to the life you wanted to lead.    

Well, my dear friends, I am writing this article because I have spent a lifetime not listening to those “Pearls of Wisdom.” 

Again and again in every aspect of my life, I have turn the other check and found a way to accomplish what every expert and even my beloved family thought was impossible.  But I “dreamed the impossible dream, and fought the unbeatable foe.”  There are many times in my own personal life when I can remember reaching out to my mother, asking for help to get an education at a time when disabled people, with learning disabilities were not getting degree’s at all, and hearing my mother say… “Why don’t you just accept yourself the way you are instead of forcing and fighting your learning disability to make the impossible happen.  Upset, and even more determined, I kept walking through the storm.  I kept forging forward even though I was told what I was told.   I smiled, grinned and beard it, but was not going to let my mother’s words and her beliefs about me affect me or hamper my quest.

While I knew my mother was being very loving toward me, I also knew that I would not have a place in society, and at the table if I did not push forward and make every attempt and effort to make my life happen.  

When I finally got my degree no one was happier than my mother and me.  She was the only one who knew what I went threw day in and day out.  She came up to me, wrapped her loving arms around me, and hugged and kissed me in the fashion I knew so well.  Then, all of a sudden, I found her whispering in my ear… I’m sorry Kranalala”   You don’t know, or maybe you do know what this meant to me.  It made me radiate with happiness.  It made me radiate from within out.  And, it made me radiate with sheer joy and bliss because I had reached one of my first unreachable dreams.   It was not just hearing my mother’s words of acceptance and love, but knowing  that I listened to myself, my heart, and my drummer, and followed a long and arduous pursuit of mine, of which I had just accomplished.

Karen 3

On that day of mine, I learned one very important lesson.  That lesson was to always follow your own heart and to stay true to your own dreams and what you know about yourself.  People can say what ever they want.  But, if you know the truth within yourself that’s what matters!  No matter what is said, there are always ways one can still make things happen.  You can set yourself free and you can set yourself apart from everything other people say and think about you.  You can hold your head high, reaffirm the truth of your own self and own abilities, and walk past and through all obstacles.  It is all up to you.  It is in your own attitude and belief.  Know one can take that away from you if you truly believe in yourself.  It may not be the next day, week, month, or year that you get whatever you desire.  But it will happen if you stay the course.

You don’t have to be mean, nasty, or get in people’s faces for giving there own opinion, but you can rise above, be eloquent and poised, and accomplish your goals with dignity in a timely, peaceful manor.  

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The Blues: is it in the Disability Community, Too?

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 by klynn

Often, the reality of our disabilities can lead to an increased instance of depression. Our physical scars may have heeled, but the physiological and sociological have not. Ninety-nine people out of one hundred and forty-four; according to a recent study linked their learning disabilities with depression and other depressive disorders. This is the result of a lack of flexibility in the education process. Students are often placed with those with emotional and behavior problems. Teachers are therefore, unable to give the time needed to each individual student because they must serve as baby-sitters to those who do not wish to participate in the learning process.

Yet, within each of us their remains a strong desire to discover “the secret.” This means, that, most people given patience, tolerance, and a relaxed environment can learn and succeed. This success will reinforce the positive aspects of each person’s life. Every achievement from traveling the world wide, to putting on a dinner is note worthy and valuable. The memory of past achievements can sometimes serve as a reminder in the depth of suffering that this current sadness will not last.

Many students can look back and remember that one parent, teacher, or friend who took the time to find it within themselves, to figure out just what that person needed to thrive, survive, and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Often, just as much as the chemical imbalance, feelings of depression, and low self-esteem, come from a sense that a person is entirely alone. The awareness, that in fact, everyone wants an individual to in fact, succeed, can be very liberating. There is an old saying which demonstrates this idea. “Only if you have been in the deepest pit of sorrow, loss, and despair, can you ever know how magnificent it is to climb to the to of the highest mountain.”

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Hidden in the Shadows of the Absolute Truth

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 by klynn

How many times in your life have you not been given credit for something you outstandingly accomplished? How many times were your efforts gone unnoticed? And, how many times did some body else take the credit for your hard work? This happens a lot to people with disabilities. Too often our work is seen as something to keep us busy and occupied, rather than something of meaning and purpose. Because people outside the disabled circle seem to believe that our lives don’t need the same kind of depth, acknowledgement, praise, or honor to express warm approval or admiration for the work we have done. We are given little recognition which is so deserved. Time and time again, our efforts, our ethics, and our labor get either brushed over or disregarded. Persons in high raking positions, who have no disabilities of there own, have a special way of usurping every opportunity that comes our way.

