June 29, 2024 • 64 mins
Currently 1-in-4 people suffer from a disability, and that number represents nearly 1 billion people globally. In America this number represents 64 million people. this means that all of us know someone living with a disability or may be living with a disability ourselves.
Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disabilities in the United States.
On this episode of The Cris David Show, we’ll get to know Amber Reese, a young woman living with CP and how she’s using her platform to empower others.
This episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BpgrgNcMuAw
Follow @crisdavidtv & @thecrisdavidshow on Instagram
Visit www.crisdavidshow.com for more information
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Currently, one in four people suffer from a disability, and that number represents nearly
(00:05):
one billion people globally.
In America, this number represents 64 million people.
This means that all of us know someone living with a disability, or may be living with a
disability ourselves.
Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disabilities in the United States.
On this episode of The Cris David Show, we'll meet Amber Reese, a young woman living with
(00:30):
CP, who's using her platform to empower others living with the disorder.
(00:56):
Everyone let's give a warm Cris David Show welcome to Ms. Amber Reese.
Welcome Amber.
Hi, hi everybody.
Thank you for having me Cris.
It's great to meet you.
It's great to meet you too.
And listen, we're so glad to have you here because you're all over these YouTube streets.
(01:16):
Ok? And I’m honored
I wouldn’t say that, but I do what I do.
You do.
You do.
I'm honored that you reached out to me to be on the show because you could have done
Anyone’s show, but you chose my show.
So thank you so much for coming on.
Thank you. You're welcome.
You're welcome.
(01:36):
I must say, I love your interview style first and foremost.
I love how you make people feel comfortable.
I love how this show is Black because I'm Black myself.
So we got to support our people.
So that was definitely important to me.
(01:58):
And I think I love how you have all different types of people, from able-bodied to different
ability just from all walks of life.
So thank you again for having me and I can't wait to get started.
And you're very, very, very welcome by the way.
(02:18):
And now I first found out about you from Chaz Bedford, who is our very own CP Warrior.
And he did our show last season and shout out to Chaz, little Chazzie Wazzie.
But we want to know more about you, Ms. Reese.
So my first question, what made you start your YouTube channel?
(02:42):
Well, I got started back in 2017.
I came across this young lady, Ebony P. She had, I had seen somebody post a YouTube video
of hers and I had wrote her and I'm like, you know, thank you for, you know, being a
(03:08):
light for people in a differently-abled community.
She's like, you know, you can do that too.
I was like, me?
So from there, I started writing for her website because she did blogs and I started writing
for her blog.
And from there, she introduced me to this other lady, Ms. Octavia Page.
(03:34):
Shout out to them.
She created a fashion line called Fashion No Boundaries for kids that were differently
abled because she has a son who has Cerebral palsy.
Shout out to TJ, and epilepsy.
And, you know, she wanted to have people blog about, you know, different fashion things
(03:58):
that we wear, like what we were into, how we put outfits together.
So from there, once I saw the momentum that I was getting both writing for Ebony and what
I was getting from Fashion No Boundaries, people just was like, yeah, we want to see
more.
So from there, I started doing my channel, Goddess Has Spoken TV in 2019.
(04:28):
And that's how everything got started.
And you mentioned fashion.
You mentioned clothing.
There's a young lady, and I'm sure you've seen the episode
and everyone if you haven’t
We had Chandra Smith on a couple of times.
And Chandra, for everyone who may not know, is Ms. Wheelchair America 2024.
And she's the first Black woman to hold that title in over 25, I’m sorry 35, 35 years.
(04:53):
She talks about adaptive clothing.
People, you know, being able to wear clothing that's easy to put on and easy to wear and
comfortable and, you know, adjust with whatever you may be dealing with as far as you know
your disability.
And the thing is with adaptive clothing, it also can be worn by people who don't have
disabilities.
(05:14):
So the idea is to design things for people from eight to 80.
You design for everyone.
That way everyone is included and everyone can take part and no one feels left out of
anything.
But we talk, but she and I, we always talk about visibility when it comes to people living
(05:36):
with disabilities.
And I think it's important that you're doing your channel and you're doing this because
people need to see you.
So what do you think about that?
I think, like you said, I think that is definitely important because as you know, back in the
day for people with disabilities, we were being institutionalized.
(05:59):
You know, you really didn't see us out there in the community until like the late 80s,
early 90s.
So for us to be able to have that torch and to pass it on to the next generation for able
bodied kids or differently abled kids to actually say, wow, I see me on the screen.
(06:25):
You know, I always, you know, would hear Ebony say that too, because it's important to have some
type of representation.
You know, when I started my YouTube channel before my older sister passed away, she goes,
you know, it's about time.
You know, they put us on the front line because she was mentally disabled too.
(06:49):
So she was like, and who better to do that than you?
You know, I'm honored.
You know, it warms my heart, you know, to be able to do what I do, because all I want
people to see is that no matter if you're able bodied or you have a disability or whatever
you have going on in your life, you're doing what you love and you're a blessing.
(07:15):
You're not a burden to anyone and you can give way to others by what you do and how
they see you.
You know?
Absolutely.
I do have a question for you.
Another question.
Are you familiar with the Ms. Wheelchair competition?
I got, you know, it's funny when I was about 24, I did get asked to do that.
(07:40):
And I was just like, it wasn't the right time for me.
Like, I wanted to do it, but it just things wasn't adding up for me at the moment.
Have you thought about, you know, doing it more recently?
I thought about it, but you know, you have to raise money.
(08:04):
So we'll see.
Who knows?
Maybe next year.
I mean, listen, you know, you have a following.
I mean, you know, people come on.
If you want to see that happen for Amber, you know, follow Amber, donate to her so that
she can make it happen.
That might be something that you do for your, let me do my resolution for 2025.
(08:28):
You know, that may be something that you know the people want to do.
Yeah it’s something to look forward to, I mean, you know, we'll see.
You never know.
Ok.
So what was life like growing up for you?
Where are you from, by the way?
Bridgeport.
Shout out to all my Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Yeah, shout out to everyone in the 203.
(08:51):
What was life like growing up in the Reese household?
Well, I'll tell you one thing.
It was definitely laughter.
It was definitely lots of love.
It was definitely a lot of motivation and pushing because, you know, my mom and my brother
and my grandfather was definitely big on, you know, physical therapy, especially my
(09:19):
brother, my grandfather, my mom.
Like they did, especially my brother.
I can remember doing pushups, sit-ups, climbing on, you know, couches.
You know, my grandfather, he used to pick me up and have me walk, you know.
I can just remember just us using humor as a way to deal with, you know, life, you know,
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because my mom, she has three kids.
I'm the youngest of the three.
My sister was, you know, mentally delayed, but she was the high functioning, but she
did have seizures.
You know, and just my brother being the middle and the quote unquote normal one, you know,
(10:09):
he helped with us, you know, from a young age.
So I think for me it was nothing but greatness, you know, and we still reminisce on, you
know, those memories and those tough times.
Would I say it was easy, you know, having a disability?
No, because looking at other kids and, you know, seeing them being able to, I was like,
(10:35):
Mommy, Tim, why can't I do that?
It's just like, you know, you can do it.
You just have to do it differently.
You can still, you know, that's why I'm grateful for him roughing me up because, I mean, I
loved it as a kid, you know, and even now, like, I don't care, you can push me, do whatever
you want to do to me.
Like, this head is used to it.
(10:57):
That's why I got a big head for a reason.
Shout out to my mom.
The head is from her, but, you know.
Shout out to mine because that's where I got mine from.
Right.
I mean, if you really want me to take it back, it's really from her mom, my grandma, so,
yeah.
But I would say, it was just a whole bunch of just motivation, love, tough times, but, you know,
(11:26):
we got through it with laughter, you know.
You have what's called left hemiplegic spastic Cerebral palsy, correct?
Right.
Ok.
Explain to us exactly what that is.
Well, Cerebral palsy, for those that don't know, is a neurological disorder.
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Basically, you know, when you're born, you lack oxygen to the brain, which affects your
blood vessels, and it affects your muscle tone.
Now, there is four different types.
I just so happened, and a lot of people like myself, Chaz, have the most common one, which
(12:08):
is spastic Cerebral palsy.
Now, I didn't find out until I was three, but you are born with it.
How you detect it, if your child is not doing the most milestones at different ages, like
walking, trying to stand up, you know, that you definitely need to get your child to a
(12:34):
doctor.
Yeah.
Ok.
Now, how does it affect your motor skills?
Well, basically, like I said, it depends on your muscle tone.
My muscle tone is tight, whereas my right side is my good side.
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You can't walk.
Like, you're unable to hold things, like, depending on the severity of it.
You can have, you know, epilepsy along with it.
You can also be mentally delayed.
You know, it's hard for you to sit up, you know, because you have to be able to use your
(13:18):
core muscles, things like that.
So, yeah, you drool uncontrollably, you know, depending on the severity of it.
It all depends.
Now, Amber, share with us some of the struggles you have and you face having your disability.
Um, luckily for me, I wouldn't say that I have struggles because I'm very independent,
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as you, you know, saw before the cameras were rolling.
But I would say the most daily challenge for me is, like, when stuff is up high, then my
height, you know, that's about it.
Um, you know, I wouldn't say there are necessarily struggles.
(14:07):
Like, I need help with, like, preparing a meal, but I can cook.
