my life with cerebral palsy
Fran Macilvey's mother was pregnant with a daughter in the Congo in 1965. Right after she gave birth she felt strange. Unbeknownst to anyone, another daughter was waiting to be born but before anyone responded, an hour had passed. That daughter was Fran, and because of the delay she was born with cerebral palsy. Growing up with her parents and siblings in Africa, Fran knew she was different. She was unable to join everyone else as they played, ran, and had fun. The family eventually moved to Scotland and as Fran grew older her pain at being left out turned into anger, self-hatred, and suicidal depression. Then one day someone looked at her and saw a woman to love. That was the beginning of her journey to self-acceptance. This book helps readers to understand how disabled adults really feel and how hard it is to try to maintain the appearance of a "normal" life. Today Fran has lived a life as a solicitor and a writer. She continues to live in Scotland, now with her husband and daughter.