I also have CP and it affects my legs and back. My mother beat me and treated me different than my brothers. So I know what it's like to be an outkast. I'm 25 and until I turned 19 I was fine I wasn't in any pain the only thing I was dealing with was my hydrocephalus and having like 150-200 surgeries from 12-15. I've also had heel cord lengthening surgeries to try and correct me walking on my tip toes. But it didn't work, I still walk on my tip toes. And I'm also suffering from scoliosis. It sucks but I guess the good thing is I'm alive. But it's not fair for your family treats u like that.

Thank you shadybaby87. I guess people don't know how to act around people with disabilities. That's alot of surgeries in that period of time. We don't have no choice but to continue fighting the battle of living with a disability. I am grateful I have a husband who supports me and three kids that need me. Take care.

My family always treats me different than my brother and sister. They don't take pictures without me but they take my crutches and have someone hold me for the picture. Is it really that bad to have crutches or my wheelchair in the picture?

That would annoy me, too. There's nothing wrong with taking photos with our mobility aids. I always wonder, do my crutches make the picture ugly. I don't think so. Regardless if other people don't accept us, we should never forget to speak up and keep our chins up.

I have always struggled with acceptance. Right now, I do have to say that most of my true friends dont see my disability because it is so mild. I always grew up doing everything everyone else does. I never thought twice about it. I cant say that my family has ever treated me totally different. Yes, at times there are distinct differences between my bother and I. He is able to come and go as he pleases while I get the where you going? What are you doing? With who? When will you be home? Etc, etc, etc. there was one time I wasnt home as early as my mom would have like so my mom went out and was looking for me. My mom would never do those kinds of things with my brother, but then I have the double stigma. I am a girl and I have a slight disability. So, sometimes it gets hard just go and do as I please, but as a whole I remind her how old I am and I go. Now, I just make sure to turn on my ringer when I am out so when I am being summoned I actually answer.
I have got to say the one place I struggle with acceptance is my work place. They for one have no idea what kind of person I am. My co-workers think I am incapable of walking and doing my own thing. For instance, everyone usually goes on a mile walk during the day. I am never invited. I can walk a mile in about 15 minutes. Not too bad. No one ever invites me to eat lunch with them. I am always left in the room by myself. Sometimes, I get reminded how shallow they truly are, but I just remind myself that what goes around comes around. I can walk. I am a person that should be invited to lunch too. But its what it is. I remind myself that they are missing out on an amazing person.
I know its hard to say when its your family that doesnt accept you. Just know that god will take care of you while they will be punished for their actions.
Hang in there girl.

I asked my mom why she never lets me have my mobility aids in the pictures. She said "because that's not who you are" but it is a huge part of who I am and it feels weird to try to hide it.

Greeneyes thank you for your kind words. You would think in my case my family would be able to understand me the most. I would also discribe those people who don't accept us as shallow. I'm sorry to hear what you go through with your co-workers. I don't have much friends myself; people seem too much in a hurry, they don't have the patience to interact with a person with a disability. I agree with you, it's their loss. It shows that they don't have humility; which I think it's one of the greatest trait a person can have.

Luvmydoglots- I feel the same like you. My crutches are part of me. We shouldn't be ashamed for having to use mobility aids. We didn't choose to be disabled.

I bet! I would have too, it doesn't makes sense to me either. Yes you have the right to be furious my goodness.