Joy,

I totally agree with what April said.  You can't beat yourself up about
what you didn't do, but can move on and make changes now.  Heck, I
didn't even do anything for my cp except have my heel cords lengthened
when I was 5, until I first went to PT at age 16!!  And I just had my
hamstrings lengthened two summers ago (I am 28!)...So, believe me, I
relate to what you are saying.

Take this new independence you are seeking as a first step to making
positive changes in your life so you are happy with YOU.  Don't worry
about what you didn't do as a kid.

:) Linda