Josephine was unique and danced to her own beat. Although she knew she was born with challenges and did everything possible to fit in, it wasn’t enough for her. She wanted more, but more would come at a higher price. Her disability never stopped her from doing a lot in life. Life for Josephine was challenging, but she also tried to make it as normal as possible. 

Josephine was more independent than anyone thought she could be or would be, but her independence came at a price. She wanted that one thing she couldn’t have as a woman because she knew it would hinder her journey. Knowing Josephine would never experience this part of life. She kept her heartache to herself because she didn’t want others to feel bad for her. Josephine knew the choice she made was the right one for her. It was her choice to give up that one thing she thought would make her feel like 100% a woman.

Josephine felt like she was born with her child in the form of her disability. She fought so hard to get what and where she wanted in life. She wouldn’t have to fight extra to be the mother she wanted to be and to make sure her disability was stable. Josephine kept this part of her life to herself. 

Josephine was always happy for any of her family and friends who were mothers, but when she held a baby or a young child, something in her heart felt pain. As much as Josephine tries so hard not to think of the pain, she does cry when she is alone in bed. Josephine knew being a mother wasn’t everything. She could have had a child and done everything she could to give the child the best life, but you would never know if the child rejected her, no matter if Josephine was the best mother. 

Josephine knows women with her disability have children, and they are healthy and loved. She just always felt like she needed to be able to keep her disability in check and not have to worry about being a parent on top of that. Josephine felt as if her disability was her child or her twin, that Josephine had to step up and be the mother, too. As much as Josephine knew it was the right choice for her, she knew that every woman makes her own choice. 

Josephine’s secret heartache was hers and hers alone. Josephine knew it didn’t make her less of a woman, not being a mom. She gave herself other purposes in life, such as educating herself on things she liked, being an aunt, a girlfriend, a daughter, a friend, and most of all, keeping up with her remarkable life.

One of the things that Josephine gave purpose is understanding her disability and being an advocate for people with cerebral palsy.  What is cerebral palsy?  “Cerebral palsy is the number one childhood physical disability. It is a lack of oxygen to areas of the brain before or during birth. Cerebral palsy can be deducted at birth up until two years of age. 

People with cerebral palsy live a whole life, which means cerebral palsy doesn’t stop you from being a part of everyday life; only one person can prevent you from that, and that is you. None prevented Josephie from having children, and even her disability.