They seem to have a unique and inimitable way of allowing us to do the work for which they take full credit for. There are many deceitful examples. One time, in transition, while waiting for the verdict of my Civil Rights Case, I was working as an assistant recreation director. I went above and beyond, and took on responsibilities that normally would fall to my boss. But me being me, I took them on. Unfortunately, my efforts were not valued or taken seriously.

Once again, I was treated as though I was mentally retarded; and should go back to the workshops. It was thought and non-verbally expressed that I should do his work, while he received all the accolades. This idea was demonstrated in the general approach which was taken towards the management of our responsibilities within this care facility. I naturally grasped and took upon myself the many details in organizing care plans, putting on events, and teaching fitness classes; along with giving each client the respect, the dignity, the decorum, and care they unconditionally needed and deserved.

Most the time, my boss would show his face in the early part of the morning, disappear for eight hours, and reappear at the days end. Meanwhile, I had been progressing, and achieving and doing all his work. I put in long, grueling hours out of the goodness of my heart. I learned the ropes of the trade due to his negligence and unconcern. He was cold and hardened and looked out just for himself. He did not think of others around him and what his affects would be on them.

This man had the nerve to claim, “all I did was visit patience and make them happy…” His inaccurate, condescending and disdainful statements made me look as if I was incompetent of doing my job. He made me look as though I was incapable of holding my position or carrying out the duties at hand. He also damaged my reputation and caused me much strife.

Why is it that these people have to cause others such horrific and horrendous, pain? Why does our society promote one- manship of cruelty, instead of goodness? Why are there clicks where mean and cure things are said about others, and nasty act performed? And why are people so jealous of those who give there all? Are they threatened Of us? Tell me, please! Why does mankind turn on there own? Is it ego, or greed? Is it power because they have something missing within themselves? Is it revenge because of something that happened in childhood? Are they just outright mean and cruel and have to hurt those who try their hardest and give there all!

What happened to being happy for someone else, and working together for the common good of all? What happened to doing unto others as you would like done unto you? These irrefutable acts hurt the people who want to be included in society the most. While these people know how to sniff us out, and put us where they think we belong. They get off scott free for a while, but it always comes back.

It is the primary task of all of us who have a disability to demonstrate our own achievements in every aspect of our life. We need to show and teach the world by action and deed just how much we have to offer the world, and will accomplish. We need society to treat us seriously. We need society to get honest and stay honest. And, we need society to own up to the many narratives they have done to hold and keep us back. We need our country, and our members of government officially responsible to begin to recognize our untapped leaders in our own communities. It is far better for society if its leaders come from a people which have born “the heat of battle in the noon day sun.” Because you see, as a community, we have been tested and hardened by the struggle to survive. We have also understood the need to work interdependently for mutual benefits. These are the skills which our country requires of it leaders. So why not us, too! Why not then give us a voice and a say so in the leadership of the republic. Why keep us hidden in the shadows?

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Why We Can Still Love

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 by klynn

Did you ever happen to wonder or think twice about the basic, essential facts and the fundamental truths of men and women with Cerebral Palsy? Have you ever raised the question within yourself about our feelings on romantic identities, and why it is that we as challenged individuals cannot be looked at equally, talked to on an equal basis, or understood completely? We are dismissed because our disability is thought to make us stupid. Do you think it is always us? This area of dissection, which is readily unspoken about, is most difficult for the largest part to swallow. It is hard to believe, to the average person’s eye; that there indeed are some very capable people out there with disabilities such as myself.

Unfortunately, people find it to dark an area to discuss, or talk about, let alone- cope with! It is all too easy to put on our rose color glasses and hide with a false comfort. In general, people and the world around us would rather ignore the matter at hand. They would rather turn away from the neediness and the desperateness that over-shadows disabled people’s true being. They would rather continue to believe the myths, and regard us as the “cute, innocent, naive children” forever living in this forgotten bubble, who have no desires at all!

This morose and morbid fascination with our capabilities, or to be more specific, our incapability’s in the romantic arena or lack there off is ignored. The fact that we may wish, or think of having an ordinary, healthy, friendship, or even a romantic relationship with another consenting, loving, caring, human being; much less get married, is just too disgusting, too revolting, and too sickening. It is too extreme, too challenging, and too confrontational. Moreover, it is very provocative and shocking to others and the norm.

