My Cerebral Palsy isn’t my entire personality

Yesterday was World Cerebral Palsy Day. While I have Cerebral Palsy and am a wheelchair user because of it, my CP has never been my entire identity or personality. I’m much more than “just” a wheelchair user. I’m a storyteller; my mind is always crafting new characters or thinking up random lines of poetry. I’m also an avid reader; currently, Dragons, Wyverns, and Fae are taking up the majority of my thoughts right now. I’ve recently finished The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. A series hasn’t shaped my life like this since maybe my Tween years and my Twilight Era.

I’m certified in binge-watching and a known concert junikie; give me a ten-season show or a two-minute song with intriguing characters and I’m in. I consume Iced Lattes weekly. I don’t want to add up the amount of money I spend on coffee. From October to June, hockey becomes my personality. I enjoy the Boy Aquarium. I’m a Bunny Mom; my little dwarf lionhead, Eggo Waffles Stanton, is very well loved and very spoiled. I’m an October baby, which has made me into a witchy woman. If it’s spooky, it’s for me. Mixology is my favorite form of potion-making.

I’m a daughter. I’m a granddaughter. As an only child and the eldest grandchild, cousin is a title I hold very proudly. I’m a girlfriend. I’m a friend. And I have Cerebral Palsy.

My CP is only one aspect of my life. One aspect of my character. CP is where I’m focusing my character development in this chapter of my life. I have weekly Physical Therapy appointments for the first time in my adult life. The chats about books and life I have with my therapist while going through the exercises have become something to look forward to throughout my week. The exercises have become a part of my daily routine.

In my short story, The Midnight Kiss, I wrote a character who also lives with Cerebral Palsy. I’m currently writing his story. His story will be his own. Stay tuned as I continue to uncover and embrace my own CP, and as I keep crafting stories with well-thought-out CP representation.