The 25th of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. And the month of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the United States.
It hasn’t been easy to say that I have cerebral palsy. As it was so present in the years that I grew up, it almost became the whole story of who I was. But I’ve come around and accepted the fact that CP is a part of my life. Yet, it’s only one part of the larger story that’s still being written to this very day.
I’m more than the challenges present, and the same goes for everyone in the community in their own ways.
I’ve written something in honor of the day:
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
On the 25th of March
An underserved community’s turn in the spotlight
I’ve had my fair share of challenges
From my eyes, my speech to my feet
But I’ve risen above all of it
To be me, a writer and traveler
CP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being told
On this day and every day
A reminder to everyone…
People with Cerebral Palsy
Live lives of joy and wonder
Unbowed by the impossible
Even if things take more time to do
After all, we bring our full selves to the forefron
CP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being told
Oswald this is a beautiful line and piece. CP does not define your whole identity! There is so much more to you! you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lau…read more
Have you ever tried surfing before? Or let’s just be honest, attempted to surf before?
Whether or not you’ve actually squeezed into a skin-tight wetsuit and waxed up your surfboard, if you’re an entrepreneur, then you’re surfing every day!
The dream of catching that perfect wave is what drives us to do better, work harder, and get up earlier. We’d rather fight for every inch than be given a mile.
I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship 10 years after becoming completely blind. At 17 years old, I unexpectedly lost my eyesight. By 27, I didn’t feel much like being put in a mold of what a “blind person” should do. No, I said screw that… I’m launching my very own travel agency!
Better Days Travel was my pride and joy, my perfect wave for 7 years! Now, that perfect wave took work, a ridiculous amount of work indeed, but I loved every minute of it! Well, sort of.
Like a surfer just beginning to paddle out into the waves, my journey as a travel agent was one wave after another, constantly crashing, pushing me back towards shore. Just as soon as I’d come up for air out of the thick whitewater caused by the crashing wave, another one would hit.
Yeah, eventually I’d make it out to the break, catch a sweet wave, but soon that wave would crash, and I’d be right back fighting to catch another.
But I realized something vitally important about choosing to be an entrepreneur…
You don’t choose this path because you’re looking for a shortcut. You didn’t choose this path because you had no other option. Hell no! You chose this because this is part of living! It’s not about a paycheck on Friday; it’s about a company built, a brand established, a customer made happy, and the satisfaction at the end of the day that you get to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow!
I may no longer be a travel agent, but I sure still am an entrepreneur, surfing every single day!
In a town where promises are plenty and the government hands out aid,
A question echoes softly, under the shade.
“Why try hard, why aim high, when help is just a call away?
Why bother with the struggle, if you’re okay day by day?”
The government says, “We’ll help you, keep you safe and fed,
You won’t need to worry, we’ve got your back,” they said.
But this kindness has a shadow, a kind of hidden chain,
It keeps you in your place, with not much to gain.
“Why go for the mountain,” some wonder, “when the valley’s just fine?
Why face the storm, when you can just recline?”
Because in that easy comfort, there’s a trap so sly,
It tells you, “Don’t bother,” and time just passes by.
But some folks aren’t buying, they want to chase their own dream,
Not just live on handouts, or so it would seem.
They talk about doing things, making their own way,
Not just taking what’s given, but having their say.
They gather in the streets, their voices loud and brave,
“We want to earn our keep, not just quietly behave.”
For freedom and the chance to chase what they deem sweet,
To work hard for their wins, and not just take a seat.
So why aim for something bigger, why try to break free?
It’s about making your own path, as far as I can see.
Not just going with the flow, but steering your own boat,
And in that hard-earned journey, you’ll have your own note.
So let’s not be fooled by an easy ride, bought and sold,
But aim for the horizon, with courage bold.
The road might be rougher, and the climb can be steep,
But in that effort, you’ll find a joy so deep.
