In a message dated 12/3/01 6:08:09 PM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


>  I've always tried to give
> others, especially when I'm hearing the story from one
> side, the benefit of the doubt but this time I just
> can't. What in the heck is the matter with your people
> and family? You fought to survive from the day you
> were born and they thought it was a waste? Why
> weren't (and still should be) they out celebrating that
> indomitable spirit of yours. Why don't they realize
> that type of will is something to be reckoned with and
> that can accomplish so very much.Why weren't they
> walking by your side, holding your hand and beaming
> with pride and saying look at this beautiful daughter
> of mine. Isn't she wonderful. You are you know

Hey, Joanne,

This is the same story many of us share. Rayna, thank you for putting it so
eloquently into words. Many of our families just don't know how to appreciate
our "special side." This is one of the reasons why we have so much pain and
anger in general inside of us. We fought to survive from day one and have
accomplished so much despite the fact that many of our parents were told the
same thing over and over again: "Don't hope so much, or s/he will be a
vegetable or put them into an institute, and, etc." Or the opposite is also
true. They may have been told that there was no damage and that we would be
fine and it wasn't so.

In any event, it's good to have parents like yourself who know how to
appreciate their little ones and make their lives different from ours right
from the beginning. :-)

Many of us have grown up with verbal and emotional abuse, and that's why we
have to have our great sense of humor and our wits about us so that we can
survive and continue to fight in addition to living with physical pain when
it affects us as well. :-)

Having CP means that we are fighters and determined to make the best of life,
no matter what happens and yeah, we have our good moments, and our good
jokes. :-)
That's what makes this list so special. We know we have our friends that we
can share our feelings and hopes with and vent with when we need to as well.

Hugs to all,

Dina