Because of My Disability, Not In Spite of It

I took a deep breath and tried to wrap my mind around what I had just heard, in a moment that was both surreal and wonderful.  “Could you say that again?” I asked my coach through the phone.  I wanted to be sure I wasn’t just a young teenager who was dreaming.

“I just got word Lorraine,” he repeated. “You are one of 37 athletes that have been chosen from across the country to compete in the International Games for the Disabled (What is now the Paralympics). You did it! Let it soak in for a minute.”

It was hard to describe what I was feeling, an overwhelming mixture of pride, excitement, relief.  But in that moment something else happened as well. My mindset shifted.  I understood, deep in my soul, that I had accomplished something huge because of my disability, not in spite of it. I knew that none of this would be happening if I had been born with the ability to break dance.

I had joined a sports team specifically for people with cerebral palsy almost four years previously. Being an awkward and painfully shy freshman at the time, I was used to being excluded.  Being part of that team meant that I met people with disabilities who were older than I was for the first time. Not only was I part of the group but they helped me to see a positive future.

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