Kristen, you express yourself so well! This is a super powerful piece. I can really feel the emotion! I am going to showcase this piece in our newsletter today <3 Lauren
Kirsten, Your words paint a vivid picture of a time-traveling journey filled with longing and uncertainty. It’s fascinating to imagine the possibilities and the impact of your travels. I hope that in your quest for understanding and change, you find the answers you seek and discover a world that feels new and full of promise. Remember, even in…read more
Thank you Kayjah! I couldn’t agree more, that there is always the potential for connection and understanding. Very eloquently put! I have often wondered what it would be like to either time travel myself, or have a friend who time travels. I can only imagine the adventures I/they would go on!
The devil showed up today.
Begging for me to slip.
Begging for an invite to myyy show.
Then I thought well shiit
Maybe we should make friends with not only him but our skeletons as well!
You know….the ones inside our closet
We could dance with them, learn their names, perhaps become friends!?
Then we might build the courage
to ask them to leave But at that point
We can’t ignore the demons.
Yea the ones deep inside.
In Matter of fact
Let’s invite them to coffee or even cocktails. We can discuss hard questions
liike what keeps them here!?
In the mean time we can play hide n seek with the ghosts or jahooties that like to play supernatural jokes on us!?
We can’t let them miss out on the fun
Let’s not forget the boogie man cuz you know he’s probably the most well known
and he might be the one
to call out everyone’s insecurities
Fk it we gotta call up the monsters
whether they’re hiding under our bed
or in the depths of the shadows around you.
We can maybe admit our fears or possibly conquer them by convincing ourselves we aren’t even scared in the first place.
What does a monster look like to you ?!
Is it a thing or an illusion is it human form
or animal like or maybe it’s just a concept
or a feeling?
Sounds like We gonna have a whole damn party after all these invites.
The devil himself, the skeletons, the demons, the ghosts n jahooties and the boogie man pluuuus the monsters.
Or maybe….
that’s not even a party worth hosting.
I heard of a better party
it’s thrown by joy and happiness
and their friends cheer and bliss
I bet that party has better company
we better be cautious of what invites we send out and choose wisely to what party we gonna show up to and host!!
Your fanfiction story is captivating. It’s a reminder to choose our company wisely and strive for joy and happiness. Well done, Shandi! Your creativity shines through. Keep writing and sharing your stories.
Dear Grandpa,
It’s been 11 years snice you’ve gone. I can still remember the night being so peaceful, so still, and so cold. I remember the day we laid you to rest. The snowflakes that fell that day were the biggest ones I’ve ever seen. I wanted to be one of the few who go to carry you to your final resting place, but I watched instead as my brother, cousin, brother in law, and a few others carried you instead.
I’ll never forget when my 18th birthday rolled around and I eagerly went to the gas station and bought a can of your grizzly wintergreen chewing tobacco. I took it to you grave and had lunch with you. The sun was shining and I was happy enough even though you weren’t with me anymore.
You were my best friend. The amount of days I skipped school just to hang out with you nearly cost me my graduation. The people at school frowned upon the week I missed when you passed. Said I shouldn’t have been gone that long and that I needed to be there from then on. What was I supposed to say? Grief has no time limit and I wasn’t capable of dragging myself out of bed to go be around people who never understood me. You always did though.
I wonder what you would think of me now. Would you still be proud of me? Would you still be able to sit in silence with me and just watch the tv? Would you still be able to look me in the eyes and tell me everything was going to be ok? You were my safe place in this world and even though it has been 11 years my heart still hurts. I yearn to hear your laugh, see your smile, and feel the warmth of your hugs.
Awww Courtney! This is so sweet. Your grandpa is definitely proud of you and definitely still watching over you.
My grandpa died when I was 13. We have the same personality and we are the only two people in our family that are very athletic – so I know I got it from him. When I was younger he would tell me rain was good luck. So after he died,…read more
Why do I cling to love?
A love that was never mine.
Why would I dream of a future?
A future that ain’t for me to picture.
Why would I create a fantasy?
A fantasy that was never born.
It leaves my heart aching
for something intangible.
Why do I cling to love,
a love that was never mine?