If I'm in my electric chair, I can move around, like, you know.
Um, that's about it.
I would, like, dresings myself, but I can do that, too, a little bit, to an extent.
I wouldn't say they’re struggles.
I feel like I've mastered most of my struggles that I had, you know, growing up.
(14:33):
And this is why adaptive clothing is so important.
Just going to put that out there for everyone watching.
Luckily for me, I have aides, so I can, you know, pull off anything for, you know, you know.
You know, Amber, um, Chaz told me that every morning when he wakes up, he has to teach
(14:55):
himself how to walk all over again.
And Chandra, uh, says that it's not the fact that she's in a wheelchair, and it, you know,
that creates the disability, but it's that the world that we all live in is not accessible.
What's your biggest challenge out in the world?
Uh, um, like you said, trying to get into, quote unquote, accessible buildings that are
(15:25):
supposed to be accessible, but not really accessible.
Even, like, the curbside, I feel like on every sidewalk, there should be a spot for wheelchairs
to be able to go on, not just in certain areas.
But like I said, it's a work in progress.
You know, Judith Heumann did most of the work, and we still have a long way to go.
(15:53):
So, yeah.
You know, a lot of what benefits people living with disabilities also benefits those of us
who don't.
And I just think that our goal should be promoting the design of a world that's accessible for
everyone, you know, equity should be the goal.
I think that is definitely important because not just for people with disabilities, but
(16:20):
you also have to think about the elderly. Yes.
You also have to think about people that are, you know, like I said, getting older, you
know, nobody, nobody elderly has time to be climbing up stairs.
You know, there should be chair, there should be chair lifts in every building.
(16:41):
If someone has to go up stairs to get somewhere, there should be chair lifts, you know, to
be able to access things like these are things that should be thought about, not just when,
you know, the government and legislators feel like it.
No, these are things that we need to have a good quality of life.
(17:05):
You better tell these people out here exactly what it is.
Tell them like it is.
So, ok.
Amber watches our show, guys.
And so she knows we have a segment called Droppin’ Science.
So, I'm going to read, Amber, just something briefly from this study that was done.
(17:28):
And I want to know what you think about it. Ok.
So, in a 2021 study done by the American Neurological Association says that adults with CP may not
only be requiring ongoing neurological care, but that they have two times the risk of stroke
and other major health concerns.
(17:51):
I feel like that's false.
Because if you really want me to get technical, I read on Google a while back that the life
expectancy with someone with Cerebral palsy is 75.
And to me, I feel like, excuse my French, but that's a crock of BS.
(18:13):
Like, you're as young as you feel.
I mean, I get it that there's different types.
Some are more severe than others.
But I feel like we here.
Yes, it was a lot of traumatic-ness with our births.
(18:35):
But we are here and we thriving.
You know, most people said I wasn't going to be doing what I was doing.
But look at me, you know.
It's all how you feel.
And that all comes from your mindset.
That's why I'm grateful for my family, especially with my mom and especially, you know, my
(19:01):
brother down to my grandparents and even to my sister, because I always say that she was the
blueprint for me.
You know, she despite her circumstances, you know, because she's no longer here with us.
You know, she always handled each day with such love and grace and just she just had a
(19:25):
smile that would just light up the room.
And, you know, for me, just even with her outfit choices.
Now, most of the time I ain't trying to throw no shade to my sister, love you, Brittany.
But, you know, most of the time they wouldn't match, but she wouldn't care.
She just she just rocked it.
You know, because like her attitude was just like, you know, I'm that girl.
(19:50):
I'm always going to be that girl.
So it is what it is.
You either take it or leave it.
And you know, that's, that kind of as I'm getting older, it took me a while to get to that point
into a lot of things that I'm doing now.
I just kind of take that with me.
(20:11):
Like I cut my hair because of her.
So a lot of people like, oh, why you cut your hair?
Like I like you better with long hair.
And it's like a person is not defined whether if they have long hair, whether if they have dreads,
Whether if they have flat twist, you know what I'm saying?
(20:34):
Braids, it doesn't matter.
Like I'm still the same old Amber.
Just got older, a little bit more wiser, but I'm still funny and crazy as a bedbug.
But I'm, you know, it's it doesn't.
You feel what you feel.
But I will say this.
(20:55):
You got anybody negative in your camp, remove them.
Because if you always got somebody telling you, ah, you can't do this, you're disabled.
Listen, just because I ain’t been to the club don't mean I can't bring the club to me.
You know what I mean?
Just because.
You're not missing anything.
Exactly.
(21:16):
That’s what people tell me, but you think having a disability, you feel like, oh well, I'm missing out on this,
you know, and it's just like you could bring the club to you.
You want a bottle?
I’ll go get you a bottle from the liquor store.
(21:37):
You know, I mean, it's all it's all those things, even when it comes to dating.
There's just there's so many people out there.
People, let me tell you, get you somebody that's differently abled because we'll never leave you.
I wanted to know more about your sister.
What does she pass away from?
Nine years ago when she was spending the night with us, she had fallen down my front steps of the building where as a result of that, she got traumatic brain injury.
(22:11):
So and as a result of her having, you know, she had a fractured skull, three fractured ribs, you know, they didn't think she was going to make it because she was in a coma for six weeks.
And as a result of that, like her seizures got worse.
(22:33):
So I believe we don't really know this for certain. I believe she had a seizure in her sleep.
But for positive terms and for my mom, because I know, mommy, you're going to be watching this.
We just going to keep it rated G and just say she died in her sleep.
Peacefully.
(22:54):
Shout out to your mom, by the way.
Shout out to your whole entire family, they sound so dope.
I love you guys, Tim, Mom, I love you.
March was National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25th.
Tell us how you commemorated this year.
(23:16):
I feel like I rep CP all year ‘round, not just for CP Awareness Month, not just for the day. When you see me in the wheelchair, they know me.
As the girl with the big hat, always lookin fly.
Shout out to Dee Dee, that’s my morning aide, because she always gets me right.
(23:37):
They always know me for just, you know, I embrace it.
You see, I can't, you can't hide from the chair and you can't hide from what you have.
So I embrace it every day. But how the way I celebrate it, you know, I might do a little bit of posting, little bit of reels, you know, that's it.
(24:03):
Nothing too, nothing too much, because I feel like if you want to know something, you're going to ask.
I'm so glad that we're on the same page, because what you just said leads me into my next question.
And by the way, guys, Amber can't see my questions or anything.
(24:24):
So this is just supposed to happen this way.
What are the craziest things someone has said to you regarding your CP?
Oh, God, where do I begin?
I would say the most craziest thing I had somebody tell me.
(24:45):
I actually was trying to.
I was going somewhere and somebody goes, boy, you know, it's nice to see people like you out in the community.
And I was like, what do you mean people like me?
And he was like, well, you know, people with disabilities.
I said, sir, sir, let me let me stop you right there.
(25:08):
First and foremost.
Before you add disability, before you add, you know, woman, before you add daughter, before you add sister, before you add any other labels that pertain to me in my daily life, I am human first.
Now, I get it.
(25:29):
It's probably your first time or not even your first time seeing somebody out in it, you know, with a disability out in the community.
I'm just trying to pay my bills, sir.
Like, you know, it's like, you know, God bless you.
You know, it's great seeing you out in the community.
(25:50):
Well, dang if I was inside my house, would you feel the same way?
You know, I mean, when you said that, I'm thinking, what do you mean by great to see you out in the community?
Like, what, because I'm Black, I mean, you know, a woman, you know? What does that even mean? I think, you know, I know you're going to be talking about them, but I hate I hate when guys be like, oh, you're too pretty to be in a wheelchair.
(26:23):
And I'm just like.
I don't even know how to respond.
And but I just want to apologize for us men because sometimes we just very, very awkward.
Very awkward.
So, on behalf of all men, I just, I, that. Yeah.
Some of us are just very awkward.
But, again, now, now, guys, Amber cannot see my questions at all.
(26:50):
So my next question is, what is dating like?
Dating for me? Well, right now I am happily single and focusing on thyself.
I'm just putting that out there. I ain't looking for nobody.
So don't be sliding in my DMs after this interview. Being like, man, if I was in Bridgeport, Oh I'm right in Connecticut, you know, we could make it.
(27:13):
No, because I ain't looking.
But for me, dating has really been much of a challenge.
I can I can honestly say that I don't know why.
I mean, I'm good. But, you know, I feel like.
Because I've always dated in the differently abled community.
(27:37):
I've never, you know, dated an able bodied person. I would like to.
But, you know, I don't know.
It's when guys see me, it's just like, oh, like she's in a wheelchair.
Like, what can you do with her? And it's just like.
(27:58):
So, you know, you can't you kind of just in my I guess you could say I played it safe, you know, by sticking to what I know, because it's like someone with a different ability.
It's like, oh, we have the same thing, you know, that.
So for me, I would say it's kind of been a challenge.
(28:23):
Was there someone in particular who specifically said that to you?
Or is this guys just happened to, you know, multiple guys have said something like that?
It really just be it really just be strangers that I don't even know.
Or like I had one guy I was at the bus terminal. I was waiting for the bus and this one guy was like, excuse me, ma'am, would you like something from Dunkin’ Donuts?
(28:46):
I said, you know, no, I already ate. Thank you.
