A Letter to Marie

Dear Marie,

I woke up today with a feeling I couldn’t name. Nothing was wrong, exactly—but nothing felt settled either. I moved through my routine, hoping the familiar would calm what I didn’t yet understand.

I thought I would write about cerebral palsy.
But I realized I’ve been afraid to do that for a long time.

You’ve never been afraid. You speak about disability openly, confidently. I notice that. I always have.

We both live with spastic dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The same diagnosis, but not the same experience. You’re more mobile. More independent. You move through the world differently than I do. I use a wheelchair. I need more help. My life requires more planning, more patience.

I don’t blame you for any of that.

Still, there are moments when I feel jealous—and admitting that feels tender. Not because I want to be you, but because sometimes I wish things felt easier.

And at the same time, I look up to you.

I admire how you use your voice. How you don’t hide. How you seem at ease with who you are. I love listening to your stories, even when they stir feelings I’m still learning how to hold.

I’m not where you are yet.
But I’m paying attention.
And maybe that’s part of becoming.

Love,
Josephine

If you’re curious about Marie’s response, she shares her thoughts at https://justmariewowcp.com/