For pretty much my entire life, I unyieldingly struggled with every bated breath I have taken. Not only was it for my own core essence and being to exist, but, it was in my chosen passion, which was of the arts… It was the desire to be able to express myself freely in a world of dance, music, and literature; which helped me to relinquish and release the bars that I wore on my leg and in my brain– also, because I did not want to be looked down upon as a typical helpless victim.

Thus, I did everything in my power to strive and thrive- I had wants, needs, and desires, and I wanted to be given the same equality and chance to express myself in the areas I loved and cherished most. I reasoned… that if other men and women of my age and generation could accomplish their goals and dreams- including having a boyfriend, then why couldn’t I! I could easily work on my inner-self- my strengths and weaknesses, to become the best person I could be. I felt that that was the healthiest way to approach my life. However, too often, others where quick to judge! Consequently time and time again I was put to the test- only to searched my soul, readjusted my thoughts, and daily re-committed myself to living that healthy “normal life,” in a society, which continued to tell me “I couldn’t!”

My self-worth came from the gentle, romantic way in which I cared for myself. It was the way that I dressed, the time that I took to primp and fuss, and the way I took that extra moment to look the very best that I could for each given situation. It was the way that I nourished my body, my mind, and the way I acted. It was the honest and pro-active, empowering way I conducted myself. It was the way I looked up to those eloquent people who were positive, happy and joyfully succeeding in life. I took the good, positive; things I liked, and let go of all the rest; as I continued to develop a sense of my own inner-being. I began to see how others were attracted to me. They began to look beyond my left side hemiplegia, Cerebral Palsy, and learning disability. They began to see me for me. Thus, I embraced myself and my life even more than I already had. My romantic sense came from all this innate wisdom, insight, willingness to change, and the knowledge I read.

Yes, I have been challenged, ridiculed, stood up on dates, however, disputed all the intense examinations, crewl remarks, I have risen despite the harshest of securitization. I have found a man who loves me for me, and I have happily been married, for twenty years now. Despite my physical challenges I was able to find a love, a partner, and a life of my own, despite what the world thought of me.

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One Handed Wonder

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 by klynn

Most of my articles, for the past two years, have focused in on emotions and feelings, advocacy, and, the daily struggle of living with Cerebral Palsy.  My articles also have focused in on trying to maneuver amongst society, while maintaining self direction, and dignity. 

For this month, I would like to focus in on a lighter issue.  I would like to focus in on daily living skills.  I would also like to focus in on left or right sided paralyses. From a very early age of 18 months old, I can remember my dear, sweet, Mama Katie teaching me to contribute to the house hold, even though I had the use of only one side of my body. I can vividly recall my mama calling out to me and asking me to help her clean.   She would come into the living room, hand me a dust rag, and ask me in this wonderfully, sweet, New York accent to help Mama dust the legs on the coffee table.  I was only 18 months old, and at that very, young, impressionable age, I can remember smiling and wanting to help.  I can remember feeling good about doing what she asked of me, and, about myself.

Most people would not have believed that a child with a disability could do such a thing.  But I did.  Some how, deep in my mother’s progressive gut, she really, truly, understood something that the experts did not.   Now a days, their is a lot of talk about progressive technology and voice activated equipment.  However, you don’t hear much about anyone talking about left or right hemiplegia people, learning how to use there good side of their body’s to accomplish every day living tasks.

My mother some how instinctively knew that it would benefit the both of us if I could lead a normal life. This was unheard of during the time I grew up. Parents were taught that there was not much hope for their child, such as I.  The fact that I learned these things at such a young age, that it was gentle, and non-treating, made me willing to help and learn.  These skills would come in good use when I got a bit older.  No one knew in my family what was yet to come.  But the handy, useful, hands on approach, and teaching techniques of daily living skills, came in good use when my mother became a single parent, and at fourteen years old, I ran the house hold, while my mother worked and ran our business. 

It felt good to know that my mother could lean on me.  It felt even better to know that she did not have to worry about me or the house.  I would get off the school bus, at about 4 O’ clock in the afternoon.  I would put my books away, get my jeans and tee shirt on, and start in with the laundry.  Oh how good it felt  to know that I was helping my Mama.   It felt nice to know that Mama could come home to a clean, spotless home with dinner waiting for her on the table. 