And he goes, well, I figured, you know, since you're in that wheelchair, you might be hot because it was during the summertime.
I said, excuse you. I said, if I want something to drink, I'm going to get it myself.
And if I wanted you to get me something to drink, I would have asked you.
And I really don't. I'm like, but honestly, I don't even know you, so I really don't need you to help me with anything.
(29:15):
You know, I said to the, ok, Amber, I said I was going to be, I was going to behave today.
I really did. You know, I really did. I put my green on for you and everything.
I just want to throat check people like that. Like, that just really, really, really do.
He literally was adamant like, I'm going to get you this Coolata from Dunkin Donuts.
(29:39):
Like, no, I am good, sir.
Like, then I had one guy I was walking home and he goes, where do you live?
I'm like, why? He goes, well, you know, you shouldn't be out here by yourself.
I said, sir, it's broad daylight outside.
Like, the sun is literally shining. Like, no, thank you. Get out my face.
(30:01):
Then I can tell you a funny story. I was walking with a family friend.
We were, I live next to downtown Bridgeport, right?
So we're on our way back to my back to my apartment.
So this this young boy, I don't know if he played football, but all I see he came across the street
(30:24):
because we were on one side of the street and he was on the other side of the street.
And he goes, God bless you, beautiful. He's like, what's your name?
Ah, ah, ah, and then my friend is like her name is Amber.
She normally isn't shy because I'm very talkative.
But when he said something to me, I couldn't say nothing.
(30:50):
And my friend was like, why did you freeze up like that?
I thought he was talking to you, then when he pointed to me.
Because that's what I'm used to.
Like, that's another thing. Like, if I go out with my aide, or if I go out with like my mom or something
or even like my brother, like I'm used to people talking to them.
(31:11):
So it's like when somebody talks to me, it just be the basic like, hi, how you doing?
God bless you, beautiful. You know, you keep hope alive. That type of thing.
I hope that if you see him again, you're a little more open.
Because he seemed like a nice guy. I mean, I was 21 at the time.
Oh, ok. I was young.
(31:32):
You know, it was a shock because it's like, wait, he talking to me or he talking to her?
Then when he said me, I'm like, oh. So this is, here’s the thing.
And, you know, if this doesn't already exist, I’d really like someone to make this:
(31:55):
a dating app for Black people with disabilities.
That would be so dope.
I mean, technically, we could go on Black People Meet, you know, because people say, why don't you try that?
I ain't dating nobody online. You act like you ain't never heard people getting killed on the first date.
(32:18):
Noooo! I have a motto.
If they not in person, because I've tried talking, you know, to differently abled men online.
But because of our circumstances and they hype up like.
Yeah, I'm going to come see you. I'm going to come see you.
Then when the day comes, it don't happen.
(32:39):
So I recently adopted a motto and, you know, in these last three, four years, if they're not in person,
if I can't see you, touch you, smell you, look at you, you a few blocks from me.
And I can't catch a bus or catch, you know, public transportation to you.
(33:00):
I ain’t with it. Then stay away from me.
I love you. Appreciate you watching my show. But I can't, nope.
Sorry, I’m like, Trey Songz, we just can't be friends.
I hope you all heard what she said, because that applies to me too.
All right? And you all know who you are. Because you all know who you are.
(33:25):
Oh, Amber. But yes, I just feel like, you know, people need to get with it or get lost.
I understand, you know, some people may feel like, you know, I need an able bodied person because we're the same person.
Like, we get what each struggle is going through.
But there also is a thing of inter-abled dating.
(33:48):
You know, there's also people out here willing to date someone with a disability.
And shout out to you all, because, yes, you finally, the light bulb done finally went off.
Like, you get it, you know.
But for me personally, yeah, as you can see, dating for me hasn't been the easiest.
(34:12):
And, you know, it is what it is.
I'm just in the era of focusing on myself and bettering myself.
It's not easy for anyone.
You know, it's hard out there in those dating streets for all of us.
So, you know.
But let's move on from that, because, you know, we'd be here all night talking about the ills of apps.
(34:38):
Right. And I have plenty of funny stories.
So we talked about your disability.
I hope that people have a better understanding about your, you know, your disability.
But who is Amber Reese?
We want to know more about you.
Like, what do you like to do?
You know, what music do you listen to?
(34:59):
What movies do you watch?
What's your favorite color?
We want to know all those things.
We want to get in your business.
To start off, hi, my name is Amber.
I'm a Gemini.
You know, I'm just playing.
To start off, my favorite color is lavender.
I love lavender.
You know, lavender is very calming.
(35:20):
Amber, look at this.
My fan is lavender.
I promise you.
Guys, I didn't even know.
I didn't even know.
And this was the cheapest fan that they had, so I bought it.
Lavender, baby blue, is very calming.
Those are the colors of my room right now, by the way.
I love being silly.
(35:43):
I'm funny.
I come from a long line of comedians.
Like I said, it all started from my mama.
And she just birthed.
You know, she just birthed funny three times over.
Like, we're funny in our own way.
I'm definitely a mama's girl.
Like, I'm obsessed.
Even though my mama now, like, mom, no shade, even though
(36:04):
sometimes she can pluck a nerve, boy, I’m telling you.
But that's my mama.
I'm definitely, my siblings, I love them down, even though
God rest her soul.
Me and my sister were like Frick and Frack.
But, you know, we got closer, like, you know, towards the end.
(36:25):
My brother, love him down to death.
So I'm definitely like a family person.
I love to have fun.
I'm to myself.
I can hang with friends.
But as I've gotten older, I realize, you know, having that time
To yourself, it's ok to be a loner.
(36:47):
I love to read.
I'm a reader.
I haven't read any good books though lately.
I would say the last good book I read was Kierra Sheard’s first book.
That's the last good book I read.
What else?
I love R&B.
(37:09):
Anything old school, because, you know, my mom grew up in, like,
you know, the 70s, you know, 80s, you know.
So anything old school R&B and anything 90s R&B to some
extent, yeah, early 2000s R&B.
(37:34):
That's me.
You know, I work.
I go home.
I'm to myself.
I love food.
I love to eat.
I'm definitely a foodie.
I love to try anything.
Yeah, that's pretty much, yep.
What about shows, what TV shows or movies are you watching?
(37:55):
The last good shows I watched were Ginny & Georgia,
because my aide got me onto that show.
We just became obsessed.
I watched All American all five seasons.
I'm trying to get into All American Homecoming, but I just don't like Simone.
(38:16):
Like, can we honestly say that?
And I really don't like, what’s her name? Layla.
I don't know if anybody watch it, but if you know, if you watch, then you know, you know.
And I'm really stuck on the fact that Taye Diggs died on the show.
Like I'm really stuck.
(38:39):
I'm really stuck on that.
If anybody, I'm sorry, spoiler alert, if anybody hasn't watched it.
But yeah, you might not want to watch season five.
I'm not going to say what episode you're just going to have to watch.
But for those that watch, yeah, that was kind of sad.
And I'm really sad that, and another thing I'm sad about All American, why they did my girl Patience like that?
(39:05):
And just left us on a cliffhanger.
If you know, you know, I ain't going to say what happened.
But for those that watch, get it and you in the comments.
Yeah, yall know what I'm talking about.
I know I'm late to the game, but I need I need yall help.
So if anybody could get in contact with the boy that plays Spencer, send him to my DMs, please.
(39:30):
And thank you. I mean, I'm just throwing it out there.
All right. You know, you heard what Amber said.
So Daniel Ezra, jump in Amber’s DMs.
But right now I'm doing I'm trying to see if it's coming back, though.
(39:52):
The show. So, yeah, the writer's strike kind of pushed the season, which that's just what writer strikes do.
Kind of pushed the season up. So, yeah, it is on.
Watch it because. Yeah, All American really got me in a chokehold.
But I can't get with All American Homecoming.
(40:14):
I can't because that's about Simone, Jordan's girlfriend.
And I, no shade to the girl that played Layla.
You're very beautiful. But it's just that your character.
Like, can we just talk about how she went from Spencer, no it was Asher then Spencer, now Jordan?
I’m going to have to watch this show.
(40:38):
You know, I haven't watched this show since probably the first and second season.
Yeah, I'm going to have to catch up on this because this sounds very interesting.
And you know what? Once I catch up, I'm going to text you and I'm going to let you know that I am fully caught up on All American.
I'm always looking for a show to watch.
All I'm just saying, Layla, I just I don't I don't like the way how you moving.
(41:03):
Now, I ain't saying these boys is right either, because, you know, I mean, don't get me wrong, Daniel, I love you to death.
But Spencer, how are you really going to date your sister, bro?
Like, isn't Coach Baker really your dad?
Like on the show because the mom, you know, had the affair, you know.
(41:25):
So I mean, how is that even possible?
And sorry for the ones that haven't watched it.
I know I'm kind of spoiling it, but these are just questions that I have.
Like, why?
Yeah, I'm definitely going to have to get into this show because, whoa.
I don't know if you heard of this girl in the differently abled community.
(41:47):
Her name is Lauren “Lolo” Spencer.
I read her book.
I actually have it.
She's dope.
I love her on the Sex Life College Girls.
That was funny.
Thank you, Amber. You’re putting me on to like so much TV.
Yeah, I wasn't even expecting this because I yeah, I haven't been watching TV lately.
(42:08):
I have a lot going on.
