We choose to look for silver linings and chase rainbows.
Not today.
We hate cerebral palsy.
We loathe it. Detest it.
Cerebral palsy broke our hearts and crushed our dreams.
It brings endless frustration, anger and disappointment.
We hate cerebral palsy.
We hate that Dexter has to try so hard to do what other kids do without thinking.
We hate that Dexter has to miss out, because he has cerebral palsy.
We hate that he has so much to tell us, but we can't understand him, so we can't respond in the way we would like.
We hate that we have to feed him; every meal.
We hate that he can't order anything off a menu, but needs softer foods that can be mushed up.
We hate that the constant lifting of Dexter and his equipment has thrown our backs out.
We hate that sometimes we are too tired to do the things Dexter deserves.
We hate that Dexter can't walk.
We hate that he can't stand.
We hate that Dexter can't sit.
We hate that Dexter's cerebral palsy took his vision. We hate that we don't even know just how much Dexter can see.
We hate Dexter's dystonia and his tight, tight muscles.
We hate how his toes curl up and we sometimes need to put his shoes on, over those curled toes.
We hate making Dexter do therapies, when we're sure he'd rather be riding a bike or jumping from a tree.
We hate that Dexter has to wear nappies.
We hate that Dexter gets stared at. We hate that some people think they have the right to stare and talk about him, just because of his disabilities.
We hate how tired we are.
We hate the moments when we wonder whether we are enough for Dexter.
We hate that he has to drink thickened juices.
We hate that Dexter doesn't laugh very often.
We hate how expensive everything is.
We hate asking for money, but sometimes, we have to.
We hate that we sometimes have to justify Dexter's right to join in.
We hate that some people judge us and form opinions about us.
We hate that people often point us out and talk about us.
We hate that we have to be strong. Every. Single. Day.
We hate cerebral palsy.
Usually, we try to stay positive and optimistic.
We are determined to teach Dexter that if he believes and works hard enough, there will always be a way to make things happen. We have big goals for him.
We believe in Dexter.
We want him to be a respectful and caring little person, who maintains his curiosity and determination.
We love Dexter.
We love him with the fullest of hearts. We love him every single day.
We are so proud of him. We tell him. Constantly.
He really is a beautiful person.
During March, we have shared Cerebral Palsy Awareness challenges.
If you want to understand a little more about living with severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy, you could do some of the challenges. They are on this blog, Dexter's facebook page and his instagram account. @lovedexter3
There are videos of Dexter on his you tube channel.
We hope to raise awareness about cerebral palsy so people can understand Dexter a little more. We want people to realise that he is clever and cheeky, determined and patient.
We just want people to realise there is more to Dexter than just his wheelchair and his disabilities. We are so grateful for the people who see Dexter' strengths and character.
And now, we'll dust ourselves off, stand tall and face another day with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Doesn’t Stop Me Understanding Stuff
They Want Octopus Arms
Little Fingers Reaching
Something to Say But No Words to Say It
And Then, They Whispered about Me
Would You Like Some Cake, Dexter?
Physical Toll of Cerebral Palsy
It Takes Energy to Stay Strong
Mum was Crying in the Ball Pit
What a Dollar means to Dexter
When Wheelchair Stops Being a Dirty Word
About the Sisters
My Sister is Four
I’m a Kindy Kid!
Dexter's 2013
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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