Inspiration

Warren: Okay, here we go. So, CP… is, well, let’s say it’s complicated. You might be wondering, what does CP stand for, it means cerebral palsy. Basically, CP comes in many different forms. You have the serious form, the moderate form (which I have), and you have the mild form. But, these forms all vary and look very different. I was “lucky” enough to be diagnosed with a very moderate form. I AM lucky enough to even speak and to even be alive. But, even with CP, I still manage to live my life the way I want to. I am in the gifted ELA class, I just finished 6th grade, I have friends and family to support me. I’m on the honor roll. I outsmarted any kids who picked on me this past school year. I raise my hand in almost every class. I answered almost every question with confidence. I liked every teacher I had. So, yeah, CP has its ups and downs. But, if any one of the 17 million people out there with CP are reading this, WE CAN DO IT!!! No matter how many times the haters push us down, we will get back up. Everyone is good at something, whether it’s physically or academically. You will succeed! Don’t let anyone tell you, “you can’t” or “you won’t”. Just because you have to try harder, doesn’t make it impossible. You just have to show the world. I know it can be hard, I know it can be tough, but, you will do it. It’s going to be a long, bumpy road. But, nothing is handed to you, you have to work hard, day in and day out. I know I may sound like a cliche inspirational movie, but it’s true. Anyone can be anything as long as you put the work in. It’s not about respect or recognition, it’s about pride. Pride in knowing you did something important. Pride in knowing that you accomplished your goals. People aren’t going to notice straight away, but they will notice eventually. You have pride in knowing that you took the world head on and left your mark. CP isn’t a hindrance, it’s a way to get you to work harder, it’s a way to get you to dream bigger. Most importantly, don’t forget the people that helped get you there. Also, try to remember this, you don’t have to remember my name, just remember this: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING… it’s just going to be a little harder. Mom, do you have anything to say about this? Leah: You know, Warren, this is the reason that I watch (and make you watch) every inspirational, encouraging, success story video of people with special needs that I come across. I can’t get enough of watching videos like that. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing people overcoming adversity and being determined to do more, be more. This is the message I preach to you, always, but I love to be able to show you other people with special needs out there succeeding. I feel as though exposure and awareness is key. It’s impossible for any person who has no exposure and no awareness to even begin to understand people with special needs. It’s impossible for them to understand that people with special needs have hopes, dreams, and goals the same as everyone else. People tend to fear what they don’t understand. The more success stories I see of people with special needs, the more I feel like we’re getting the word out there. It’s high time to break down the barriers, dispel the misconceptions and stigmas. The world needs to know that people with special needs, are just PEOPLE with special needs, and they matter. Warren, I know you are going to go far in this life, you are destined for great things. I just hope that you also become the advocate, the voice, the motivational speaker I know you can be. But sure, I guess we’re making a start with that here.