So it’s another circle of 365 days.
After this, it’ll soon be another and another and yet another! As the Themes and global focus change, we seem trapped somewhere in this cycle. Where exactly is our position in all this? I don’t think I’ve ever been able to decipher exactly where a cycle starts or ends. All I know is that there’s roundness. Please pardon the fact that I do not have a mathematical mind. I really do not know how my hubby who thinks in figures, shapes, and measurements copes with me.
Anyways that’s not what this post is about.
Today I’m considering a condition that is said to be the most common childhood disability. Come to think of it, this Cerebral Palsy is known to be the most expensive, tasking, and probably painful physical disability. Of course, no two cases of CP are the same but then these are accepted facts.
6th October is globally recognized as a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate warriors with this condition.
Hmmm, I wonder who taught me to describe these wonderful personalities as WARRIORS? I think it’s such a beautiful description that suits them so nicely! Look, I’m an Ijaw lady by tribe and local massage is one of our trademarks but you can’t find me on the mat! I consider myself someone with a high threshold for pain but you see ehn, therapy is not easy!
One individual, endless sessions of physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, speech, and all kinds of intervention yet with a gloomy verdict of life-long management as against cure. Chai! People with CP and their families dey try!
My thoughts aren’t organized so please pardon me. How can I attempt to write logically in the face of sad realities?
Do you know the average cost of maintaining a child with cerebral palsy?
Look, I don’t want to talk about this focus of this year’s celebration. ‘Technology That Makes lives of people with CP better. ‘What’s that???’ several indigent parents responded when I tried to have a conversation about this.
What does this mean to a family with a minimum wage of N40,000? Can we pretend not to know that there are still some parents, siblings, teachers, and even medical practitioners who do not know the name of the condition?
Only yesterday, a mother tearfully informed me that her 3-year-old daughter was sent home from school and asked not to come back because she couldn’t fit into the classroom!
Sha, I’m not a spoiler and so I must move to the brighter side.
My bright side is a beautiful teenager called Blessing. That’s her real name and I chose to use it because there’s no better name to call her. My crush is a BLESSING. She’s cute, smart, determined, focused, and eager to learn new things. My cutie isn’t limited by Cerebral Palsy but by the lack of a conducive environment for her to thrive. She’s limited by rejection, poverty, unfriendly stares, and societal barriers.
Anyways, I have great news! I see Blessing soaring above negative perspectives and creating new paths of accomplishment because She’s got FIRE, GRIT, and TENACITY.
I believe in my CP crush.
I love my baby B.
I have millions of reasons to celebrate Blessing, Nimi, David, Daniel, Ifeanyi, Raphael, Faith, and Brian…if you feel me, please copy and edit to add up the name (s) of your special warriors on such a beautiful GREEN day!
So long!
Na Biby Yinkere dey sign out with millions of kisses
