Deon’s Story: What is Cerebral Palsy?

I have written  about how the bipolar affected my life many times, but very little about my physical disability. I would like to tell you more because it has equal influence on my life.Some things that a normal guy would find easy and natural to do are a bit challenging for me.

Normally, people would put their coffee cup next to the kettle, make their coffee and then carry it to where they would like to enjoy it.  I first need to take my cup to wherever I would like to sit, for example in the lounge, the garden or even just a few steps away to the kitchen table. Then I take the kettle with both hands, go to the cup and pour the water into it. After taking the kettle back, I do the same with the milk.  I prefer to put my cup on a table next to a chair because from there it is easier to handle with both hands. A straw also works well in this case.  Whenever I visit someone for coffee and they offer me my cup, I ask if they could put it on the coffee table.  When I would like to drink I first need to go down on my knees to get a good grip on it before I can enjoy it.  Once I have had half the coffee I can handle the cup better, but I still need to use both hands to hold it.

It takes a lot of concentration to shave.  My right hand is strong, but my left hand must always have a good grip on my right hand so that I can keep the shaver straight and also keep it from slipping.

These are only two of the things I struggle to do, but can get done.  I learned that I need to have patience with myself.  That is why time management is important to me.

By Deon Labushagne