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Independence Day like many holidays is a cause for a celebration. A chance to have fun, catch up with family and friends. To eat, drink and enjoying spectacular fireworks displays. Sadly for those with chronic illnesses the thought of joining in on such celebrations can be scary. Crowds might be hard to navigate, the noise of the crowds can be overwhelming. Leaving many to choose not to get involved in the celebrations. For some like Tylia whose cerebral palsy is affected by fireworks the day is full of dread rather than joy.
I walked through a county courthouse square
Ragged Old Flag – Johnny Cash
On a park bench, an old man was sitting there
I said, your old courthouse is kinda run down
He said, naw, it’ll do for our little town
I said, your old flagpole has leaned a little bit
And that’s a ragged old flag you got hanging on it
The only thing I like about July 4th is having an excuse to blast Johnny Cash music and get away with it but other than that I hate the holiday. Not because I don’t want to celebrate the fact that we have freedom an independent in this country, because the way it affects my cerebral palsy.
Fireworks Aren’t Fun For Cerebral Palsy
Although July 4th is a holiday where everyone honors and respects our countries freedom and our liberty I hate it because it reminds that I’m not like most 24 years old’s that go to BBQ’s with friends and family have a glass of jack Daniels and not worry about jumping or having a spastic attack.
For me It’s the fireworks that are the worst part of this holiday. The boom and pop as they go off! With each pop my brain starts to dread, dread what’s about to come and how bad it affects my mobility and cerebral palsy My body jumps and shakes as my pain begins to become more intense throughout my whole body and I’m the worst pain ever.
People React Like I’m An Alien
As everybody stops and stares at me like I’m an alien from a different planet and it’s like could I help you yes, I have Cerebral Palsy and it makes my body, not like loud noises like fireworks. People always ask me aren’t you supposed to use that sound by now and I look at them with such anger like No Cerebral palsy and loud noises aren’t best friends!
Cerebral Palsy comes with other problems, it lowers my self-esteem and makes me question if I will ever be able to go out on a date on 4th of July. Or go out with my able-bodied friends on the fourth of July to go see the fireworks. Will I be keep my spasm and jumping attacks under control is something I wonder day in day out.
It Doesn’t Stop Me Though
Although my cerebral palsy is affected by fireworks I continue to go out and celebrate our independence day so that I could see the world. Because I don’t want to live within my own thoughts and my own negative side of things and my life, for now, I’ll keep on trying to stomp on the challenges of fireworks.
About The Author
Tylia Flores is a 24-year-old born with cerebral palsy. Although her condition has affected her mobility, it has never affected her will and determination to make a difference in the world. Through her many life challenges and obstacles, she discovered her passion for writing. Tylia’s goal in life is to share her stories with the world.