It felt so good to know in my heart that I could be independent.  That I could be trusted. And it built my self- confidence and self-worth.  I felt useful.  I felt like I was doing something constitutive,  special, and, felt like I was conquering things in my life like everybody else without a disability. 

Sometimes I think about all those many years ago, when my mother and I took on all the negative ideas about what a young girl with C.P. could and could not do. I hope the image of that girl will bring encouragement to you when you face something that seems hard.  It might help you to remember that this was something that my mother and I decided to take on.  This was something I did to help me become who I am, and what I have became today.  Thankfully, this was not a goal that experts wrote down in an IEP report to gather dust in an archive.

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Paralympic Games

Thursday, November 20th, 2008 by klynn

This past weekend I had a chance to watch the paralympic games for the first time in my life.  It was amazing for me to watch these athletes.  They moved with such grace and determination.  Such dignity, confidence and respect for themselves.  With and without prostheses.  In wheelchair and without.  All with one goal in mind, to accomplish the un-accomplishable! To prove to themselves first, and to the world second, that they could stand up before the world and shine with glory! To show the world that they were no different-

There is so much we as disable people can do.  But we need the world to soften.  We need the world to accept us more.  we need the world to look at us the same way we look at ourselves-  And, most importantly we need to be given chances and opportunities-

We need the world to not look at us with pity, disgrace, or contempt-  or as though we are leopards, in a leopards colony. We need society to respect us- we need society to allow us to try and to pick ourselves up and try, try again.  And, we need the gift and blessing of the world to help us climb every mountain and to help us reach every dream!

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Driving With Hand Controls and Maneuvering Confidently

Saturday, November 15th, 2008 by klynn

Back when I was in high school, I remember taking a drivers ed class.  I was thrilled and nervous because I was going to be able to drive a car just like my mother, and sister, despite my Cerebral Palsy.  What a sense of pleasure and excitement it gave me.  Taking this huge, step forward in my life, also took my emotions on a roller coaster ride.  My stomach fluttered like the wings of a butterfly, .  I subconsciously knew this was an enormous, gigantic, and monumental responsibility and a big step for me; especially knowing that I had lost my lower left quadrant of peripheral vision due to my brain damage as a baby. 

Although, I also knew getting my license would give me more freedom to get around the city, and to become more independent to do more of the things I’d desired to do.  It would allow me to go shopping to buy pretty new clothes, or get my nails done:>))))) , or, even taken care of errands.   It would be a high-schoolers dream come true!  It would also allow me to soar like an eagle in the sky.  

In the beginning, I was taught to drive in a simulated car.  This was inside a  bungalow where a big screen was set up.    It was equipped  with hand controls and ready for all students, such as myself, to take a seat and start driving.  It was pretty cool.  Its almost like the arcade driving games they have today. Anyway’s the instructors were  ready for their willing participants to get behind the wheel-so they could teach them all they new about handling a car with care.  Thus, the disabled students of  Joseph Pomery Widney High school were immediately available to learn. 

The first time I took the wheel of the car, it was amazing!  I did it with little dough in my  heart.  I even remember the kind of car it was.  It was a white, all electric power Plymouth.  It had power windows, power breaks and just too cool for words.  And I, Karen, Lynn Hershkowitz, got behind the wheels.  I was not intimidated at all.  With confidence, I adjusted the seat to my legs and comfort, adjusted my rear view mirrors and off the campus grounds I drove.  The instructor told me where to go and I went. 

I used my steering knob with ease.  It became an extension of how freely I could control my steering wheel with one hand.  It enabled me to drive down a straight streets and maneuver corners with ease-  Although, I was one of the  privileged few to be able to use one; as they became illegal to drivers back in the fifties.  Teens back then called then knicker knobs.  And they were not made as mine was.  They were flimsily, and if someone got their wrist caught inside the mental part of the attachment, it could injured them badly.  So only those who were legally told they could use them for assistance did.

One day I was taking a driving lesson, I was driving down Grand Avenue, going towards Angels Hill, when a buss pulled out in front of me forcing me to pull to the left and think quickly.  I performed with confidence.  And, I was quick, too!  I had my foot on that break before the instructor could say a peep!  I maneuvered that huge car like I had been driving for years.  I proved to the teacher I had quick thinking.  I also proved to the instructor that I could  carefully move the car to the left with safety.

