Living with cerebral palsy – TheChronicleHerald.ca

First, let me tell you I dont know much about cerebral palsy, but Im learning. Google tells me it is a term used for a group of disorders that affect a persons ability to move. Its a lifelong condition that can affect body movement, muscle control, posture, balance, etc. Some people may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments.

A recent day trip opened our eyes to some of the daily barriers faced by people with mobility challenges. A few years ago a friend asked if I would drive to Windsor to consider window treatments for a house. At the time I didnt know that she kept a house there just to use for weekends with her daughter.

Pat explained that her daughter, Cara, had cerebral palsy and was in a small options home. As I asked more questions I learned that the condition was caused from birth trauma. Cara also has visual impairment.

One weekend my husband and I journeyed to Windsor to look at the windows. When we arrived we were introduced to a lovely young lady. Cara wasnt a bit shy, and had lots of questions for us.

It seems she loves dates not dating, but calendar dates. She wanted to know our birthdays, anniversary, etc., and has a great memory for such things.

Cara cannot walk without a walker, or stand up without something to hold onto. Every time we moved a chair she reminded us to be sure to put it back in the same spot before we left. Despite her poor mobility, she still went to the kitchen to make tea/coffee.

She was watching TV when we arrived, so in conversation we asked what she preferred to watch. She loves old movies, and The Sound of Music is her favourite. We had been to see the Von Trapp grandchildren perform at Acadia and had a CD of their concert. As we left we promised to be sure to give it to her.

I did finally complete the window treatments, so when Pat told me her daughter was coming to her home near Liverpool for the Christmas holidays I started thinking: What can I do for Cara?

I still had some of the fabric I had used for the roman shade in Caras bedroom so I decided to make a cute pillow for her bed. I passed it along to her mom so Cara would have it for the big day.

Since Cara was so excited about the pillow gift last year, I asked her mother if there was something I could do again this Christmas. Oh yes! She needed new PJs. I found a light mauve flannelette fabric with butterflies on it to use for the top and a dark purple for the bottoms. Mom brought me an old pair of PJs for a pattern. Since I was in Ottawa for Christmas I couldnt visit Cara, but we did have a phone call.

Just this past weekend we Hubby and I went to visit Cara. Her Mom was away visiting her son and family in Texas. Mom was worried about leaving Cara for several weeks, so we volunteered to go take her out to lunch. It was an eye-opening experience.

When we arrived at the small options home I at first thought we must be at the wrong address. There was no wheelchair ramp just steep stairs. It seems strange in a province where most businesses are required to provide accessibility that a group home is not. However, the home was spotless inside, and the lady in charge was wonderful.

Cara struggled down the stairs holding onto the railings. We held her walker at the bottom and manoeuvred to get her into the car. That was the beginning of our lesson for the day.

We had only moved a few yards down the street when Cara asked if we could take a drive after lunch. We had already planned to do that. Then she started asking about birthdates, etc. She told us her birthday was coming up on April 15. (If youd like to wish her a Happy Birthday, just send your wishes to my email address and Ill be happy to pass them on.)

Cara was really excited to tell us about her older brother Geoff who is 47 years old. He lives in Texas and competes in Ironman events. Cara is so proud of him.

We went to lunch at The Crossroads Restaurant, which offers accessibility and parking. We had the waitress light the tea light for Cara and then she ordered a two piece fish and chips. It was a full plate! Since we had never been with Cara on our own I didnt know what I needed to do. She asked me to cut up her fish and add the ketchup and tartar sauce.

She quickly passed me her coleslaw. She thought it was great that I didnt like it either. For dessert she ordered strawberry and rhubarb pie with ice cream. She was so pleased when Papa ordered the same pie. Along with dates, she loves comparisons.

Soon she announced that we would need a bathroom break before we went for a drive. Although there was an accessible washroom, it was not ideal. The doors were difficult to manoeuvre and the tissue was hard to reach. Over the sink was a sign saying extremely hot water, which is not exactly helpful for the visually impaired.

Again it was a trying trip down the little ramp with the walker and getting her loaded in the car. You just have to stand back and let her do it herself. She is a very independent lady!

After a drive to Newport Landing/Avondale we decided to stop at Tim Hortons for a treat. While Papa was inside getting tea and doughnuts Cara spoke about her job at New Boundaries, where they do book recycling. She goes by taxi a few days a week and really loves her work.

After three hours we returned her to the group home, where she struggled back up those stairs. Papa, who has a bad knee, could barely make it up. I went in to see her room. Everything was pink! Cara insisted on some hugs before we left.

Cara was fortunate to be born to a lovely lady who was also a nurse and provided the special care required. Cara attended elementary schools before being enrolled at Sir Frederick Fraser School for the Blind in Halifax, where she attended for 10 years. Here she was exposed to absolutely everything from swimming to cooking, music and much more. She learned to play the piano and made many friends.

After leaving this school and moving back to Windsor she joined the Windsor Community Choir. She had two pieces for music written for her by the director, and she proudly sang them to an appreciative audience.

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Living with cerebral palsy - TheChronicleHerald.ca