Mothers often receive questions about how they cope with raising a family. Being a mother of multiple young children and having a disability is no exception. Liz Venedaal, who has cerebral palsy, is a mother of 3 children – all under the age of 5.
Being a stay-at-home mother, Liz’s day with her young children can stretch long. “Between my limited mobility, poor balance and my typical aches and pains, most days feel I feel like I’m the tortoise and they’re the hare,” she says. And like all parents, her day doesn’t end until her children fall asleep.
“Despite the long days, the double dirty diapers and the sheer fact that I have created a tiny army who has outnumbered me, I can handle it.”
Liz notes that her biggest challenge about being a mother with cerebral palsy is managing her emotions. The times that she is unable to physically comfort her children or carry them to bed are what affects her the most. “It hurts to know I can’t run around the yard and play with my children like we all wish I could,” she admits.
“But, I continue to rise. I rise because there is nothing in the world that lifts me up to rise more than my children. Nothing.”
Liz finds strength in her children and likewise hopes that they “will have greater acceptance and appreciation” by seeing their mother power through the challenges of raising her children. She hopes that through her example, her children will develop resilience and determination to overcome any obstacles in their way.
“I hope as they learn and grow, they too realize that even when you are bombarded with voices that question how it can be done, with hope, determination and love in your heart, you can always rise above.”
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