Karen at age 4 wearing her leg brace

As I warned you, things did get worse, before they got better. In real life, my father did not pass away until I was in my teens, but I put it earlier in the story to show what a struggle my Mama had, and how I felt, too. At the same time, I kept up my positive attitude. Here’ a photo of me at age 4. In real life, by age 7, I had danced my way out of that brace. (Correction: I was 11 when I danced my way out of that brace.)

Scene 3: Birthday Party Tears

The years passed, and in spite of everything that happened, Mama devoted herself to her baby. She held Karen’s fifth birthday party in their bungalow, the beautiful little house that she and her husband had bought long ago, and that she had managed to hold onto in spite of everything. Karen was crying.

“Why, Mama? Why? Why isn’t my daddy here? The other kids have daddies. Why did my daddy have to leave us? Why did Daddy have to go?”

“I don’t know why, Krana Layala, but God must have wanted your daddy to cheer Him up! We are hurting, because we love him, but remember that we can always reach out to him. We can always call out to him in our hearts and hold him close. That way, he will never be forgotten. You can always talk to Daddy, any time you need him. He will always be there for you, and protect you. I want you to feel safe and secure. I want you to know that Mama is always going to be here for you, too. Always!”

Despite her soothing words, Karen’s diminutive body shook. Karen looked up to her mother for strength. Mama put her arms around her Kitten’s small, trembling body and the rigid steel brace that supported Karen’s left leg.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.
#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirational