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I'm definitely a few years late to this (Reply to this comment)
by lllovemakeup
WC piece, but am glad I found it.
My cousin has cerebral palsy. His case is noticeable with gait, speech, etc. We spent a lot of time together as kids, and to this day, he's one of my favorite people in the world. His sense of humor is wicked-funny, and he's as smart as a whip...he just can't easily articulate with speech.
Blessings come wrapped in ways not easily seen sometimes, but it doesn't mean they aren't there. He sounds like a wonderful young boy. You're lucky to have him, and he is incredibly lucky to have you all as well.
I wish you and your family every happiness.
Best,
Julie
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Aug 29 '09
9:30 am PDT
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Oops! (Reply to this comment)
by AinsleyJo
Excuse boo-boo! I meant Seventh Day Adventist!
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Feb 03 '05
2:03 pm PST
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People With CP (Reply to this comment)
by AinsleyJo
I know that this affects people in many different ways. Like, when I was younger, I had no idea that my older cousin, Carolyn, had it until something was mentioned about her wanting to go to this Seventh Day Adventage college in Chattanooga but didn't think she could make it walking around campus with all of those hills and mountains.
I learned the reason why was that she had cerebral palsy.
She's a sweet woman (now 62 with 4 grown kids and 8 grandkids) and very pretty. When she was younger, her hair was golden blonde and curly (I believe that both conditions were natural), and she had these big, beautiful blue eyes. And I don't think that she could have gotten fat if she tried.
The only thing that seemed to be affected on her was her legs--that is, she mildly has a way of walking with a scissors gait.
Before I knew the reason, I simply thought that she walked like a movie star or some sort of fine and dignified lady (such as a princess).
When in high school, I was a cadet teacher in this special education class with a lady named Pearl. Pearl had a lopsided walk, and I was under the impression that one of her legs was shorter than the other one. I think that it was.
However, she told me that what caused her legs to be that way was that she had cerebral palsy--not only that, but her daughter, Nancy, had it, too.
Nancy (who passed away in 1985) was a dwarf, and she lost her balance fairly easily--even though she was really great at getting back up when she fell. Before she became ill with the tumors on her central nervous system that eventually shortened her earthly life to a mere 34 years, she was quite active and loved to go to parties and dance with her various boyfriends over the years. She was a very pretty, popular, and caring person with a quick wit (in spite of learning disabilities) and a lot to give. I can tell you story after story about Nancy, because she's always been one of my heroes. I'd heard so much about her that, when I finally met her, I felt as if I were meeting a celebrity!!!
Several of my friends have CP, and they're affected in different ways. Don't even get me started on Kevin (another one of my "adopted" kid brothers)! But I can tell you a couple of things that are pretty funny.
When he was in high school, he wore braces and walked with two metal crutches--and you knew better than to get on his wrong side.
He and this girl he liked were both in the school band (him for occasions when the band wasn't marching, of course), and he came into the room one day and found this bag for storing tubas moving around and a voice coming out of it asking for help in getting out of there.
When he asked, she told him who was responsible for zipping her up in the bag--and that person soon knew what it felt like to be worked over with a couple of metal crutches!
When he was in grade school, he had to go to the bathroom--and managed to get his braces caught on the toilet seat!
When he didn't return to his classroom after a time, his teacher sent the principal down to the boys' room to see if he were all right, and the principal was finally able to get him undone!
He's 47 now and only uses a wooden cane to walk with. Unless he's gone back to wearing them, he hasn't worn braces since the early 1980s. He commutes to and from Indy to work at a Meijer location down there (cashier), and he's pretty worn out by the time his work day is over, but he's still upbeat and quick-witted.
One more thing...have you ever seen this minister named David Ring? I was in this motel room over in Ohio back in the mid-1990s, and I had on the TV, and he came on there, told his story, and then lead the singing.
This guy has a spastic voice, but a great command of his words. He said that he hoped people would put up with his singing because he had a song that told how he felt. If I remember right, it was Victory In Jesus, and hearing him sing that just melted my heart!
