A Time for Everything, Part 3

By Kim Greene

Season of Forgiveness and Acceptance

The confirmation that indeed I have cerebral palsy has been a gift. I believe that indeed there is an ordained time for everything.  The same week that I discovered I have cerebral palsy, the pastor at my church preached a sermon on pride and shame and how they are a problem with the same root cause. The pastor went on to explain that when we experience pride and shame, we are led to believe lies about our true identity. My true identity is defined by who God says that I am. God’s words indicate that I am significant, loved, knit together, valuable, treasured and worthy.

Upon reflecting on this sermon, I realized that for much of my life, I let shame rule my heart. Shame over believing the lies that I was inadequate or had to hide what I found difficult to do. 

The diagnosis brought freedom, as it validated what I knew about myself. I knew that body movement, muscle coordination, and balance indeed are difficult for me and that I am not defined by this, but rather by my God-given identity. 

Sharing my diagnosis with my family and friends has also brought joy, forgiveness, and acceptance. My sister cried and said she was sorry for making fun of me growing up. My husband and adult children apologized, and now when we do something that is physically challenging, they are encouraging and supportive. Extended family shared they now understand why I always declined joining in on physical activities and outdoor games. They now are intentional in choosing some things that I can participate in alongside them.

Season of Living With Cerebral Palsy

Since the diagnosis, my family and I embraced the truth that I need extra support and time doing things that require motor coordination and balance. I now use a walking stick when outside or walking inside on the gym track. I ride a tandem bike and a tandem kayak with my husband. I need railing to climb stairs and support getting into our boat. I do get tired easier than they do, and for the most part, they are understanding. I enjoy our local parks and walking our dog with my husband. 

I do find physical therapy (especially manual stretching), as well as medical massages, to be very helpful.  After my initial hesitation, I tried warm water aquatic therapy and found it really beneficial.

This blog is part a multi-part series.

*Kim’s story is part of KEEPING IT REAL — a series of personal stories that will take you deeper into the lives of people with CP. Each person makes different choices based on what works for them, and we’ll showcase that — highlighting what life is like for them on a daily basis, what they care about, and the ways CP impacts them. 

The KEEPING IT REAL blog is intended solely to raise awareness about the varied human experience with cerebral palsy and shouldn’t be read or construed to contain any medical advice, medical endorsement, or other endorsement by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. Only you and your doctor know what’s best for you. Please consult your doctor for medical advice.