They said I was too small. They said that I would never learn much. They said I would never, ever walk. They said that I would always need specialized care and they said I would never be independent. Walking was out of the question even if I was to live and, of course, falling in love, working, playing, making life long friends would only be a far-flung fantasy in the minds of parents in denial.

Dreams were also out of the question as my brain, they said, was too small and would never have the capacity for such abstract thought. My heavens, being able to distinguish the members of my family would be a brainteaser, indeed.

They said I had C.P.; cerebral palsy, damage to my brain, quadraplegia affecting all four limbs, gimped, to coin a phrase of some which also, to them is synonymous with stupid. And so, as I grew an understanding dawned, I heard all the words; retard,  handicapped,  slow useless, more descripters???

It has nothing to do with having Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.  It has everything to do with hope, strength of character, morality and happiness.  I had accomplished may different challenges such as moving from my knees to standing, completing the maneuver on the toilet and driving a wheelchair, which, in comparison would be similar to the first steps of a child learning to walk.

I took on a mind-boggling Physical Training Program, and I found I have more challenges on a daily basis.  I will also tell you that the vast majority of the Population never gets anywhere near the skill and control in the execution of these exercises.  I am happy to share all the happiness, struggles, losses and fears and successes and decision as an equal not in the least minimized by Cerebral Palsy. I have charted out a course for my life, and this appears to include never giving up the idea of walking.  I am not only walking, I am running and jumping and can go where most humans would have feared tread.