I mean, I don't watch TV like that, but me and my aide especially her because, you know, we be in here.
She’ll be like you binge watch a show and you literally just watch it just like straight through.
Like, I can't do that.
I'm like, but I be here.
Like, I don't be around nobody.
(42:29):
Like, I just be to myself.
So it's like, you know, if I'm not working, if I'm not doing a podcast, if I'm not doing a vlog, I'm watching TV or I'm reading.
I'm multitasking between the two.
What kind of books do you like to read?
Is there anything, any genre in particular that you enjoy?
(42:50):
Well, I would say first and foremost, it's very important to read your Bible.
Morning, noon, and night if you can.
And all in between.
That's first and foremost.
I like to read motivational books that kind of uplift you.
Like, for instance, if I don't know if you've seen it because you said you looked up Lolo, but her book was very good.
(43:14):
It was about, you know, her life and things, how she navigated through her diagnosis and how she became the person that she is today.
So that I kind of stick with that, you know, things that help you mentally and spiritually, because, you know, I'm a Christian.
(43:39):
Definitely Kierra Sheard book.
I mean, I mean, I love Kierra Sheard, Darrel.
I love The Clark Sisters.
I'm just grateful that my mom put me on to good music.
I'm grateful she did too.
I'm really, really, really obsessed and I'm so happy because she's going to be coming here in July.
(44:02):
So I definitely want to see her when she comes.
So Amber, before we wrap up, I ask all of my guests this, and you already know where I'm going.
If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself in the past or what would you go and tell yourself in the future?
(44:27):
One thing I would tell my younger self is you're beautiful.
You know, don't look at the wheelchair as a negative thing.
You know, keep doing what you're doing because, you know, it's going to pay off in the end.
Keep being an innovator.
Keep being that bubbly, vivacious, you know, person that you are.
(44:50):
Something I would tell myself in the future, love is gonna come.
Don't, you know, don't rush it.
Don't chase it.
Don't look for it.
Just stay to yourself.
Keep doing what you're doing and everything else will fall into place.
And I would tell both myself to always keep God first in everything you do because he'll lead, guide, and direct your path if you let him and you talk to him.
(45:23):
Let everyone know how they can get in touch with you.
It's @goddesshasspoken_26. If you want to follow me on Instagram.
If you want to see my podcast, you can check out Soundview Community Media.
If you just want good laughs and a little bit of education and a little bit of motivational speaking along the way, you can check me out on YouTube.
(45:49):
@goddesshasspokentv
And that’ll be all here in the video.
And when you Amber up, be respectful.
All right?
Don't, listen.
Don't do it to yourself. All right? Don’t do it. I mean that.
Amber, do you get weirdos in your inbox?
(46:10):
Yeah.
Talk to us about the weirdos.
I wanna, I just, I want to hear this.
I had one dude write me like, are you really disabled?
I'm like, I mean, I know there's people that fake their disability.
(46:31):
But why?
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
Like, yeah, you know, I've I've had people be like, well, I see you're disabled.
(46:54):
You know, if you give me your Cash App, I can send you some money.
I don't I don't need your money.
Don't ask for it. I'm very independent.
You know, I have a job, you know, get my little disability.
I'm good. You know, I'm straight.
Life is good! Life is good!
You know, Amber, one thing I've learned in having friends who are disabled is you guys don't want to be pitied.
(47:22):
You don't want to be pitied. You don't want to be babied.
You don't want anybody doing anything for you.
You want to do it yourself.
Yeah, see, that whole babying thing, because like I said, I'm the baby of my family.
So it comes after it comes after a moment like if I'm sick, it's like, Mommy, yeah, but that's different.
(47:44):
We all want that if we’re sick.
I'm talking regular. I get what you're saying.
Like, no, we don't we don't want to babied, we don’t want to be like, oh, you're in a wheelchair.
Like, I hate it when somebody kneels down like I need you to be eye level.
Like I can look up at you like you ain't got to kneel down.
You ain't got to pat me on the head. You ain't got to say, boy, that's great.
(48:06):
Like it must be you must zoom in that wheelchair.
No, no, it's just my way of getting around.
It's my way you know.
It's not a personality trait.
It's not, it's a disability, but it's not a disability.
Right.
And just I mean, guys, just please you heard what Amber said.
(48:28):
You’ve heard what Chaz said. You heard what Chandra said.
Just let them be independent you know don’t baby them.
Don’t envy us because you never know.
You might like us more for that, you know, but then you have these idiots that just don't want to look past the chair because I really want to break the stigma of
(48:53):
just because, you know, you have a disability doesn't mean that we can't have love from an able bodied person.
Now, some of them to each its own.
You may want to rock with an able bodied person because that person gets you.
But like I said, get you somebody that's differently abled boo, because like we will we will never leave you nor forsake you.
(49:20):
I mean, that's what the Bible does say now.
I'm telling you, we a classic.
We'll never go out of style.
But you all keep sleeping on us and I don't understand why.
People sleep on people who aren't disabled.
People are just, you know, extremely selective and weird and yeah.
(49:42):
I'm not saying go out there, you know, and rush it and be in.
Everybody DMs.
I'm saying it'll happen when the time is right because even in my older age, I had to learn that for myself.
You can't expect somebody to just want it right now.
You know, my evening aide Miss Joan, shout out to Miss Joan she always says love comes from the most unexpected places so.
(50:12):
Just, you know, don't rush it.
Don't be in nobody's DM.
Just keep concentrating on you and being focused on what you got going on and everything will fall into place.
First of all, that's just beautiful, beautiful advice.
But I think that, too, when you meet someone, I think meeting people in the most random places at the most random times end up being the best relationships.
(50:43):
Right.
Well, those end up being the best relationships when you're not all dressed up and, you know, done up and everything.
Literally when you're leaving the gym, you know? But sometimes, you know, I mean, you could it could be great in the beginning, but then it also can, you know, turn sour, you know, but it but first you gotta.
(51:07):
You gotta pray, if you guys believe in God or whatever you believe in. You got to pray and ask God to like, help you prepare yourself for that future and pray for them that they're preparing for you as you are doing the same for them. You know?
(51:30):
So, and just getting yourself together like making sure that you're straight, making sure that your career is in the pocket, like, get out here and go to college, it don't matter how young how old you are, you know, it doesn't matter life can start at 55 if you want it to.
(51:51):
I ain't saying bull-skate through your 20s because I did that, you know, I'm getting it together now, you know, but you know, at least you did what you did, you know, come on, it's fine.
You can live a little have fun but most importantly, make sure that you know you get everything together for yourself. So that way, when you and your future partner come together.
(52:21):
It gels perfectly.
And you also, I'll say this, everyone, you have to be mentally ready for that, you have to be healed from the inside out because if you're not mentally ready for any kind of relationship.
You're going to ruin that other person.
So you have to be healed in order to be able to accept what it is that's coming into your life and that's something I had to learn, you know, and that's something that a lot of us just have to, you know, to learn and have to develop within ourselves in order to receive our blessings,
(52:59):
whatever those blessings may be.
So, definitely guys, heal. Don't be making it seem like she just the problem. Like you know you still be holding on to stuff from 1995 and you really haven't worked through it and then you having her look at all crazy pulling her hair out like, oh, I gotta go to counseling, you know, to get myself together because maybe it's me.
(53:22):
No, because most of the time it be yall. Now I ain’t giving light to the ladies because it do be us now, sometimes, but most of us good ones like myself, it really don’t.
Like we be working through our issues. It's not like we go bother people with it. Like we be working with it internally and working through it. But yall, if you got to work through some stuff first, make sure you handle that, you know.
(53:48):
That’s it, work through your stuff, or else your stuff will work you.
Yes, that's it. And guys, like we said, be respectful, because there's no reason, there's no need for anyone to act out of pocket with social media, especially on someone's page or DMs, just act like you have some sense, or else, just don't bother the person.
(54:10):
That's it. If your intentions is just to like just love or fall out with that person, be a friendship or a relationship, don't even bother.
Work on yourself first until you're ready to have a mature friendship and relationship and make sure you be friends with that person first, because a lot of us, I mean, I'm guilty of it myself.
(54:35):
A lot of us just be quick to jump into that relationship. And then when it don't, it don't work out.
I mean, listen, don't don't don't feel badly about that because you know you just you love hard and you love fast you know some people fall quickly. It’s nothing wrong with that.
It's a Gemini thing.
Oh, is it a Gemini thing?
(54:56):
I'm not a Gemini, but it happens with me too.
My sign, like we really be delulu. Like this person can tell us like, oh, like I just want to be friends.
Like we be having the wedding, the whole names of the kids planned out, I'm telling you.
The mind of a Gemini it’s crazy.
(55:19):
Yeah, like if we like somebody, we'll be like, we'll fall hard. They can tell us like multiple times in a like a nicer way, mean way, it don't matter whichever way they put it, that hey, I just want to be friends.
But it's like, I like you. Why don't you like me? Like why?
(55:41):
See, I'm not like that. As soon as you say you just want to be friends.
All right, cool. Let's be friends.
That's like always been like my main issue like when I like somebody is just like, it'd be the moon and the stars and I'm ready to have you know the wedding that like the kids picked out like this.
And you know what Amber, you deserve that. We all do, but you deserve that. You are just such a bubbly just ray of sunshine on this very gray dark day because today was just very very dark where I am.
