I Made it to 70!

I think that most of us with cerebral palsy who are past middle age wonder how long we can expect to live? I am surprised to find that I’ve reached this significant age. So I, relatives and friends, thought it merited a celebration. Having a birthday on the 18th December, one week before Christmas is very inconvenient. Everyone is so busy at that time of year so I thought the 17th January would be the best time to celebrate. Unfortunately, the New Year has been so snowy, it had to be cancelled and rearranged for April.

My celebration is to be in the form of a Thanksgiving Service in my church and a birthday tea afterwards. As a Christian I think I have much to be thankful to God for the loving care he gives me through my family, friends and carers. I am so grateful that I am still able to live in my own home. My needs for personal care have increased. All this has been acknowledged and provided together with a number of gadgets. Also, a super power chair. These are all a great source of amusement especially to young children.

The theme of the service is to be ‘Caring and Enabling’. My parents never seemed to think about my future living arrangements. I think it was just beyond their contemplation. I have lived on my own for 17 years now. Arthritis has unfortunately taken away much of my independence. I have a full care package. Nevertheless, there are long periods when I am on my own and can get into difficulties. At these times I am fully aware of my dependence on God. Last Spring, on one of the first warm days, I decided to go outside in my power chair, fell out, and lay in a patch of oil in the car park in my neighbour’s space. I was a little scared that she might come home and run me over! Two passers by came to my rescue, saw me safely indoors and we had a good chat.

My life is a tapestry made up of memories of very special moments that bring people together sometimes through strange circumstances. I hope that I don’t lose my memory I eat blueberries every day!