About 28 years ago, my father and pregnant mother were here in the United States for what was supposed to be a short three day visit to buy baby supplies. However, I had different plans. Much to their surprise, I was born quite early at 6.5 months. As a result of this early arrival, I was born with cerebral palsy, which means I walk funny, I have trouble reading and writing, I can’t stand for long periods of time and I get the best parking spots.
Of course, my family’s time in the United States turned into a much longer stay, and after about three months, I was well enough for us to return to Mexico. Interestingly, my brother was born just a short time after that. I firmly believe that having a brother so close in age to me, who did not have a disability, contributed to my own independence. My parents treated us very similarly and had high expectations. If my brother had to make his bed every morning, so did I. If my brother was expected to help set the table, I was expected to also.…
Read the full story from the Washington Business Journal.
