Muscles

Muscles.

Butch

Strong 

Tough 

Fierce 

These aren't words that come to mind 

when hearing the words

'Cerebral Palsy'

At least not for the first time.

But they are for me.

In fact, I would use these to describe

others with CP and other physical disabilities.

My Papa's nickname for me as a kid was 'Muscles'.

When he died of smoking and alcohol induced problems

I thought that maybe that was some cruel joke.

But with refection... now I know better.

I think that he saw my inner strength.

Say my ability to fall off a horse and get back on.

To power through the challenges with my disability,

particularly in daily life and at school.

Papa watched me grow and get stronger every day.

Now I'm developing actual muscle through home workouts.

To do that I've had to dedicate time and energy and push through.

Proving wrong what a lot of people may thinking of me,

A women with mild Cerebral Palsy.

And that I can be proud of.

My Papa made a lot of mistakes.

My Mum thinks if he hadn't have dealt with his trauma 

using smoking and alcohol he may have been a better man.

I think there is a little of the strength of the 19-year-old who fled 

The war in Croatia  in the 60's in me.

Every time I encourage and see someone's confidence build.

Every time I vote despite the crowds and unfamiliar people

Every time I don't drink and appreciate my fiancée’s commitment 

to me and to not smoke anymore. 

Every time we are patient and talk to each other about what our lives have been

We look to the future now.

I think Papa may have offered my future husband a beer 

It was how he showed respect and acceptance of someone.

This is how I remember my Papa.

Careers

 Dedication: To careers you are amazing people who admire and respect greatly.

 

Unseen. In the background. Consistent.

Always there. Struggling to switch off.

I see you.

 

As a support worker and human being, I stand with you.

I am privileged to help you switch off.

Respite because you love the person you care for.

For a day, or just a few hours, you can be a member of their family again.

 

Because you know that I’m on team. I’ve got them.

I’m traveling alongside you. We delight together in the little moments.

You can take a step back, catch your breath, and know your person is okay.

Carers do a great deal without pay or time off.

 

I will fight with you for the whole family, not just the person I’m supporting.

Everyone should be considered worth the effort.

By supporting you and those around my client, my client thrives.

Centrelink, NDIS, a GP, or a specialist. I’ll make sure that we lift-up your person.

 

Because everyone deserves to have their voice listened to.

Not just the person receiving support but the people around them too.

Their family and team’s wellbeing are important.

How can a client do well when their career is burnt out?

I am privileged to be part of a client's support team.

I will be there to work with, acknowledge,

and respect everyone within their team.

Everyone has value.

1 Corinthians 12 NLT vs 22

'In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.'

 

Where is strength?

A single parent working and raising a child.

A nurse saying ‘yes’ to a night shift, heart in.

A person working a job they hate, to support others.

A client being honest, asking for more support.

A partnership working through challenges together.

A person experiencing mental or physical illness, working through the day.

In all these things, there is strength within.

But… sometimes we need the strength of others.

It takes all the strength we have left to ask.

To admit that you need support from others.

Accepting that hand, that arm, that great big hug.

But do not hesitate … and ask without shame.

For me it means asking for time off.

To admit that I need others, like we all do.

Talking honestly, listening openly, knowing that I am okay.

Recognising when, it is time, to book that professional.

Of course, God turns my weakness into strength.

He does not need me to be everything, do everything.

In this there is reassurance… here… in his strength I can rest.