March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. When I found out a few years ago, it irked me, honestly, at first. My initial thought was: “Really? We need one?” I did not want people with my condition to be singled out anymore than they already are. On a personal level: I did not want to be
Tag: Faith
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. My first memory of singing is with my granny in her kitchen while she cooked. I was still in the highchair her daughters used and us grandkids all used as well. Almost everybody on mama’s side of the family is musically inclined. Music is
Why me is not a question I remember ever asking. Why is a question I have asked probably a billion times. My academic training and natural curiosity make sure why is a question I ask, probably, way too much. Several years ago, I was having a conversation with a friend and fellow political scientist. Our
After the 2016 election cycle I struggled to process my feelings. All the hats I wear felt much too heavy a burden to carry and balance. Everywhere I went people I know along with those I do not wanted to know my thoughts because I am a political scientist, a presidential scholar, and will always
This week felt like a year is a sentiment I have thought a million times since 2018. It certainly fits my feelings this week, too. Really is the recurring question I have thought so many times this week. I have asked it out loud too. Anger and anxiety induced tears have been a common occurrence
Having cerebral palsy and doing my best to thrive with it can be difficult. Thriving with my condition is a worthwhile endeavor though. One I know how blessed I am to have the opportunity to. Thriving is what I am supposed to be doing. What do I mean by that? I would not be here
Cerebral palsy has been a conscious part of my everyday life since age four. For most of my life, I did not think about it or even talk about it…really. I was not ignoring my condition. Ignoring it is impossible. However, doing my best to thrive means doing my best to figure challenges, my condition,
This is a necessary, but difficult post to write. I hope you all will read and when you do: please understand this is my heart/faith on display for the world and be kind. It has been suggested, to me not for the first or last time unfortunately, my condition is a punishment from God. How?
My faith is at the core of who I am and colors every part of my life. Faith is a work in progress, always, and I think it should be. I must fail to learn a better way forward. Many wise people make up my inner circle. Having the ability to reach out, anytime, to
Author’s Note: I have two purposes in terms of work in this life. One is to share my story and journey with all of you. The other is to be the best political scientist, presidency scholar, presidential fellow, and general nerd I can be as I was trained to be. Both purposes are extremely important