For a few children this is not necessarily the case. The things that most parents just take for granted ( I’m not blaming them) we pray everyday for Lauren. Cerebral Palsy as stolen so much from her. But we try so desperately to give her a life of hope, normalcy, play and to explore the world as she sees it.
The older Lauren gets the more we realize that Lauren as so many obstacles to overcome, not just from her illness but also from society as a whole. From getting from point A to point B requires our assistance. Accessibility will always be a struggle, because not everywhere you go is wheelchair accessible. I have been an advocate, on Lauren’s behalf, to make our space in this world a little more accessible. Surprisingly enough and sadly, not everyone are too anxious to conform to accessibility. Then we are experiencing the ugliness of inclusion; not always do we find people/organizations with open arms to include Lauren as an equal member of society. Sometimes being all inclusive turns out to be quite the opposite. But again, I will be Lauren’s advocate and make sure that she feels included. Just because her legs aren’t working and she as to use a wheelchair; makes her no different then if a child is wearing eyeglasses to see or hearing aids to hear. All inclusive means just that; ALL inclusive, none left out.
We are not in denial, everyday is a constant reminder of Lauren’s challenges but that doesn’t mean we don’t want the best for her but in order for that to happen we may have to overcome many obstacles, challenges, struggles, stigma, ignorance and false hopes. We still have days when we wish Cerebral Palsy would just go away and leave us alone. To let Lauren just live a ‘normal’ life. We understand that everyone has their own struggles, hurts and pain but I’m writing about Lauren’s today. Sometimes I wonder will we ever get to a point of acceptance; I don’t think so, not as of today anyway.
Lauren’s last words before falling to sleep last night was, “I wish I could walk like Bruddy.” What do you say? How do you say it? Lauren ‘may’ never walk like Bruddy. We have already been told that Lauren will always need the assistance of a wheelchair, walker and aids. Do we accept the expertise advice of the medical field? To be honest, I don’t know anymore!
If we don’t, we have one option left. And that would be a miracle from God Himself. Would that be possible? I pray it would be. Yesterday the statement was going over and over in my head, ‘If Jesus could do it then; He can do it now.’ Well, here she is Lord, she’s all yours. If you want her to walk, do your work! But if not, please help us to accept your will and please carry her over the many bumpy roads she is going to come in contact with. At those times may you carry her…..