(56:16):
It's been gloomy for the last couple of days.
So gloomy, but like I needed this today in my life on this day because you just, I mean, you are just so bubbly and I got this from your channel too. I got this, you know, watching you.
But just to have you here, even before we started recording like you just, you just have such a great attitude and your attitude determines your altitude in life.
(56:47):
I gotta give credit to my mom, Mommy.
I love you man. Like, definitely. Aww.
That's definitely something that I've gotten from her. You know, even with my brother, he always just say, you know,
no matter if you got a disability or not.
(57:08):
When you go outside, you shake it off. I ain't going to say exactly how he says it. You can tell me exactly how he says it. How does he say it? I won't keep it in the show. What does he say? That’s it.
He always used to tell me like, I don't, he still tell me to this day. I don't look at you like you got Cerebral palsy. No, you normal just like me. I would bop you upside the head. I will pick you up and throw you a few time.
(57:33):
You remember when we was kids, I used to pick you up and throw you. Oh, this boy used to wrestle with me. My grandmother used to be like, you’re hurting her you can’t be that rough.
I’m like Grandma, this is fun. I don't care. Like, I really thought I was one of the boys. I really did. Like, I went through a whole phase where I wanted to dress like him.
(57:56):
You know, my mom's like, you know, you ok? It's like, you ok? It's like, mom, I'm fine. Like, it's just, but you know, it's great admiration, you know, for him.
But you know, also that's, because me and Chaz talked about this, that was their way of just making you just everything just feel normal for you.
(58:18):
Because they knew that when you went out into the world, people were going to look at you differently. People were going to treat you differently. And home should be your sanctuary.
And they just wanted for you to have the most normal life and the most normal experience at home.
And that they did. I'm telling you, I can do a part two just, you know, we can get mom on the show. We can tell you what it was like growing up in the Reese household because there was never a dull moment.
(58:47):
And we'll keep, we'll leave that off the show for now. You can tell me that behind the scenes though. You can tell me that behind the scenes. We'll leave that off of here for now.
Because this has just been, this has just been so great. This is so much fun. I enjoy doing this. And this is, this is exactly why I do this. I don't do this because I want, you know, a whole bunch of likes and views and all that.
(59:10):
I don't really care. I do this because I like bringing stories to you all. And I liked connecting. I like connecting with people like Amber.
And so, listen Amber, thank you for being here. And you're welcome back anytime. And I mean anytime. Because you were just so kind. You were so much fun. Thank you.
(59:31):
Before we go, if you or someone you know is living with CP and having difficulty, don't suffer alone, because there are resources available to help you. Yes.
And below I have the, below on the screen you guys, I have the Cerebral Palsy, the CDC’s Cerebral Palsy information page. And there you'll find links to resources for adults and children living with CP, as well as for families and caregivers.
(59:59):
Now that site for everyone listening is www dot cdc dot gov slash N as in national, C as in center, B as in birth, D as in defects, D as in developmental, D as in disabilities, slash CP slash links dot html.
(01:00:24):
I want you to give us, and you dropped a lot of gems. You're a Gem who dropped a lot of gems. Look at that. Look what I did. Look what I did.
So, I want you to share some encouraging words for someone out there who may be living with CP or another disability, and they feel ashamed about it or insecure about it.
(01:00:49):
One piece of advice I'm going to give you, I'm going to share something that my grandfather, my mom, and everybody used to share with me.
Just because you have a disability does not mean that you can't live your life.
You just have to do things a little differently. So what if you're, if you walk with a limp, your walk’s a little crooked. You have to use a cane because you can't see or a walker to, you know, to make things easier.
(01:01:22):
It doesn't matter. Live your life to the fullest.
You don't have to start life at 21. You can start life at 31, 25, 35. It doesn't matter. Just live your life. Keep God first in everything you do or whoever you pray to.
(01:01:43):
And just be happy. Be positive. You know, I ain't going to say there's going to be down moments because yes, we cry, but keep it together and keep it pushing, keep it moving and be blessed.
Shout out to Amber’s family.
All of you guys. Thank you for creating and helping mold this wonderful, beautiful young woman. Thank you. Who is just so smart, and so intelligent, and so wise beyond her years.
(01:02:17):
If my mom was here, she would be beaming from ear to ear. So I can't wait to show her this episode.
Oh, yeah. I'm going to let you know when it comes up too. Also shout out to Ebony P. I watch you too, Ebony. So shout out to Ebony P.
Shout out to Soundview Community Media in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Thank you for giving Amber and people with disabilities a voice. And Amber, thanks again for stopping by.
(01:02:47):
You’re welcome, you’re welcome, thank you so much. And to all of you, thank you for listening and watching and supporting and because season two would not have been possible without you.
Tell your friends, tell your mama, tell your daddy, tell your baby daddy, tell your boyfriend, tell your sister, tell your cat, tell your dog, tell your doctor.
Tell everyone who wants to make the world accessible for everyone. To follow us on Instagram @crisdavidtv and follow our show @thecrisdavidshow on Instagram and YouTube.
(01:03:17):
You can also visit crisdavidshow.com. There you'll find everything you need to know about the show.
Thank you for watching and listening. I am your host, Cris David, and this is The Cris David Show. Be kind and be well.
(01:03:50):
This is Amber Reese, your girl from Goddess Has Spoken TV, and this is The Cris David Show.
Currently, one in four people suffer from a disability, and that number represents nearly
(00:05):
one billion people globally.
In America, this number represents 64 million people.
This means that all of us know someone living with a disability, or may be living with a
disability ourselves.
Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disabilities in the United States.
On this episode of The Cris David Show, we'll meet Amber Reese, a young woman living with
(00:30):
CP, who's using her platform to empower others living with the disorder.
(00:56):
Everyone let's give a warm Cris David Show welcome to Ms. Amber Reese.
Welcome Amber.
Hi, hi everybody.
Thank you for having me Cris.
It's great to meet you.
It's great to meet you too.
And listen, we're so glad to have you here because you're all over these YouTube streets.
(01:16):
Ok? And I’m honored
I wouldn’t say that, but I do what I do.
You do.
You do.
I'm honored that you reached out to me to be on the show because you could have done
Anyone’s show, but you chose my show.
So thank you so much for coming on.
Thank you. You're welcome.
You're welcome.
(01:36):
I must say, I love your interview style first and foremost.
I love how you make people feel comfortable.
I love how this show is Black because I'm Black myself.
So we got to support our people.
So that was definitely important to me.
(01:58):
And I think I love how you have all different types of people, from able-bodied to different
ability just from all walks of life.
So thank you again for having me and I can't wait to get started.
And you're very, very, very welcome by the way.
(02:18):
And now I first found out about you from Chaz Bedford, who is our very own CP Warrior.
And he did our show last season and shout out to Chaz, little Chazzie Wazzie.
But we want to know more about you, Ms. Reese.
So my first question, what made you start your YouTube channel?
(02:42):
Well, I got started back in 2017.
I came across this young lady, Ebony P. She had, I had seen somebody post a YouTube video
of hers and I had wrote her and I'm like, you know, thank you for, you know, being a
(03:08):
light for people in a differently-abled community.
She's like, you know, you can do that too.
I was like, me?
So from there, I started writing for her website because she did blogs and I started writing
for her blog.
And from there, she introduced me to this other lady, Ms. Octavia Page.
(03:34):
Shout out to them.
She created a fashion line called Fashion No Boundaries for kids that were differently
abled because she has a son who has Cerebral palsy.
Shout out to TJ, and epilepsy.
And, you know, she wanted to have people blog about, you know, different fashion things
(03:58):
that we wear, like what we were into, how we put outfits together.
So from there, once I saw the momentum that I was getting both writing for Ebony and what
I was getting from Fashion No Boundaries, people just was like, yeah, we want to see
more.
So from there, I started doing my channel, Goddess Has Spoken TV in 2019.
(04:28):
And that's how everything got started.
And you mentioned fashion.
You mentioned clothing.
There's a young lady, and I'm sure you've seen the episode
and everyone if you haven’t
We had Chandra Smith on a couple of times.
And Chandra, for everyone who may not know, is Ms. Wheelchair America 2024.
And she's the first Black woman to hold that title in over 25, I’m sorry 35, 35 years.
(04:53):
She talks about adaptive clothing.
People, you know, being able to wear clothing that's easy to put on and easy to wear and
comfortable and, you know, adjust with whatever you may be dealing with as far as you know
your disability.
And the thing is with adaptive clothing, it also can be worn by people who don't have
disabilities.
(05:14):
So the idea is to design things for people from eight to 80.
You design for everyone.
That way everyone is included and everyone can take part and no one feels left out of
anything.
But we talk, but she and I, we always talk about visibility when it comes to people living
(05:36):
with disabilities.
And I think it's important that you're doing your channel and you're doing this because
people need to see you.
So what do you think about that?
I think, like you said, I think that is definitely important because as you know, back in the
day for people with disabilities, we were being institutionalized.
(05:59):
You know, you really didn't see us out there in the community until like the late 80s,
early 90s.
So for us to be able to have that torch and to pass it on to the next generation for able
bodied kids or differently abled kids to actually say, wow, I see me on the screen.
(06:25):
You know, I always, you know, would hear Ebony say that too, because it's important to have some
type of representation.
