One More Piece To The Puzzle

As many of you have heard, we received a unofficial diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy for our son Hudson. This really came as no surprise to me, seeing that I have thought this was the case for years. Just based on watching Hudson, my own personal research on Cerebral Palsy and what doctors have said in the past. Granted no one has wanted to label him like that. Maybe thinking it would cause fear in us as parents or just to keep from the worry. Or just plan because no one really fully understands this diagnosis and what it could mean for the child. Seeing that each and every child has different types, and degrees of CP, it can be complicating to diagnose.

The recommended action for a child with Cerebral Palsy can and will vary a great deal as "Cerebral Palsy" is used to diagnose a vast range of problems having to do with brain damage/trauma. We do not know what exactly the future holds, but then who does? All having a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis means is that we now have answers as to why Hudson did and does certain things. It means sometime his brain experienced trauma; in his case it was a grade IV brain bleed a few days after he was born. It means the control he has over his muscles isn't the same as what you and I may have. It means some things are harder for him to do. It means he may need help doing things that others take for granted. There’s no clear cut answer to how this will indeed effect him as he gets older. We do know that Cerebral Palsy never gets worse. You just notice other things with age. After the brain bleed, we were told Hud would prob not survive. And he did! Then later we were told he may never walk, and he walks! Hud is an amazing kid! He’s a handsome, sweet, caring little boy with the greatest smile.

For many, getting a diagnosis may mean the start of some serious life changing things, (possibly among them Occupational, Speech, Physical, Surgery, Medications, etc.) In his case he has already been receiving occupational, speech and physical therapy since birth, and has had heal toe cord surgery as well. We are doing everything we can to get him the help and or assistance that he needs to be the wonderful boy that he is. We will see what is to come. I can only see a bright future ahead of him. We can only live each day to the fullest, and keep track of anything that is out of the ordinary. We also need to be the best parent advocates we can be; our children need us. Talk with each other and share our stories. We will get through this. We just have to stay strong and be there for each other.

"God only gives us things he knows we can cope with. We may stumble and fall but we will get there in the end"