His case of CP was quite severe, and he told how his folks were told not to hold out much hope for him having any sort of quality of life, but he grew up and became a minister and a family man!
He shared pictures of his family.
All in all, it was just one of those experiences in life that are hard to forget--even though the TV was one of those teensy-weensy ones with a fuzzy b&w picture!
Blessings!
AJ :o)
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Feb 03 '05
2:02 pm PST
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Very informative (Reply to this comment)
by pilarzmom
A neighbor of mine has a child with mild CP too but you would never know it. He's done great with his physical therapy.
My oldest child is a type I diabetic and I can relate to the part about having to deal with questions from people. I just have to put on my happy face and try to politely educate them as there is so much misinformation (did he get by eating too much sugar?)
Best wishes to you and your son. Kids are tough cookies, I think tougher than we are.
Peggy
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Mar 09 '04
11:02 pm PST
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my brother... (Reply to this comment)
by ilovesephora
My brother has CP.
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Jan 29 '04
2:06 pm PST
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WOW (Reply to this comment)
by cosmoandgunner
I was completely unaware of most everything you said. I found this review very interesting as I love learning new things. And oh my God, anyone asking is he gonna be ok?!?!? I know that poeple do not mean it the way it sounds, but goodness you just need to ask yourself how it would feel if you were the mom. Thank you for the VERY informative info!
Shelly
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Sep 16 '03
9:00 am PDT
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Melissa (Reply to this comment)
by theresaro
I wish Brandon and your family well. Thanks so much for sharing this personal information with all of us.It will help others who's children suffer from the same thing.
You seem very strong willed and determined which I think is wonderful. Your son seemed to overcome some of the symptoms and he just might overcome the rest. His pictures on your website are adorable he looks very happy and that's what's important.
Take care and all my best to you.
Teri
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Sep 16 '03
2:03 am PDT
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Thank You (Reply to this comment)
by oakleysmommy
Hope Brandon had a great first day of Kindergarten!
Thank you for sharing your story, thoughts, encouragement, and research findings.
It has been more than helpful.
Mindy
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Aug 04 '03
9:33 pm PDT
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yup (Reply to this comment)
by DGTurtle2
Hey Melissa... I remember you and I emailing a bit about the toe walking and potty issues back when this was starting for you, about the same time it was starting for us. We saw the pediatric neurologist in January 2003 when Jeremy was 4.5 years old. Jeremy was also diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy after essentially the same neurological appointment. Kind of shocking at first to be told, but you're right, it helps to make things make sense. At least there is an answer to the WHY question regarding some specific behaviors. It brings understanding to some degree. Jeremy was also late to talk and when he began, simply talked in full sentences too. I'd be surprised if it's not related at least. Thanks for writing this. I hope it helps a bunch of people too.
Dina
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Jul 29 '03
4:51 am PDT
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Melissa babe (Reply to this comment)
by kristinafh
Please - forgive me for taking so long to get my backside over here :). Traveling is a BEAR!
I had no idea about your son. What you've written is extremely informative and I've definitely learned something! Isn't it just bizarre how, when you're younger (and childless), you have no idea how many different things can happen to a child - either in the womb, or as a part of every day development?
Anyway, wanted to stop by, give you a smooch and all of that good stuff :).
Kristina
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Jul 27 '03
12:15 am PDT
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Re: It's hard.... (Reply to this comment)
by Suzer
If anyone is looking for online support groups, Yahoo Groups has several for parents of kids with Cerebral Palsy.
Suz
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Jul 26 '03
7:10 am PDT
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Physical Therapy (Reply to this comment)
by Twix109
I volunteer 2-3 times a week at this physical therapy place in a neighboring town. When I am up in Pediatrics, I work with a lot of children with Cerebral Palsy. Some are mild cases, where some are severe. I would help the physical therapist play games with the children to make them strengthen their legs, arms, etc.
