Teen Cerebral Palsy

Hey everyone!

I have been meaning to sit down and talk about this….

So every Monday and Wednesday at 8AM I go to my parents gym The Training Spot, and I work out with the other regulars who come to train during that hour. It ends up being me, my sister Sara, a friend from soccer, and this one lady who has been coming ever since I was little! Her name is Patti and she owns a local preschool www.pattispreschool.com that is doing better than ever!

When she first opened her present location she was in need of volunteers to aid the teachers, get everything situated, you know all that good stuff of starting a business. So anyways, where I am headed with this is, when I started to volunteer I was probably about 12 years old at the time freshly into my 6th grade year…I would prepare snacks for the kids and help them do arts and crafts or play “house” we all remember play that, right? The joys of childhood are all coming back to me. :p  I loved this job of mine, I got to be around little 4 and 5 year olds who didn’t know much more about the world than their ABC’s and I never felt like they took notice to my CP, let alone understand that my leg was not “broken” as some curious tots would say. I would laugh and bring their attention back to their homemade play dough or their juice and crackers. I always felt so accepted at Patti’s Preschool, like I was a true part of the kids lives and if I didn’t come one day kids would ask where I was. It was the best feeling to be noticed and missed! I got to watch these kids grow and graduate Patti’s preschool, which is also a kindergarten over the 3 years that I was a part of these kids lives. One of my best memories of that school was when the kids found out that I could be the one to push them around the playground in the wagon whenever all the teachers were too busy. Let’s just say after the 50th round of wagon pulling I learned to set a limit for these kids who insist on wagon rides by Katy :p Haha, but I didn’t mind that much or else I never would’ve said yes all those times, they were all so cute with their curly long hair and untied shoelaces. My years at Patti’s gave me so many things in return. The big on being babysitting! About 2 years later I still get new parents who where referred to me from former Patti’s parents. Its so nice to always be needed for babysitting! Not to mention, all those hours I put in, and the possibility of working in the teaching field is so great because I will have Patti by my side to help me get my college credits and (with hope) a place to start! It is nice to walk back in there and know that I am welcome. Even though the kids may not remember me if I see them walking around town, I have talked with some of the parents and it is so great to reminisce over the time I shared with their kids.

So Patti, I thank you so much for everything you did for me, you truly made and impact on my life in so many ways. I am glad to still train with you and talk to you about the successes of your outstanding school! Good job on kicking everyones butts at the gym, even mine!

CP teens, do you have any experience like mine that made a difference in your life? Comment or email! Dont forget to leave your name and email Good news as well, we may have chats up and running where we can all talk at once! How great will that be!

Stay happy and healthy everyone! Happy Saturday!

-Katy