I Love Life: Sioux Falls Woman Says Cerebral Palsy Is a Blessing

Mary Espland  doesn’t dwell on her disability! Instead, the Sioux Falls woman concentrates on what she can do!

“Yes, Cerebral Palsy has limited me from different things. Although other people can accomplish more in a brief amount of time, it takes me a bit longer. Sure it is frustrating. But, that’s life! I have learned to adjust. I have asked God why do I have this disease? Why couldn’t You give it to someone else? At the same time, Cerebral Palsy has made me stronger as a person knowing that---hey it’s OK to have it.  The Lord gave Cerebral Palsy to me for a special reason. The Lord allowed it to happen to me. “

Thanks to her family, Mary is overwhelmed with the positives in her life!

“My mom was very supportive throughout my life. My husband Tom is supportive of me. He didn’t even realize I had Cerebral Palsy when we got married. Knowing that people believe in me and accept me as I am is so rewarding. It’s not what I look like on the outside. What’s really important is the person I am on the inside.”

Instead of withdrawing from life, Mary is reaching out to others with a message of hope.

“I work with people. I used to work with children for 20 years. I am a people person. I feel my purpose is to help those in need. My husband and I have a ministry that is helping folks know about the Lord. We all need the Lord. Even though I have Cerebral Palsy, I’m am still sharing my gifts with those in need---helping people if they have the disease and people that don’t have a disability. We all need something in our lives and that is the Lord.”

From first hand experience, Mary says Cerebral Palsy has given her purpose in life.

“I believe the reason I am here is to show others that those with a physical or emotional disability can do anything that they put their minds to do. Even though I have Cerebral Palsy, I do have some limitations. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t accomplish what I want to do. I still get it done.”

Mary Espland says the bottom line is this: if you’re going through tough times right now, keep going!

“Keep striving! Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. I never did. When someone would tell me ‘oh Mary, you can’t do this,’ that made me more determined. If you have a disability, keep going. Don’t let people tell you it can’t be done. If you give up, then you’re going to have problems. If you don’t quit, you’ll see a light under the tunnel.”