Time and distance can have an effect on the mind yet be completely irrelevant to the heart. The heart knows what it knows
and loves what it loves
like it has a mind of its very own.
It takes bravery to break old habits.
It takes courage to sit with your own mistakes. Growth is uncomfortable.
Why do I cling to love,
a love that was never mine?
Maybe it’s time to break the hold
on a love that was never meant
to unfold 💔
The heart knows what it knows
and loves what it loves
like it has a mind of its very own
That is so true! But its so not worth loving something that doesn’t love you back. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
We walk through our lifetime,
On planet Earth
To walk
To run
For fun
Of rebirth
Of bonds of friends that intertwine
With our everyday smiles and laughter
Of new friendships formed as we capture
Photographs of play and nature and all things
Friends share experiences of human beings,
Of life and living each day
Along the way.
Hear every word that I say.
What happens when tears and heartache appear
Among the two friends of a New Year,
As the two friends were young and free
As they grow up to be
Other people as careers?
Who will win?
The two friends took different life paths.
One girl goes to college to satisfy her thirsty curiosity to expand her mind.
As she steps into the classroom of professors to combine
Knowledge and critical thinking skills.
In the progressive way
Of slipping into the 21st century time
Of creating a stream of consciousness of rhythm and rhyme.
The other girl
Chose another path,
To travel
Of motorcycles and army and other avenues
Of life, laughter, destruction of venues
Of sporadic adventures as the girl walks into
The wild blue
Of what she chooses to do
The two friends lose touch,
But still think about each other so much,
Not realizing when they meet up as adults,
They no longer have anything in common,
As the roads they chose were different as night and day
No reason,
No rhyme,
Just in time
They go their separate ways again,
In time they each count the actual number of true friends
On their one hand of five fingers of expression of when
They each discover people come into our lives,
To stay or teach a lesson,
And that one friend was there to care,
At a certain point in time to bear
A burden of friendship then flies away.
So, I have learned that some friends go away,
Because they were there for that time in our lives
Then to walk a different life path of hope, despair, or strife
And to remember it is okay.
Bless the time
And move forward with rhythm, rhyme, and song of space and time,
To live.
We accept the adventures of different roads taken,
Of yesterday and today
As we awaken
To a new dawn
A sun
A star
A moon,
To you my long-ago friend of my childhood
No worries,
Take care,
Live,
Laugh,
Care,
Despair,
Hope,
And love and peace to you
In the matrix of time and theater of life
I choose life and creative endeavors of strife,
Turned into light energy,
Of the Earth
The stars, the moon
I will not see you soon,
As we can no longer communicate
About politics or life
As we are 180 degrees away from
Compromise or love.
You are my past friend.
And in the end
I am okay.
You are okay.
We were meant for only childhood play.
Sincerely,
Vicki Lawana Trusselli
There was a time in my life I never thought I would make it but my heart is so pure, so true it just can’t be broken. You told me Ii was nothing that I’d never make it. But all along you were the one who was faking even though my poor heart was breaking. If you only knew It was yours for the taking. So many years I longed for a place I belonged, who would have thought I was wrong from the start. It started with just one little kiss but how did we end up like this? I wish we could go back to when we were kids. That is the time I have missed. Life was so easy like one two threesy. People were happy even when you got skinned knees. We played in woods, we built forts, made shadow puppets on the wall and back then we thought we knew it all. Who knew the good times we had would fall so hard. Find your heart broken to shards. There was a time when I was young, when life had only just begun, but the older that you get and time keeps on ticking by. Life hands you the gun. Will you run or pull the trigger? Be put down or stand tall and rise up bigger. This is your life at least that’s what you figure. So you keep on searching and hoping to your fragile heart from aching. Even when you feel the earth is shaking. Please don’t fool me when I am jaded. The world is so full of anger and hatred. So take my heart and please don’t break it. Why can’t we go back to the time when life was so simple. All it takes is one small ripple. Like the ocean and the tide I see much clearer now with open eyes. I won’t ever hide the person hidden deep inside. For my heart is pure I will always shine!