You know, when I started my YouTube channel before my older sister passed away, she goes,
you know, it's about time.
You know, they put us on the front line because she was mentally disabled too.
(06:49):
So she was like, and who better to do that than you?
You know, I'm honored.
You know, it warms my heart, you know, to be able to do what I do, because all I want
people to see is that no matter if you're able bodied or you have a disability or whatever
you have going on in your life, you're doing what you love and you're a blessing.
(07:15):
You're not a burden to anyone and you can give way to others by what you do and how
they see you.
You know?
Absolutely.
I do have a question for you.
Another question.
Are you familiar with the Ms. Wheelchair competition?
I got, you know, it's funny when I was about 24, I did get asked to do that.
(07:40):
And I was just like, it wasn't the right time for me.
Like, I wanted to do it, but it just things wasn't adding up for me at the moment.
Have you thought about, you know, doing it more recently?
I thought about it, but you know, you have to raise money.
(08:04):
So we'll see.
Who knows?
Maybe next year.
I mean, listen, you know, you have a following.
I mean, you know, people come on.
If you want to see that happen for Amber, you know, follow Amber, donate to her so that
she can make it happen.
That might be something that you do for your, let me do my resolution for 2025.
(08:28):
You know, that may be something that you know the people want to do.
Yeah it’s something to look forward to, I mean, you know, we'll see.
You never know.
Ok.
So what was life like growing up for you?
Where are you from, by the way?
Bridgeport.
Shout out to all my Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Yeah, shout out to everyone in the 203.
(08:51):
What was life like growing up in the Reese household?
Well, I'll tell you one thing.
It was definitely laughter.
It was definitely lots of love.
It was definitely a lot of motivation and pushing because, you know, my mom and my brother
and my grandfather was definitely big on, you know, physical therapy, especially my
(09:19):
brother, my grandfather, my mom.
Like they did, especially my brother.
I can remember doing pushups, sit-ups, climbing on, you know, couches.
You know, my grandfather, he used to pick me up and have me walk, you know.
I can just remember just us using humor as a way to deal with, you know, life, you know,
(09:46):
because my mom, she has three kids.
I'm the youngest of the three.
My sister was, you know, mentally delayed, but she was the high functioning, but she
did have seizures.
You know, and just my brother being the middle and the quote unquote normal one, you know,
(10:09):
he helped with us, you know, from a young age.
So I think for me it was nothing but greatness, you know, and we still reminisce on, you
know, those memories and those tough times.
Would I say it was easy, you know, having a disability?
No, because looking at other kids and, you know, seeing them being able to, I was like,
(10:35):
Mommy, Tim, why can't I do that?
It's just like, you know, you can do it.
You just have to do it differently.
You can still, you know, that's why I'm grateful for him roughing me up because, I mean, I
loved it as a kid, you know, and even now, like, I don't care, you can push me, do whatever
you want to do to me.
Like, this head is used to it.
(10:57):
That's why I got a big head for a reason.
Shout out to my mom.
The head is from her, but, you know.
Shout out to mine because that's where I got mine from.
Right.
I mean, if you really want me to take it back, it's really from her mom, my grandma, so,
yeah.
But I would say, it was just a whole bunch of just motivation, love, tough times, but, you know,
(11:26):
we got through it with laughter, you know.
You have what's called left hemiplegic spastic Cerebral palsy, correct?
Right.
Ok.
Explain to us exactly what that is.
Well, Cerebral palsy, for those that don't know, is a neurological disorder.
(11:47):
Basically, you know, when you're born, you lack oxygen to the brain, which affects your
blood vessels, and it affects your muscle tone.
Now, there is four different types.
I just so happened, and a lot of people like myself, Chaz, have the most common one, which
(12:08):
is spastic Cerebral palsy.
Now, I didn't find out until I was three, but you are born with it.
How you detect it, if your child is not doing the most milestones at different ages, like
walking, trying to stand up, you know, that you definitely need to get your child to a
(12:34):
doctor.
Yeah.
Ok.
Now, how does it affect your motor skills?
Well, basically, like I said, it depends on your muscle tone.
My muscle tone is tight, whereas my right side is my good side.
(12:56):
You can't walk.
Like, you're unable to hold things, like, depending on the severity of it.
You can have, you know, epilepsy along with it.
You can also be mentally delayed.
You know, it's hard for you to sit up, you know, because you have to be able to use your
(13:18):
core muscles, things like that.
So, yeah, you drool uncontrollably, you know, depending on the severity of it.
It all depends.
Now, Amber, share with us some of the struggles you have and you face having your disability.
Um, luckily for me, I wouldn't say that I have struggles because I'm very independent,
(13:45):
as you, you know, saw before the cameras were rolling.
But I would say the most daily challenge for me is, like, when stuff is up high, then my
height, you know, that's about it.
Um, you know, I wouldn't say there are necessarily struggles.
(14:07):
Like, I need help with, like, preparing a meal, but I can cook.
If I'm in my electric chair, I can move around, like, you know.
Um, that's about it.
I would, like, dresings myself, but I can do that, too, a little bit, to an extent.
I wouldn't say they’re struggles.
I feel like I've mastered most of my struggles that I had, you know, growing up.
(14:33):
And this is why adaptive clothing is so important.
Just going to put that out there for everyone watching.
Luckily for me, I have aides, so I can, you know, pull off anything for, you know, you know.
You know, Amber, um, Chaz told me that every morning when he wakes up, he has to teach
(14:55):
himself how to walk all over again.
And Chandra, uh, says that it's not the fact that she's in a wheelchair, and it, you know,
that creates the disability, but it's that the world that we all live in is not accessible.
What's your biggest challenge out in the world?
Uh, um, like you said, trying to get into, quote unquote, accessible buildings that are
(15:25):
supposed to be accessible, but not really accessible.
Even, like, the curbside, I feel like on every sidewalk, there should be a spot for wheelchairs
to be able to go on, not just in certain areas.
But like I said, it's a work in progress.
You know, Judith Heumann did most of the work, and we still have a long way to go.
(15:53):
So, yeah.
You know, a lot of what benefits people living with disabilities also benefits those of us
who don't.
And I just think that our goal should be promoting the design of a world that's accessible for
everyone, you know, equity should be the goal.
I think that is definitely important because not just for people with disabilities, but
(16:20):
you also have to think about the elderly. Yes.
You also have to think about people that are, you know, like I said, getting older, you
know, nobody, nobody elderly has time to be climbing up stairs.
You know, there should be chair, there should be chair lifts in every building.
(16:41):
If someone has to go up stairs to get somewhere, there should be chair lifts, you know, to
be able to access things like these are things that should be thought about, not just when,
you know, the government and legislators feel like it.
No, these are things that we need to have a good quality of life.
(17:05):
You better tell these people out here exactly what it is.
Tell them like it is.
So, ok.
Amber watches our show, guys.
And so she knows we have a segment called Droppin’ Science.
So, I'm going to read, Amber, just something briefly from this study that was done.
(17:28):
And I want to know what you think about it. Ok.
So, in a 2021 study done by the American Neurological Association says that adults with CP may not
only be requiring ongoing neurological care, but that they have two times the risk of stroke
and other major health concerns.
(17:51):
I feel like that's false.
Because if you really want me to get technical, I read on Google a while back that the life
expectancy with someone with Cerebral palsy is 75.
And to me, I feel like, excuse my French, but that's a crock of BS.
(18:13):
Like, you're as young as you feel.
I mean, I get it that there's different types.
Some are more severe than others.
But I feel like we here.
Yes, it was a lot of traumatic-ness with our births.
(18:35):
But we are here and we thriving.
You know, most people said I wasn't going to be doing what I was doing.
But look at me, you know.
It's all how you feel.
And that all comes from your mindset.
That's why I'm grateful for my family, especially with my mom and especially, you know, my
(19:01):
brother down to my grandparents and even to my sister, because I always say that she was the
blueprint for me.
You know, she despite her circumstances, you know, because she's no longer here with us.
You know, she always handled each day with such love and grace and just she just had a
(19:25):
smile that would just light up the room.
And, you know, for me, just even with her outfit choices.
Now, most of the time I ain't trying to throw no shade to my sister, love you, Brittany.
But, you know, most of the time they wouldn't match, but she wouldn't care.
She just she just rocked it.
You know, because like her attitude was just like, you know, I'm that girl.
(19:50):
I'm always going to be that girl.
So it is what it is.
You either take it or leave it.
And you know, that's, that kind of as I'm getting older, it took me a while to get to that point
into a lot of things that I'm doing now.
I just kind of take that with me.
(20:11):
Like I cut my hair because of her.
So a lot of people like, oh, why you cut your hair?
Like I like you better with long hair.
And it's like a person is not defined whether if they have long hair, whether if they have dreads,
Whether if they have flat twist, you know what I'm saying?
(20:34):
Braids, it doesn't matter.
Like I'm still the same old Amber.
Just got older, a little bit more wiser, but I'm still funny and crazy as a bedbug.
But I'm, you know, it's it doesn't.
You feel what you feel.
But I will say this.
(20:55):
You got anybody negative in your camp, remove them.
Because if you always got somebody telling you, ah, you can't do this, you're disabled.
Listen, just because I ain’t been to the club don't mean I can't bring the club to me.
You know what I mean?
Just because.
You're not missing anything.
Exactly.
