Now, the most important thing I have learned in my life with Katie is never give up. Now I understand that not everyone has the same circumstance, but set goals. Something always told me that she could walk. Now I knew she would not walk perfect, but she would walk. And through her efforts and the effort of my wife, others, and me, she can walk. We also knew she needed an education like the other kids, so we required her to do the same as other kids. It always took her longer to do everything. But she has ended up graduating early and is now in college working on a degree in accounting. We are still helping her adjust. But our goal is for her to be as independent as she possibly can. Don’t hide the person. Try to include them in everything you do. We always took our daughter out in public. When she was in school, we pushed her to do her best. Ruth Gordon once said, “Never give up and never face the facts.”

I believe that when facing the challenges of dealing with a Cerebral Palsy person or any person with a handicap, there are three things to remember that can help you through. First, realize when the uncertainty of the future overwhelms you, that you have family and friend to support and help you through these trying times. If you are the one helping the handicap person, you will need to make a commitment and be willing to go the distance. And last, but most important, never give up. There are going to be times when you want to throw in the towel. Take a step back, and grab a breath. Think about what Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” I am a firm believer that God does not give a person more than they can handle. If you are a parent of a Cerebral Palsy child, God has given you a special gift. He has entrusted you a special person. Don’t be afraid to pray. Sometimes that may be the only thing that will get you through the hard times.