At first, I was so incredibly shy and asking questions like "What is making him walk like that?" "Why can't he say hello and goodbye?" "Is there a cure?" I was such a wreck after the first few classes. It bothered me and I came home and cried because I couldn't believe these precious children had these big issues. Since I've been volunteering a lot in Peds - I've grown to love these kids and I get so excited when they say "Delle." Your story was so incredibly heartfelt - and the misconceptions really suck because I was one of those people.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Danielle
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Jul 25 '03
4:44 pm PDT
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Re: Thank you.... (Reply to this comment)
by bops_mom
Thank you for your comment Kath! I don't know how awesome I am, though bless you for saying that, but greatly appreciate any prayers you send my kiddo's way.
Melissa
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Jul 18 '03
2:55 am PDT
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Re: It's hard.... (Reply to this comment)
by bops_mom
Lisa,
It is hard to be told there's something wrong with your kid. In some ways I'm glad that I was never really able to go through denial though as I knew something had to be going on after the Speech Therapist visit.
CP is actually the most common Neurological Disorder (more have it than Autism, Epilepsy, etc.). I do keep thinking, if so many people have it why don't I know anyone? Sheesh. I know many people with various forms of Autism, which is less common. I think the main reason behind that is, people can have CP and it isn't obvious (like in the case of my son). I'd have never guessed the Pediatric Neurologist we saw had CP, yet he did (well, does, since CP isn't something that goes away).
From what I've read, genes may play a role in very rare instances. However, I think (don't quote me on this) that genes only come into play when the brain simply doesn't develop correctly - and I believe (again don't quote me) that this is really rare. So, we haven't had any gene testing, it isn't a common thing to do for CP at all, like it is for Autism.
Melissa
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Jul 18 '03
2:50 am PDT
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I wish (Reply to this comment)
by CyndiA
I wish I had the MH button. This is a beautiful and most helpful piece. I think CP is something that would terrify many parents. I know that I did not know that it came in degrees like you've shared here. One of my kids prob won't play the big time sports either and is not coordinated. I don't think it's anything other than not so great coordination. He's one heck of a swimmer though. He also does some karate but is not as quick with that as swimming. Hugs to you (a great mom who not shared this) and to Brandon (a great kid who doesn't need to a be a football jock to rock).
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Jul 17 '03
8:02 pm PDT
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fantastic essay (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
All my best to you guys. Brandon's a lucky boy to have you.
Jan
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Jul 16 '03
10:20 pm PDT
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Liss (Reply to this comment)
by marytara,  in Kids & Family
Thanks for sharing your story. Bop is so lucky to have a great mom like you! He sure sounds like a superb little boy :)
~MT
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Jul 16 '03
7:26 pm PDT
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Re: This is so beautifully written... (Reply to this comment)
by ifif1938
Thanks so much for sharing your story..I t must have been difficult to write but if it helps one person I'm sure it will have been worth it and I'm sure the reason you wrote it.
Take care and know we all care...
Barbara
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Jul 16 '03
10:10 am PDT
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It's hard.... (Reply to this comment)
by LisaDo
finding out that there is something, ANYTHING, wrong with your child. :( I'm glad that your Speech Therapist pointed you in the right direction and KNEW what to look for. :)
Thank you for sharing your story. No one I know, that I am aware of, has Cerebral Palsy. :( Until your review, it wasn't something I knew much about. :(
Curious, is CP genetic? Have they ever tested Brandon? Or ever mentioned it? I know you mentioned brain trauma, but I wasn't sure if maybe the gene is there and isn't "activated" unless certain things, such as a traumatic birth, happen? I'm not wording this very well, but I hope you understand what I mean. :) Autism isn't CP, but there is so much unknown about both that questions come up, such as how it came about. :(
Lisa
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Jul 16 '03
3:28 am PDT
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Aww (Reply to this comment)
by patricknjacob
Thanks for sharing. I hope you helped someone with your story today -- I am sure you have.