(21:16):
That’s what people tell me, but you think having a disability, you feel like, oh well, I'm missing out on this,
you know, and it's just like you could bring the club to you.
You want a bottle?
I’ll go get you a bottle from the liquor store.
(21:37):
You know, I mean, it's all it's all those things, even when it comes to dating.
There's just there's so many people out there.
People, let me tell you, get you somebody that's differently abled because we'll never leave you.
I wanted to know more about your sister.
What does she pass away from?
Nine years ago when she was spending the night with us, she had fallen down my front steps of the building where as a result of that, she got traumatic brain injury.
(22:11):
So and as a result of her having, you know, she had a fractured skull, three fractured ribs, you know, they didn't think she was going to make it because she was in a coma for six weeks.
And as a result of that, like her seizures got worse.
(22:33):
So I believe we don't really know this for certain. I believe she had a seizure in her sleep.
But for positive terms and for my mom, because I know, mommy, you're going to be watching this.
We just going to keep it rated G and just say she died in her sleep.
Peacefully.
(22:54):
Shout out to your mom, by the way.
Shout out to your whole entire family, they sound so dope.
I love you guys, Tim, Mom, I love you.
March was National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25th.
Tell us how you commemorated this year.
(23:16):
I feel like I rep CP all year ‘round, not just for CP Awareness Month, not just for the day. When you see me in the wheelchair, they know me.
As the girl with the big hat, always lookin fly.
Shout out to Dee Dee, that’s my morning aide, because she always gets me right.
(23:37):
They always know me for just, you know, I embrace it.
You see, I can't, you can't hide from the chair and you can't hide from what you have.
So I embrace it every day. But how the way I celebrate it, you know, I might do a little bit of posting, little bit of reels, you know, that's it.
(24:03):
Nothing too, nothing too much, because I feel like if you want to know something, you're going to ask.
I'm so glad that we're on the same page, because what you just said leads me into my next question.
And by the way, guys, Amber can't see my questions or anything.
(24:24):
So this is just supposed to happen this way.
What are the craziest things someone has said to you regarding your CP?
Oh, God, where do I begin?
I would say the most craziest thing I had somebody tell me.
(24:45):
I actually was trying to.
I was going somewhere and somebody goes, boy, you know, it's nice to see people like you out in the community.
And I was like, what do you mean people like me?
And he was like, well, you know, people with disabilities.
I said, sir, sir, let me let me stop you right there.
(25:08):
First and foremost.
Before you add disability, before you add, you know, woman, before you add daughter, before you add sister, before you add any other labels that pertain to me in my daily life, I am human first.
Now, I get it.
(25:29):
It's probably your first time or not even your first time seeing somebody out in it, you know, with a disability out in the community.
I'm just trying to pay my bills, sir.
Like, you know, it's like, you know, God bless you.
You know, it's great seeing you out in the community.
(25:50):
Well, dang if I was inside my house, would you feel the same way?
You know, I mean, when you said that, I'm thinking, what do you mean by great to see you out in the community?
Like, what, because I'm Black, I mean, you know, a woman, you know? What does that even mean? I think, you know, I know you're going to be talking about them, but I hate I hate when guys be like, oh, you're too pretty to be in a wheelchair.
(26:23):
And I'm just like.
I don't even know how to respond.
And but I just want to apologize for us men because sometimes we just very, very awkward.
Very awkward.
So, on behalf of all men, I just, I, that. Yeah.
Some of us are just very awkward.
But, again, now, now, guys, Amber cannot see my questions at all.
(26:50):
So my next question is, what is dating like?
Dating for me? Well, right now I am happily single and focusing on thyself.
I'm just putting that out there. I ain't looking for nobody.
So don't be sliding in my DMs after this interview. Being like, man, if I was in Bridgeport, Oh I'm right in Connecticut, you know, we could make it.
(27:13):
No, because I ain't looking.
But for me, dating has really been much of a challenge.
I can I can honestly say that I don't know why.
I mean, I'm good. But, you know, I feel like.
Because I've always dated in the differently abled community.
(27:37):
I've never, you know, dated an able bodied person. I would like to.
But, you know, I don't know.
It's when guys see me, it's just like, oh, like she's in a wheelchair.
Like, what can you do with her? And it's just like.
(27:58):
So, you know, you can't you kind of just in my I guess you could say I played it safe, you know, by sticking to what I know, because it's like someone with a different ability.
It's like, oh, we have the same thing, you know, that.
So for me, I would say it's kind of been a challenge.
(28:23):
Was there someone in particular who specifically said that to you?
Or is this guys just happened to, you know, multiple guys have said something like that?
It really just be it really just be strangers that I don't even know.
Or like I had one guy I was at the bus terminal. I was waiting for the bus and this one guy was like, excuse me, ma'am, would you like something from Dunkin’ Donuts?
(28:46):
I said, you know, no, I already ate. Thank you.
And he goes, well, I figured, you know, since you're in that wheelchair, you might be hot because it was during the summertime.
I said, excuse you. I said, if I want something to drink, I'm going to get it myself.
And if I wanted you to get me something to drink, I would have asked you.
And I really don't. I'm like, but honestly, I don't even know you, so I really don't need you to help me with anything.
(29:15):
You know, I said to the, ok, Amber, I said I was going to be, I was going to behave today.
I really did. You know, I really did. I put my green on for you and everything.
I just want to throat check people like that. Like, that just really, really, really do.
He literally was adamant like, I'm going to get you this Coolata from Dunkin Donuts.
(29:39):
Like, no, I am good, sir.
Like, then I had one guy I was walking home and he goes, where do you live?
I'm like, why? He goes, well, you know, you shouldn't be out here by yourself.
I said, sir, it's broad daylight outside.
Like, the sun is literally shining. Like, no, thank you. Get out my face.
(30:01):
Then I can tell you a funny story. I was walking with a family friend.
We were, I live next to downtown Bridgeport, right?
So we're on our way back to my back to my apartment.
So this this young boy, I don't know if he played football, but all I see he came across the street
(30:24):
because we were on one side of the street and he was on the other side of the street.
And he goes, God bless you, beautiful. He's like, what's your name?
Ah, ah, ah, and then my friend is like her name is Amber.
She normally isn't shy because I'm very talkative.
But when he said something to me, I couldn't say nothing.
(30:50):
And my friend was like, why did you freeze up like that?
I thought he was talking to you, then when he pointed to me.
Because that's what I'm used to.
Like, that's another thing. Like, if I go out with my aide, or if I go out with like my mom or something
or even like my brother, like I'm used to people talking to them.
(31:11):
So it's like when somebody talks to me, it just be the basic like, hi, how you doing?
God bless you, beautiful. You know, you keep hope alive. That type of thing.
I hope that if you see him again, you're a little more open.
Because he seemed like a nice guy. I mean, I was 21 at the time.
Oh, ok. I was young.
(31:32):
You know, it was a shock because it's like, wait, he talking to me or he talking to her?
Then when he said me, I'm like, oh. So this is, here’s the thing.
And, you know, if this doesn't already exist, I’d really like someone to make this:
(31:55):
a dating app for Black people with disabilities.
That would be so dope.
I mean, technically, we could go on Black People Meet, you know, because people say, why don't you try that?
I ain't dating nobody online. You act like you ain't never heard people getting killed on the first date.
(32:18):
Noooo! I have a motto.
If they not in person, because I've tried talking, you know, to differently abled men online.
But because of our circumstances and they hype up like.
Yeah, I'm going to come see you. I'm going to come see you.
Then when the day comes, it don't happen.
(32:39):
So I recently adopted a motto and, you know, in these last three, four years, if they're not in person,
if I can't see you, touch you, smell you, look at you, you a few blocks from me.
And I can't catch a bus or catch, you know, public transportation to you.
(33:00):
I ain’t with it. Then stay away from me.
I love you. Appreciate you watching my show. But I can't, nope.
Sorry, I’m like, Trey Songz, we just can't be friends.
I hope you all heard what she said, because that applies to me too.
All right? And you all know who you are. Because you all know who you are.
(33:25):
Oh, Amber. But yes, I just feel like, you know, people need to get with it or get lost.
I understand, you know, some people may feel like, you know, I need an able bodied person because we're the same person.
Like, we get what each struggle is going through.
But there also is a thing of inter-abled dating.
(33:48):
You know, there's also people out here willing to date someone with a disability.
And shout out to you all, because, yes, you finally, the light bulb done finally went off.
Like, you get it, you know.
But for me personally, yeah, as you can see, dating for me hasn't been the easiest.
(34:12):
And, you know, it is what it is.
I'm just in the era of focusing on myself and bettering myself.
It's not easy for anyone.
You know, it's hard out there in those dating streets for all of us.
So, you know.
But let's move on from that, because, you know, we'd be here all night talking about the ills of apps.
(34:38):
Right. And I have plenty of funny stories.
So we talked about your disability.
I hope that people have a better understanding about your, you know, your disability.
But who is Amber Reese?
We want to know more about you.
Like, what do you like to do?
You know, what music do you listen to?
(34:59):
What movies do you watch?
What's your favorite color?
We want to know all those things.
We want to get in your business.
To start off, hi, my name is Amber.
I'm a Gemini.
You know, I'm just playing.
To start off, my favorite color is lavender.
I love lavender.
You know, lavender is very calming.
(35:20):
Amber, look at this.
My fan is lavender.