Jennifer, your words resonate deeply with me. There are times when life feels overwhelming, but it’s our pure and true hearts that keep us going. Don’t let anyone’s negativity break you. Remember the joy of your childhood, and hold onto that. Remember your strength and shine brightly. Keep searching, hoping, and standing tall. You deserve…read more
Climb aboard this sinking ship.
Come sail across the deep blue sea.
Help to find what was left behind.
The treasure hidden inside my chest.
Locked away from my duress.
Could you be the one who holds the key.
To set my soul and spirit free.
Guided by the dim lit moon.
The waves sing a lovely tune.
The stars shine oh so bright.
Gliding across the sea at night.
The tides have turned.
Its home I yearn.
The time has come to reach within.
I fall upon my weakened knees.
As you slowly turn the key.
A solemn tear runs down my cheek.
For you have found what was left behind. The way to free my soul, spirit and mind
As I whisper in the dark “free at last.”
Wow! Jenn! This is amazing! Your spirit is so strong. Thank you for sharing. I will be including this piece in our newsletter today! keep a look out for it! <3 Lauren
I wrote this about my most recent battle of surviving and healing physically/mentally after my car accident. It took me LEFT
“with nothing” to realize I already have everything I need and I can say I am Thankful my God continues to prove his love for me!!
Left. Starving.
Tryin to keep my head up…while being fed up. Hard to stay UP when all you feel is down. Pushed down. All the way down.
To the Mf ground. Stuck on a marry go round. Left. Spinning. Where we stop nobody knows. Can’t afford to take no more blows. Left.
Down where the stream flows.
Saying goodbye to all my belongings.
Saying goodbye to dreams
Suddenly
Saying good riddance to the negativity. Watching my stuff float out of sight.
Still starving but can’t get fed a bite.
Left. Freezing cold with no warmth in sight.
This is where strength kicks in ready to fight. Move how you are forced to move. Wedged. Jammed. Left. Scared. Worried.
Made to believe you have luck.
How, when all I feel is stuck.
Still searching for my belongings
floating in the muck.
Maybe I wasn’t looking for my stuff after all wtf… I was left looking for more outta life.
Left. Just So I can get RIGHT.
I am so sorry to hear about the car accident. When your body aches it can be so hard to put a smile on your face. Keep pushing through. This is a heartfelt beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
Shandi your raw and honest expression of the aftermath of your car accident is incredibly powerful. It speaks of strength, finding strength in hardship, and the realization that true wealth lies within. Thank you for sharing your journey of survival and healing.
Never in a million years did I think I would be so connected with you, but at the same time disconnected.
The thought of ever thinking of you as a POSITIVE mainstay (I use mainstay literally), in my life is like finding a person who does not know what an iPhone is.
The bane of your existence on another person would literally freeze me.
I could not talk at the mere sight of seeing what felt like a drowning impact you had and sometimes still have, on the lives of innocent humans.
Prematurely punishing them with the ability to not talk!
This confinement… well, it just seems like the prison sentence of Jeffrey Deskovic, a man who spent 16 years innocently behind bars. A person who missed 16 years of freedom, family events, friends, and much, much more, for being wrongfully accused.
This powerful story can be read in the new book – “Unseal Your Superpowers: Letters To Inspire The Hero Within You” by Lauren Brill.
(See bottom for link to book).
So much of my life with you I let myself die inside by not behaving as my authentic self.
I was in a stranglehold with you that even the Hulk would not be strong enough to combat your grasp.
Despite you letting go of that fiercely tight grip, I have the scars to show for it.
After years of healing, the scar’s are still there. All but so faint, no amount of scar cream can make it evaporate.
The pain of you will always be there, nagging me like a tag on the back of a shirt.
I realize that tag is not meant to be ripped off or even taken off as a whole, it’s there as a reminder that sometimes a tag or label will never die, but if you don’t like it you can always use tie dye.
Despite the tag or label still there, this time, I am going to exchange it for one that fits me! Only me — the authentic me! After all, no one can be me!
