I was sitting in Lauren’s psychologist’ office; stearing at the four walls as they were closing in upon me. But then my eyes fell on some words on the wall that spoke volumes to me. They were; “…our differences are not something to be tolerated, they are something to be celebrated”.
That got me thinking (that could be dangerous) about both our differences as compared to others who cannot relate to either of our disabilities. “Diversity meaning any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another”. Mine being major depression and anxiety disorder. And Lauren’s being spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Both being very diverse, yet in some ways a lot alike.
Both being alike in that; both disorders stem from the brain. CP being caused by brain injury or malformation that occurred just before or immediately after Lauren’s birth. And mine most likely from a genetic component which more than likely I inherited through birth.
We will both have to face our lives with a few more challenges than those without. But I believe the majority, if not all of us, have one challenge of one kind or another. Whether that being mentally or physically. My illness being a mood disorder, interferes with my ability to live a “happy” life. A one that I have to live above, inspite of the way I may feel or my mood may be. Just as Lauren will have to overcome so many obstacles and challenges. But she will not let her disability stop her from doing what she wants to do; she’ll just have to work a little harder than the rest.
But our differences will not define who we are. I am not my mental illness, nor is Lauren defined by her CP. We are much more than that. Life may be just a little more of a struggle for us but it will not stop us from living life to the best of our ability. It will certainly make us stronger people; despite our differences.
We will celebrate our differences and not tolerate them. Our differences are what makes us unique and special people. I have won more wars within me then most can only imagine. Lauren as become a celebrity around here, she is a princess and an inspiration to all who meet her. Our illnesses have impacted who we are but have not determined who we have become. And that we will celebrate, despite our diversity.
So, if you feel different, look different and are different; don’t look at it as a bad thing. It makes you the person you are, it opens up an whole new world that you would have never known otherwise. Do I wish we were both “normal”? No, because that would be living in a fantasy land not reality. All of us are diverse and let’s celebrate that. Our differences are what makes us all special and unique; “we are fearfully and wonderfully made”. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