Your son is lucky. I have a friend with severe spastic CP. He is is his mid 40s now. Life was tough for him when he was younger.
Hmm -- I was going to share more, but have decided not to. I am sure this is a hard thing, and you are great for sharing it with us.
~Melinda
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Jul 15 '03
6:38 pm PDT
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This is so beautifully written... (Reply to this comment)
by befus
and so heartfelt. It also contains much helpful information, and I have a feeling will support and encourage others going through similar situations, who are in need of some guidance. Thank you for sharing so personally!!
My brother was diagnosed with MS recently, and I am still learning about that. But I can imagine how much more urgent it would feel to learn all you can when it's your child who is ill, and you are responsible for his health and well-being. God bless you on the journey!
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Jul 15 '03
5:59 pm PDT
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Thanks for sharing... (Reply to this comment)
by arathi
and my very best to Brandon.
Arathi
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Jul 15 '03
2:33 pm PDT
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Thank you... (Reply to this comment)
by mrs-j
... for the most helpful thing I've ever read on Epinions. Well-written and well executed. I learned more about CP today than I have in my entire life. Brandon is very lucky to have such a smart, loving and caring mom looking out for him!
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Jul 15 '03
1:32 pm PDT
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This is what motherhood is all about. (Reply to this comment)
by Susie-34668
Taking care of your children. You wrote this with so much feeling, and care for others.
As always my prayers are with you and your family. I will become a Grandma again in February, when my daughter in England, has her second child.
Susie.
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Jul 15 '03
1:02 pm PDT
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So wonderful (Reply to this comment)
by jcrismon
that you took the time to share your experience with Cerebral Palsy - I am sure your article is going to be a tremendous help to others seeking information. I had no idea exactly what the condition is, but felt this was going to be a depressing read - it wasn't - it was positive, uplifting, and beneficial. Blessings to you and Brandon.
Jennifer
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Jul 15 '03
12:19 pm PDT
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You're a great mother.. (Reply to this comment)
by moonsista
You are a great mother and you wrote this piece with both love and the desire to help others. I was riveted to my chair - I hope that one day I'm *half* the mom you are. :)
Stacey
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Jul 15 '03
11:26 am PDT
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Love you both - (Reply to this comment)
by KMINER,  in Kids & Family
as you know - thanks for writing this and all that you do ... many of us know the emotions that went into this journey ... Kimm
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Jul 15 '03
10:33 am PDT
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Melissa, thank you for sharing your story... (Reply to this comment)
by Dunkjam
being a RN, I feel that fear and anxiety come from lack of knowledge. I am so glad that you were fortunate enough to have this great speech therapist and neurologist! I hope your story will help others to feel differently about any child's disorder/condition. Having two young granddaughters ages 14mos and 31/2yrs, makes me realize that the gift of children and grandchildren is the most precious gift on earth. When my girls go back home to another state 200 miles away, I can still hear their laughter and feel their arms around my neck! God bless your family and thank you for sharing your story, Eva
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Jul 15 '03
7:48 am PDT
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Thank you for sharing... (Reply to this comment)
by marybatson
this information. I for one have learned a lot about Cerebral Palsy from reading this, and in checking out the comments, other have too. I'm glad you found a super doctor, it helps us all keep the faith with regards to western medicine.
God Bless,
Mary
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Jul 15 '03
7:37 am PDT
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:) (Reply to this comment)
by sblaydes, in Kids & Family
From one Mom to another ... thank you for taking the time to not only write but share your son's experience with others. There is no doubt in my mind that your review will help many.
I also wanted to add that one of the Mom's I have become friends with on the swim team has Cerebal Palsy. Your line in regards to swimming being a great sport really hit home with me as she was a swimmer when she was younger. As the parent of two children who swim I love the sport, the exercise my children get and the wonderful family and friends we have met through the swim team.
Thanks again for sharing Liss. :)
Suzanne
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Jul 15 '03
7:27 am PDT
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