So, I thank you for the lessons you have taught me, cerebral palsy. Now, I’m going to live life authentically and OWN you, tag and all!
Love your once enemy and now friend,
Jake
Here Is the link to the story mentioned above, and much more.
We are currently donating a portion of our proceeds (10%) to two charities:
Lift Our Voices, which aims to transform the American workplace, making it safer and more equitable for everyone, and Team LeGrand, a fundraising arm of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation dedicated to supporting quality-of-life initiatives and treatments for spinal cord injuries.
"If I Miss a Star then I Grab a handful of Clouds."
15 and pregnant to a monster all because I was trying to escape the pain of my horrific childhood of emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. I allowed myself to get manipulated and trapped time and time again. Even though I was the last person everyone thought would get pregnant including myself, it happened and everyone told me I was messing up my life but I tell you what. Having my kid was my saving grace and likely changed my path for the better. Yes, I continued to make many terrible and embarrassing mistakes along the way but I would come out strong and rise above all that attempted to pull me down into the trenches. I moved from house to house and tried to date after leaving his biological father to find myself with the wrong types over and over again and creating situations for myself that would only destroy me and my son if I allowed it to. I got accepted to modeling and I couldn’t afford my portfolio. I considered joining the Air Force and couldn’t imagine leaving my son that long for training. I worked dead-end jobs over and over and then I gave up, again. I felt defeated. I started thinking, maybe they were right. I worked in a pizzeria with a pedophile boss who would later make the news. But then finally, I would meet a group of people who would help me see my true and worthy self. They didn’t see me as a person young and dumb but encouraged me to keep going and to fight for my future; our future (with my son). So, I did just that. I no longer entertained the idea of needing a man to make my family complete. Instead, I worked full-time as a bartender, went to college full-time, received public assistance, and was a mom full-time while juggling my personal life. I would meet my husband in college, get pregnant twice, then get married. That’s 3 boys and a husband with a college degree! Now I am an office manager of 13 years, and I own my home. I never thought this would ever be my life. Our oldest (27) is getting married to his high school sweetheart of the 9th grade in August (no kids), our middle son (20) is graduated and figuring out his path in life (no kids) and our baby son (17) is a senior in high school, no kids. My point is, I have had more trauma, pain, and disappointment than anyone should have so young. It started in my mother’s womb and carried on for far too long and then I allowed more along the way until I snapped out of the cycle and said no more. I will not allow this to be my life. I deserve and want better. I had a support system and I had dreams. While some of my dreams didn’t happen ultimately my big dream did. All because I didn’t give up and continued chasing my dreams. Mike Tyson said “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” My dream, my ultimate dream; health, family, success, love, support, respect, compassion, and understanding. I may have not been able to grab one star and I know I reached for the handful of clouds but boy I tell ya. I have all the stars in the universe right here with me!
In the darkness of doubt and despair,
I carried the weight of judgment unfair.
Bipolar, depression, schizophrenia’s shadow,
Teachers’ words piercing like a sharp arrow.
“You’ll never be anything, just a lost cause.”
Echoes of doubt, reinforcing flaws.
But deep within, a flame flickered bright,
A spirit unbroken, ready for the fight.
Through the storms of mental strife,
I embraced the challenges of life.
Rising above the cruel words spoken,
I refused to let my spirit be broken.
Amidst the chaos, I found my way,
Striving for a brighter day.
First in my family to reach that height,
A beacon of hope, shining so bright.
I walked the path less traveled by,
Defying odds reaching for the sky.
People’s eyes now filled with surprise,
Seeing the truth behind their lies.
I confess the pain that once held me down,
The weight of expectations, a heavy crown.
But in spite of it all, I stand tall and strong,
A testament to resilience all along.
So here I am, a survivor, a warrior true,
Proving wrong every naysayer’s view.
I am not defined by my past’s dark spree,
I am here, I am free, I am me.
