by O’Ryan Case, UCP’s Director of Membership and Public Education
Father’s Day has always been of my favorite days. I think it’s great to have a day dedicated to me telling my dad that I love him and appreciate all he’s done for me.
In 2011, the day took on a twist, when I became a dad. It was the greatest thing ever. Still, I’ll admit, a lot was going through my mind– particularly, related to my cerebral palsy. Questions and thoughts included: What will he (my son) think of it? Will it matter? I better get in the best shape of my life to keep up with him.
He will be four-years-old soon and I’ve learned that he, without a doubt, does not care about it. I know he knows– it just doesn’t matter. It’s awesome. He’s never asked me about it, though he seemingly asks about everything else and I’m convinced he notices everything.
Now, with this year’s Father’s Day coming up, I’ll share my own experiences as to how it’s like being a dad, with a disability, of a young child. Maybe some of these will ring a bell with some others out there.
- When your child sees scars from past surgeries. “No, son, those aren’t ‘rips.'”
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- Trying to outrun your child for as long as possible. “No, you can’t be faster than me at two years old.”
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- Baths and diaper changes #TheStruggle. “I…can’t…feel…my…knees.”
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- When your child falls asleep in the car and you have to carry him/her inside. “OK, you can wake up now.”
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- Worried the ‘CP gait’ will wake your child up while carrying him/her to bed.
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- Getting in ‘the zone’ to go up and down stairs. “OK…I can do this.”
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7. Taking him/her to swimming lessons. “So, which one is here to learn?”
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- He/she kicks your butt in snowball fights. “Stop catching me!”
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- Hoping he/she gets the dance moves from his/her mother.
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- Asked to do a sit-down, cross-legged pose at the mall for holiday pictures. “Yeah…that’s not happening.”
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And now, I’ll end with one my favorite videos ever of a (possibly) father and son playing a pie game, via UNILAD’s Facebook page and JukinVideo’s YouTube channel.
Have any to add? Chime in below! Happy Father’s Day to all awesome dads out there!