My child with CP

I have found some comfort in a blog about a 6 yr old boy with CP and his mother wrote a poem for him on their blog (love that max);

My child with cerebral palsy is not the same as another child with cerebral palsy; the condition isn't one size fits all. There are various types. Even within the same type, it affects every kid (and adult) differently.

My child with cerebral palsy is not defined by her disability. She is a cheerful, outgoing, spaghetti-eating kid who happens to have CP. She is not A Kid With CP. Please do not refer to her that way (although daddy like to refer to her as "Mrs Magoo").

My child with cerebral palsy is not someone to be pitied. That should be reserved for children who truly exist in sad circumstances.

My child with cerebral palsy is not an angel just because she has a disability. She can be naughty and bratty and everything any typical kid can be. Just ask her bother.

My child with cerebral palsy is not someone I go the extra mile for because I am an angel. She is my child. You do what you can do to help your children succeed in life.

My child with cerebral palsy is not hard of hearing. When you talk about her as if she is not there, hello, she can hear you.

My child with cerebral palsy is not meant to be ignored at the playground, at the gym, or anywhere else physicality rules. She may move more slowly than other kids but she is just as gung-ho to have fun. Include her.

My child with cerebral palsy is not a "cutie pie." She is not "so sweet." She is not necessarily any of those belittling words well-meaning people use to describe children with special needs. She is "smart." She is "funny." She is any personality trait any kid can have. And yes "she looks normal"!

My child with cerebral palsy is not someone to be openly gawked at. So what if she drools; your child eats his boogers. Kids have their quirks. (You may, however feel free to gawk at her gorgeous mom!)

My child with cerebral palsy does not have something catchy, although from the way some parents hover nervously when their child is around her, you might very well think she does.

My child with cerebral palsy is not someone or something I "have to live with." She brings me joy that may not be possible to understand...unless you have a child with cerebral palsy.

Authored by Love That Max blog.