Lakisha, This is an awesome piece. You Should use this piece for our contest that is due today. I love it. You are a warrior. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
I hope this letter makes its way to you in heaven. It saddens me that it took the news of your passing to learn that you were the one who created the cute cartoon show, The Backyardigans.
I was entering my 20s and living with my oldest sister and niece in Maryland, when I discovered your show. My niece and I were enjoying another kid’s show called The Wonder Pets. It took a little while for me to get into that show. But, once I did, I enjoyed it to the point where I believed I enjoyed that show as much as my niece did.
It was a blast watching the three main characters on The Wonder Pets have their adventures and talk to other animals in their world.
Once I was eager to watch The Wonder Pets, I noticed your show, The Backyardigans would come on before The Pets. It looked interesting. But I wasn’t sure I would like it as much as The Wonder Pets. I’m so glad I was wrong about that.
Slowly but surely, my niece and I would start watching The Backyardigans as much as The Wonder Pets.
Listening to the theme song of The Backyardigans was always a great way to start the day when I was babysitting my niece. It was also fun seeing what the main characters would be up to in the episodes we saw together.
Watching my niece light up when your show and The Wonder Pets came on TV made me light up in seeing how happy you made her. She’s 16 now– which is hard for me to believe. But I’ll always remember those times I had with her watching your show and The Wonder Pets early in the morning.
So thank you, Ms. Burgess, for creating a show that gave me memories with my niece as well as all the other work you’ve done. Just from looking at some of your photos online, you looked like you were a sweet person who gave other people joy.
I wanted to show a measure of gratitude to the women in my life, from my mom, sister and all of my female friends and acquaintances. Today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow.
It’s with that idea in mind, that the following poem comes from…
On International Women’s Day
A shout out to all the women
From all walks, ages of life
And all corners of the globe
Showing backbone that keeps the world together
Through shows of tenacity, strength, kindness and love
I ought to know this for sure
For their courage and ambition
Coming to the forefront time and again
I look up to the women in my life
My mother, my sister and oh so many more
As their encouragement makes me who I am
We celebrate them and admire them
Every day of the year, not just today
Aww Oswald, thank you for this. You have such a beautiful heart and I love how you celebrate others, including women. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
March 7th is your birthday. I was planning to post this on the 6th, as it would fit the theme… premature, or just because this is so hard to get through that I wanted to do it early.
Then again, it is the 6th in California, where my sister lives – who is due to give birth on the 9th.
So, who knows, she can be getting contractions as I write this! .
Hello future Weber,
For future comparison, please note: the line below details what time this sentence was written:
Sentence was completed at 9:33 pm 3.6.24 (PST)
I will see you soon!
Love,
Uncle Jakey💜
Anyway, back to the premature thing.
MLT YOU💜 ME because I was born prematurely at 1lbs 13 oz, giving me cerebral palsy – It feels really weird to be talking about myself in YOUR bday card, CONVENIENTLY weird!
Your favorite thing to do was to ASK me how I was doing and there to share all the moments with me🥲
Alright, let us get back to MYSELF🤔 I think that would make everyone happy😂
In all seriousness, you ARE at your HAPPIEST when the attention is on others. I’ll take it and run!
Our relationship iS STILL as close as ever!
I may not be able to physically hug you, but I know YOU ARE STILL HERE because I see the signs:
Whether it’s with family or things that I do, I do NOT doubt that you did not have anything to do with Lexi, finding a Jeffrey, Ryan finding a Pamela (I’m a little upset with that one because there is only one Pamela Tick, but that’s ok, Pamela’s maiden name is Katz (like Nanny Sheila’s)!
Me:
The Unsealed with LAUREN, my psychologist —who has a disability, and lost a cousin, my best friend, Mack, who I met at a special Olympics event!
In these ways, YOU ARE IMPACTING EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY ME, SHOWING ME, that love can be experienced by ANYONE, ANYWHERE, disability or not!
I would say, until we see each other next time, but I see you EVERYDAY!
Until I can give you a PHYSICAL HUG, sending all of them up into HEAVEN! That and a Black & White Cookie for Papa Donald!