Life before I had a disabled child...

This all began when I was asked to write something that showed my experiences as a mum of a disabled child..

I don't think this is what they expected ..

Many years ago, I went to a country fair. It was a hot sunny day perfect for our family day out. There was rides, stalls and fun games to play. The best part was the food..!

The choice was endless – burgers, hot dogs, candy floss – everything you can imagine..

We decided on the hog roast stand. Freshly cooked roast pork stuffed into a sandwich and then smothered with any sauce you desired. 

I joined the queue behind a lady in an electric wheelchair. At the time, I had no idea what her disability was, or why me noticing her and my experience of her would stick in my mind so strongly.

She ordered her sandwich and managed to somehow balance it on her knee while she manoeuvred her wheelchair to the table. I was frozen to the spot, fascinated my her every move.

In her attempts to add ketchup to her pork sandwich, she managed to drop the whole thing on the floor.  She stopped, waited, attempted to pick it up but couldn’t reach it. I could see her mind ticking while she thought about what to do next. She turned round, clearly deflated and moved off back into the fair.

She had no sandwich, maybe no money to buy another one and no one with her. At the time I had no reason to have any interest in this. I didn’t know personally anyone disabled or any wheelchair users. Yet the picture of this situation was etched in my mind so vividly and evoked strong emotions in me 

every time I replayed it in my head.

I now know why this had such a profound effect on me.

I have a 5 year old daughter, Casey with cerebral palsy. She can’t walk and is incontinent – she can speak very well and her cognitive function is almost ‘normal’ if there is such a thing – very similar to the presentation of the lady at the fair.

And now – because of that day at the country fair – I understand.

I understand the challenges that Casey will face in life.., for her whole life. And this is because of this fleeting moment where this poor lady gave me an insight into my daughters future. She was able to show me a picture of the challenges that my child with always face.

I am still sorry, to this day that I didn’t help the lady. I don't even know if she would have wanted me to.

I will always be greatful to this stranger for giving me the most amazing gift..., and she will never know.