My Closest Friend's Cerebral Palsy Shaped Our Relationship
Start writing a post
Relationships

My Closest Friend's Cerebral Palsy Shaped Our Relationship

It never was a concern to me, but his disability was something that I learned from.

108
My Closest Friend's Cerebral Palsy Shaped Our Relationship
Kayla Pfeifer

Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders which affect coordination, movement and muscles in the human body. Cerebral Palsy occurs as the brain is developing. This can happen before, during or after birth.

10 years into my life, I was introduced to Nick in my Bible study class. Nick walked with crutches to support him and wore braces around his ankles.

Nick's appearance was something new to me, and his disability was not something which I was familiar with, yet.

Roughly nine years have passed since then.

Nick is now the kid who agrees to join me on my trips to the mall and listens to me ramble on for hours about some band or something that my brother said the other day while we sit in a coffee shop.

We're tagging each other in dog memes on a daily basis, and I'm continuously complaining to him about the grass clippings, which he left behind in my newly vacuumed car.

His excuse is that he can't feel his legs when he messes up the rug.

Unlike my first impression of him, Nick's Cerebral Palsy is something which I often forget about. After seeing him so frequently and arguing with him over the most sibling-like things for years now, it rarely occurs to me that the majority of people do not have such a close friend who not only has a physical disability, but also a friend who embraces their differences from everyone around them.

Nick is certainly not heavy-hearted when it comes to his cerebral palsy. He has jokingly called himself a 'cripple' for longer than I can remember. I always find myself hesitating before cracking jokes about his legs, but then I remind myself that this is the same kid who blocked the basketball hoop in our sophomore gym class with his crutches in an x-formation above his head.

This is the kid who uses his crutches not only for physical support but to make light of the world around him.

Everyone who is unfamiliar with Nick has a different reaction upon meeting him, but all of these reactions have been nothing short of kind. Many tend to feel confused as soon as they jump to the topic of Nick's disability because they are afraid that their input or questions may bother him.

He is always quick to assure them that it is never an issue to him.

Strangers are quick to prop doors open for him, and audiences are willing to create room for him to stand by the stage during concerts. Living in a world of people who are understanding of his situation tends to influence his outpouring of positive energy.

I've learned so much from having a best friend who has a clear physical difference from most of the world. Nick's outlook on his Cerebral Palsy has been beneficial to me because it has shown me the truest example of loving yourself for your differences rather than loving yourself despite your differences.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43035
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27030
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952035
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

141906
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments