This gorgeous young man is my son, Phillip. He is physically disabled with quadriplegia cerebral palsy and multiple related medical issues. But you know what? He smiles and lives life, works, travels, and socializes, and has done more with his life than many people do in a lifetime. He is a coach for people with disabilities and their loved ones. He can help with career and future planning, strategies for school success, disability acceptance, and more!
Before my kids were born, I used to be horrified at the sight of a disabled person. I would divert my eyes and not think of interacting with a disabled person. I felt the Universe “punished” me by giving me a disabled child so that I could learn my life’s lessons. I felt angry and resentful that my innocent, beautiful child, Phillip, would be allowed to suffer the consequences of his severe disability so that I could learn my lessons. I became pregnant with triplets (by taking a pill I didn’t need), and I did not do my proper bed rest and delivered early, and it was ALL my fault, etcetera etcetera. I was angry that Phillip was born disabled so I could learn a lesson. My anger, guilt, and shame would manifest in various situations throughout the past twenty years. I would go through significant undiagnosed depression because I was too busy and overwhelmed to seek help. Plus, I justified my mindset because of my past.
Then, I found a trusted life coach, Dana, who could help me resolve my issues. I coupled this with ketamine therapy to see my past traumas and experiences differently. I now see what happened as our soul’s journey. Nothing I did could have caused or prevented Phillip’s disability. The universe meant for us to be together in this situation, to play out whatever we needed to learn. Phillip has been here before. It was not his first time meeting me on this earth. And for the rest of the family and me, somehow, we are better for it. I feel better knowing there is a purpose, even if I don’t know all the answers to the “whys .” I am more joyful and experience life more calmly and with contentment. If you need help seeing your past traumas in a way where they enhance you rather than traumatize you, try ketamine therapy along with talk therapy.
If you or someone you know needs some help navigating the complex world of disability, reach out to my son, Phillip.
Email: phillipbramwellcoach@gmal.com
Instagram: phillipbramwellcoach
Phone: (973)-525-9722 (text or call)