Can you imagine a life where you require help for every small and basic thing? Well this is the kind of life that many unfortunate people are living because of one reason or the other. One such problem that causes difficulties in life is cerebral palsy (CP). It is not just the physical disability that takes a toll on the child, but also the many psychological issues it brings with it. As a child affected by CP, I used to often wonder where life was taking me.
Building my confidence was essential. Prolonged physiotherapy sessions, surgeries and repeated visits to hospitals make a person feel sick. One feels like a burden on the people. In such situations, the support and encouragement of family and friends can make miracles happen.
I got the best of everything. From the best treatment to love from parents, my sister and friends. I could not have asked for more. My family makes me forget that I have a problem. They make me believe that I’m as good as any other person on this earth. It is their love that has made me what I am today.
Apart from teaching them to be physically independent, parents and well wishers must think of the academic development of a CP child. When I started going to school, I forgot all my problems and I felt quite close to normal. I was completely occupied with my school, friends, assignments and exams.
No matter how you are, you need to live in society. It is important that all the people of society accept you as you are. I went to a party where one of the guests asked my name and then went on to enquire all about me. After listening to me, she said, ‘I feel sorry for you child, I’m really worried about how your future will be.’I wondered whether this is how I’ll have to live all my life. Using sympathy as a crutch? I felt helpless. I prayed that I shouldn’t be in such a situation again.
It is my humble request to everyone out there! Please don’t sympathise with us; that will only remind us of our incapablities and will do no good to us. What we need is not your sympathy but your goodwill, blessings and encouragement that’ll help us move ahead in life.
The blogger, 17, is a student of Shadan Degree College for Women, Hyderabad.