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To Have and to Hold

Thursday, August 28th, 2008 by klynn

I can’t believe that I have been with the same man, now, for twenty years.  Society feeds its disabled son’s and daughter’s the lie that a romantic relationship is impossible.  This convenient lie is designed to endorse a comfortableness that we are to remain docile robots for ever more. However, this is not the case.  This take’s away our own power, makes us less independent or interdependent on our significant other, and it puts our relationship out of balance.

A marriage, like a job, a hobby, or a spiritual belief, is an individual choice.  Many do not feel we are capable of making those choices at all.  We are rather to react to the choices made for us, by our enlightened overseer’s.  I spent many years trying to find a person I wished to be with.   Some men see disabled women as not fully realized, an object off research, rather than a partner.  they may seek someone to mold, rather than love.  With good intension’s, they may even try to manipulate.  It is very important to establish individual autonomy.  Your husband or wife is not a caregiver.  They want to care for you because they love you, but, they should not try to have an agenda for your daily life.  You decide what you wear, what you eat, and the one-hundred  other details of living your life serenely and happily.  With laughter, hope, and harmony.

 

Hubby&Me1996

My dear, sweet Mama Katie, always taught me that when walking down the street with your man, you should feel proud to be with him.  She taught me to show him, and share him with the world.  Those were beloved lessons- Lessons I took to my heart.

I learned these lesson a long time ago, way back in my twenties and thirties.  I learned not to rush anything in my life, to look for the good, and to be positive in everything I say, do and think- I also learned to listen very carefully to those unspoken words that were not said.  I learned to trust my instincts, my intuitive self and inner judgement.  I further learned not to settle for the first guy that came my way, to sweet talk me off my feet.

In looking back on these last twenty-one years of my life, I wonder where all these years went as I still feel young, vibrant, and spry.  I still have a vigor, vim  and vitality for life, and a whole lot more to give.  I see with a reflective eye, and a wise wisdom of experiences, like a fine wine sitting in a decanter waiting to be uncorked.

That’s what twenty-one years with the same man, who said he wanted to dance every dance with me.  We have lived together, sometimes with rough seas, and periods of calm.  All and all it has been worth while and exciting to have a man of truth, honor, and dignity by my side.  

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My Red Desoto

Monday, August 25th, 2008 by klynn

Just a few weeks ago, I began cycling again, after having toe surgery. It felt so good getting decked out in my biking outfit, and riding down the tree covered streets once again,  My husband, Chris,  helped me attach my helmet strap, my glove strap, and my feet onto my shoe petals.  And I was good to go-

Me Cycling

 

Who says people with Cerebral Palsy can’t do the same kind of activities as "normal" people do!

Riding down the street 

I remember the first time I ever got onto a bike.  That was back when I was only 8 years old.  It  was something I only did one time, yet I knew that that was something I’d like to do again if given the chance.

I knew some how, some way, in the depths of my heart, I could do it.  All I needed was a little help, from a kind hearted someone. I also knew that all I needed was help with a few technicality’s (like bucking my foot to keep it in place, so it would not move, and protection on my head and hands.) Then, I could ride my bike like any one else-  I would then be able to go any where I wanted and ride as fast as the wind would take me.   This joyful activity would give me more freedom.  It would be yet another way to worked my body out.  And, it would bring me much pleasure, contentment, and loads of fun-  I knew that if I could get this worked out, then I could do it.  There was no question or doubt in my mind.  I knew some how, some way, this opportunity would arise again if I stayed positive and focused.  

I kept these thought in my mind, till one day, when my husband came home with a surprise gift for me.  Chris told me to come out side with him for a minute.  So I did.  I remember looking up, and there down the driveway was sitting a blue bicycle next to our car.  That was about 13 years ago.  While standing there and gasping with utter amazement, my heart skipped a beat. I was truly surprised.  I was elated, and ecstatically happy.  My  dream had come true!  This gift, was a cherished hope, and a thought of a real possibility, that I too would accomplish one day.  Somehow, I kept these thoughts alive in my being until that one, special day, it all come true!  It was a quiet prayer and hope that was answered; as I only made mentioned of it once.  My husband made this dream come true for me.  How special is that!  He also made me feel very loved as he made me a very happy girl!  However, it is not the bike you see in the pictures here. 

