While cerebral palsy doesn't control our lives, it does make it's presence known every single day.
Dexter's cerebral palsy affects all of his limbs, as well as his torso and neck. It's severe. Dexter's cerebral palsy stops him from being able to run and jump and yell at his sisters. His cerebral palsy makes him dependent on us, for everything.
He needs us; all day, every day.
And, we need him.
Dexter has changed us; forever. He has changed us in massive ways, so much so that sometimes, people don't recognise us.
Because of his cerebral palsy, we see the world differently. We fight for different things. We hope for genuine inclusion and real friendships. We hope for success and fulfilment for Dexter.
We hope for love.
Dexter has so much love to offer.
Maybe because of his cerebral palsy, Dexter is incredibly patient and resilient. He's determined and strong; stronger than I will ever be. He's grateful. He's clever. He's cheeky, and always has been. Dexter has an old personality, maybe because he has faced so many truly awful challenges. He rarely complains.
Dexter is a great brother; he's loving and gentle and as protective as his cerebral palsy will allow him to be.
Every day, Dexter's cerebral palsy brings challenges and difficulties. Dexter is getting heavy and he's harder to carry and move. He's taller, so he's getting awkward to dress. He's seven and sometimes has a very stubborn nature.
Dexter's cerebral palsy decided what his home should look like; it was designed to best include him and cater to his needs. His cerebral palsy decided what Dexter's bed would look like; a hospital bed.
Dexter's cerebral palsy decides what car he has to be driven in. His wheelchair and equipment have to fit inside.
So many decisions are made, based on Dexter's cerebral palsy.
A single step can be a real barrier for Dexter.
Some days, Dexter's cerebral palsy leaves us in tears; heartbroken, scared and anxious.
But, every day, Dexter brings so much love and happiness. He has an uncanny ability to find the good people, and has been building a strong community around him, filled with people who see him and believe in him.
While many people only see his disabilities, others really see him. Dexter can tell the difference. And, when he includes you in his community, his love will shine through. He sweeps people up in his love. Once he's got you, he keeps you.
Cerebral palsy makes every day so hard, but Dexter makes every day so amazing.
We are so lucky to have him.
We try to be honest and real, when we share stories of Dexter and our life with cerebral palsy. It's not easy. There are many really bad days.
To all the people with cerebral palsy, to all their families and friends, we send much love and strength today; World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. (Not just today, but every day.... because, cerebral palsy is there every day.)
#DextersReality #cerebralpalsy #love
Dexter does some form of therapy every single day.
Surgeries set him back, a lot, too. We are getting our heads around the surgery that will take place in December.
Dexter is lucky to have two amazing sisters, who are naturally inclusive and gentle, strong and feisty.
Brain Damage – Finding Out
My Birth
See the Cancer?
Little Fingers Reaching
Something to Say But No Words to Say It
And Then, They Whispered about Me
We Nearly Lost Him
Dexter’s Femoral Osteotomy
When Your Heart Aches with Sadness
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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