The author with her brother KC and father Keith
The late Stephen Hawking once said, “My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.”
If you were to ask my brother about his disability or how it affects him, he’d likely look back at you with a toothy grin and reply, “What disability?” My brother Keith Clark Jr., or KC, as we call him, is 29 years old. He was born with cerebral palsy and has lived most of his life in a wheelchair. His case is severe, and he’ll never be able to walk. While his condition has unfortunately prevented him from doing many things on his own, he is far from “disabled in spirit.”
KC loves to crack jokes, play video games, watch television, go to summer camp, and sing to us at family gatherings. He enjoys being the center of attention, and he’s never once hinted at a sense of regret or longing. As far as he is concerned, he hasn’t missed out on a thing. KC’s upbeat and genuinely happy — his presence brings feelings of gratitude and calm. While he may be physically limited, he’s sharp as a tack, funny, and curious. He’s actually asked me a few times to write a story about him, titled “The Life of an Entertainer.” Well, here’s the introduction, my sweet brother.
In our October issue, we introduce you to another special kid, Paisley Alexander, who has a rare genetic disorder. Her mother Stacy is a longtime friend of mine, and I’ve admired her courage as she’s traversed this journey. Paisley’s father Rusty passed away after a car accident in 2016, and Stacy has had to brave many challenges alone. Read about Paisley and hear from Stacy herself in “Raising a Miracle.”
In the meantime, remember to teach your kids about empathy and compassion and remind them that everyone is different. And some folks, like KC and Paisley, are special little bright spots in an often gray world.
Shara Clark
Editor