The first bike was blue, and sat much higher.  When I would ride down hills, it made me feel very insecure, so, one Saturday afternoon, Chris, and I went looking for new ones.  We looked in a few bicycle store’s, and then, at the last shop, which was near our house, I found this perfect, beautiful, red Desoto .  It was all mine and I was going to take it home with me-

Now,  after all these years, I am still riding it and keeping it very shiny with TLC.  Chris has made some pedal modifications, too!  These modifications help me to petal faster, as well as keeps my foot on.  I no longer have to call my hubby every few minutes to fix my foot, and I have more power to push and pull.  This helps tremendously when I am on a hill, stop light, or just want to go faster.  My foot does not slip out of the strap, either any more-  I can tell you honestly, that I feel very secure with my bike, and,  I love and adore riding it.

Even though I need some help in order to go biking, I welcome every opportunity I get.   It is not only a treat, but something I enjoyed tremendously.  It  keeps me fit, trim and in shape, and  more than that, it  free’s my spirit.   It makes me feel like a a kid again!  I can do what everybody else does.  And, It make me feel vibrant and alive! It energizes me, 

What’s more, I can visually picture me now, riding along side all the other children in my neighborhood that I would watch joyfully riding down the streets with this carefree, exuberance. Now instead of feeling left out, it has helped made me feel complete…  I get lots of smiles and thumbs-up from other cyclist, too!

 

Now, all I have to do is ask my hubby if he wants to go for a cycle, and off we go!  We take my Healer/ Terrier mix breed dog, Patches, for her run as well.  It couldn’t be more fun.  She runs about a mile with daddy and then rides the rest of the way with me, mommy:>) Lately, we have been doing a lot more riding since gasoline prices have risen.  We cycle well over 3 miles one way to our open air market to get our fresh fruits and veggies on Saturday mornings. While other times, we have taken our bikes to the strand, in Redondo Beach, California, and rode all the way to Marina Del Ray, and back.  Still other times, we’ve packed our bikes up in the truck,  drove to a particular point, unload our two and three wheelers from our vehicle, and off we ride-  Last time, we petaled from Venice Beach, CA. all the way  to the Santa Monica pair. 

During the summer months, Chris and I  pack up our brown bag of goodies, and have an ocean front view of the water; while eating our lunch or dinner to the sweet crashing sounds of the waves.  We have enjoyed many a meal with the gentle,sea breeze blowing its currents ever so sweetly upon our face.

 

Me Smiling

You couldn’t ask for anything better than that, can you!

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The Hidden Cost Of Our Cerebral Palsy

Monday, July 28th, 2008 by klynn

We are all aware of the struggles which many people with disabilities undergo.  What we may not be aware of, is the unpleasant fact that those of us without cognitive disabilities suffer a hidden cost.  This cost is the reality of having to deal with a support system designed to maintain each of us at a subsistence level.  Experts simply cannot understand that we are capable of great achievements, given real support.  Too often, one set of options is offered.  These represent old outmoded ideas. 

The system has to be maintained.  This means maximum control for "helpful" overseers.  I am tired of it!  FED-UP, OUTRAGED, and APPULED!    There is something very, very wrong about the system which waist time and money trying to do the impossible with those going nowhere, while, ignoring the genuine potential of so many of us.  We are treated worse than dirty dish rags! Hit bellow the belt, and patronized beyond words.  It is SO SUBTLE and SO DESCREITE that only those that it is being done to see it. 

The words "realistic" and "independence" are used to whip our thought process back into line.  It is ridiculous that I have spent a life-time having to prove "my rights" to exist!  It is also stupid and ridiculous that a student with a master’s degree can’t get Ph.D funding while people who write about phone sex are considered "cutting edge."  What is WRONG with this picture?

It would be far more comfortable to sell out, and spend our lives in front of the squawk box, but I am not going to do that!  We are going to soar, speak out, ride the wave, and conquer all.  We are not going to let these people in positions control our every move, though, and goal.   We are not going to stand back ideally, and let them step and stomp over our breath.  We will own our own right to control our own destiny!

We are going to be activists and advocates for ourselves, and show the world that our thoughts, feelings and goals count.  We are going to be recognized for what is truly RIGHT and JUST, and,we will be regarded and respected even thought we may have a physical disability.  We are going to change the world and how the world see us-   We are going to  speak out-  Yell to the highest mountain top to be heard, and not let these people, "in power" which are our blockade stand in out way-   Some how, some way, we will obtain our own destiny!  Some how, some way, we will be heard and seen and the road will be made straight for us.  We will be accepted and treated the way all men and woman deserve to be treated. 

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