I promise you.
Guys, I didn't even know.
I didn't even know.
And this was the cheapest fan that they had, so I bought it.
Lavender, baby blue, is very calming.
Those are the colors of my room right now, by the way.
I love being silly.
(35:43):
I'm funny.
I come from a long line of comedians.
Like I said, it all started from my mama.
And she just birthed.
You know, she just birthed funny three times over.
Like, we're funny in our own way.
I'm definitely a mama's girl.
Like, I'm obsessed.
Even though my mama now, like, mom, no shade, even though
(36:04):
sometimes she can pluck a nerve, boy, I’m telling you.
But that's my mama.
I'm definitely, my siblings, I love them down, even though
God rest her soul.
Me and my sister were like Frick and Frack.
But, you know, we got closer, like, you know, towards the end.
(36:25):
My brother, love him down to death.
So I'm definitely like a family person.
I love to have fun.
I'm to myself.
I can hang with friends.
But as I've gotten older, I realize, you know, having that time
To yourself, it's ok to be a loner.
(36:47):
I love to read.
I'm a reader.
I haven't read any good books though lately.
I would say the last good book I read was Kierra Sheard’s first book.
That's the last good book I read.
What else?
I love R&B.
(37:09):
Anything old school, because, you know, my mom grew up in, like,
you know, the 70s, you know, 80s, you know.
So anything old school R&B and anything 90s R&B to some
extent, yeah, early 2000s R&B.
(37:34):
That's me.
You know, I work.
I go home.
I'm to myself.
I love food.
I love to eat.
I'm definitely a foodie.
I love to try anything.
Yeah, that's pretty much, yep.
What about shows, what TV shows or movies are you watching?
(37:55):
The last good shows I watched were Ginny & Georgia,
because my aide got me onto that show.
We just became obsessed.
I watched All American all five seasons.
I'm trying to get into All American Homecoming, but I just don't like Simone.
(38:16):
Like, can we honestly say that?
And I really don't like, what’s her name? Layla.
I don't know if anybody watch it, but if you know, if you watch, then you know, you know.
And I'm really stuck on the fact that Taye Diggs died on the show.
Like I'm really stuck.
(38:39):
I'm really stuck on that.
If anybody, I'm sorry, spoiler alert, if anybody hasn't watched it.
But yeah, you might not want to watch season five.
I'm not going to say what episode you're just going to have to watch.
But for those that watch, yeah, that was kind of sad.
And I'm really sad that, and another thing I'm sad about All American, why they did my girl Patience like that?
(39:05):
And just left us on a cliffhanger.
If you know, you know, I ain't going to say what happened.
But for those that watch, get it and you in the comments.
Yeah, yall know what I'm talking about.
I know I'm late to the game, but I need I need yall help.
So if anybody could get in contact with the boy that plays Spencer, send him to my DMs, please.
(39:30):
And thank you. I mean, I'm just throwing it out there.
All right. You know, you heard what Amber said.
So Daniel Ezra, jump in Amber’s DMs.
But right now I'm doing I'm trying to see if it's coming back, though.
(39:52):
The show. So, yeah, the writer's strike kind of pushed the season, which that's just what writer strikes do.
Kind of pushed the season up. So, yeah, it is on.
Watch it because. Yeah, All American really got me in a chokehold.
But I can't get with All American Homecoming.
(40:14):
I can't because that's about Simone, Jordan's girlfriend.
And I, no shade to the girl that played Layla.
You're very beautiful. But it's just that your character.
Like, can we just talk about how she went from Spencer, no it was Asher then Spencer, now Jordan?
I’m going to have to watch this show.
(40:38):
You know, I haven't watched this show since probably the first and second season.
Yeah, I'm going to have to catch up on this because this sounds very interesting.
And you know what? Once I catch up, I'm going to text you and I'm going to let you know that I am fully caught up on All American.
I'm always looking for a show to watch.
All I'm just saying, Layla, I just I don't I don't like the way how you moving.
(41:03):
Now, I ain't saying these boys is right either, because, you know, I mean, don't get me wrong, Daniel, I love you to death.
But Spencer, how are you really going to date your sister, bro?
Like, isn't Coach Baker really your dad?
Like on the show because the mom, you know, had the affair, you know.
(41:25):
So I mean, how is that even possible?
And sorry for the ones that haven't watched it.
I know I'm kind of spoiling it, but these are just questions that I have.
Like, why?
Yeah, I'm definitely going to have to get into this show because, whoa.
I don't know if you heard of this girl in the differently abled community.
(41:47):
Her name is Lauren “Lolo” Spencer.
I read her book.
I actually have it.
She's dope.
I love her on the Sex Life College Girls.
That was funny.
Thank you, Amber. You’re putting me on to like so much TV.
Yeah, I wasn't even expecting this because I yeah, I haven't been watching TV lately.
(42:08):
I have a lot going on.
I mean, I don't watch TV like that, but me and my aide especially her because, you know, we be in here.
She’ll be like you binge watch a show and you literally just watch it just like straight through.
Like, I can't do that.
I'm like, but I be here.
Like, I don't be around nobody.
(42:29):
Like, I just be to myself.
So it's like, you know, if I'm not working, if I'm not doing a podcast, if I'm not doing a vlog, I'm watching TV or I'm reading.
I'm multitasking between the two.
What kind of books do you like to read?
Is there anything, any genre in particular that you enjoy?
(42:50):
Well, I would say first and foremost, it's very important to read your Bible.
Morning, noon, and night if you can.
And all in between.
That's first and foremost.
I like to read motivational books that kind of uplift you.
Like, for instance, if I don't know if you've seen it because you said you looked up Lolo, but her book was very good.
(43:14):
It was about, you know, her life and things, how she navigated through her diagnosis and how she became the person that she is today.
So that I kind of stick with that, you know, things that help you mentally and spiritually, because, you know, I'm a Christian.
(43:39):
Definitely Kierra Sheard book.
I mean, I mean, I love Kierra Sheard, Darrel.
I love The Clark Sisters.
I'm just grateful that my mom put me on to good music.
I'm grateful she did too.
I'm really, really, really obsessed and I'm so happy because she's going to be coming here in July.
(44:02):
So I definitely want to see her when she comes.
So Amber, before we wrap up, I ask all of my guests this, and you already know where I'm going.
If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself in the past or what would you go and tell yourself in the future?
(44:27):
One thing I would tell my younger self is you're beautiful.
You know, don't look at the wheelchair as a negative thing.
You know, keep doing what you're doing because, you know, it's going to pay off in the end.
Keep being an innovator.
Keep being that bubbly, vivacious, you know, person that you are.
(44:50):
Something I would tell myself in the future, love is gonna come.
Don't, you know, don't rush it.
Don't chase it.
Don't look for it.
Just stay to yourself.
Keep doing what you're doing and everything else will fall into place.
And I would tell both myself to always keep God first in everything you do because he'll lead, guide, and direct your path if you let him and you talk to him.
(45:23):
Let everyone know how they can get in touch with you.
It's @goddesshasspoken_26. If you want to follow me on Instagram.
If you want to see my podcast, you can check out Soundview Community Media.
If you just want good laughs and a little bit of education and a little bit of motivational speaking along the way, you can check me out on YouTube.
(45:49):
@goddesshasspokentv
And that’ll be all here in the video.
And when you Amber up, be respectful.
All right?
Don't, listen.
Don't do it to yourself. All right? Don’t do it. I mean that.
Amber, do you get weirdos in your inbox?
(46:10):
Yeah.
Talk to us about the weirdos.
I wanna, I just, I want to hear this.
I had one dude write me like, are you really disabled?
I'm like, I mean, I know there's people that fake their disability.
(46:31):
But why?
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
Like, yeah, you know, I've I've had people be like, well, I see you're disabled.
(46:54):
You know, if you give me your Cash App, I can send you some money.
I don't I don't need your money.
Don't ask for it. I'm very independent.
You know, I have a job, you know, get my little disability.
I'm good. You know, I'm straight.
Life is good! Life is good!
You know, Amber, one thing I've learned in having friends who are disabled is you guys don't want to be pitied.
(47:22):
You don't want to be pitied. You don't want to be babied.
You don't want anybody doing anything for you.
You want to do it yourself.
Yeah, see, that whole babying thing, because like I said, I'm the baby of my family.
So it comes after it comes after a moment like if I'm sick, it's like, Mommy, yeah, but that's different.
(47:44):
We all want that if we’re sick.
I'm talking regular. I get what you're saying.
Like, no, we don't we don't want to babied, we don’t want to be like, oh, you're in a wheelchair.
Like, I hate it when somebody kneels down like I need you to be eye level.
Like I can look up at you like you ain't got to kneel down.
You ain't got to pat me on the head. You ain't got to say, boy, that's great.
(48:06):
Like it must be you must zoom in that wheelchair.
No, no, it's just my way of getting around.
It's my way you know.
It's not a personality trait.
It's not, it's a disability, but it's not a disability.
Right.
And just I mean, guys, just please you heard what Amber said.
(48:28):
You’ve heard what Chaz said. You heard what Chandra said.
Just let them be independent you know don’t baby them.
Don’t envy us because you never know.
You might like us more for that, you know, but then you have these idiots that just don't want to look past the chair because I really want to break the stigma of
(48:53):
just because, you know, you have a disability doesn't mean that we can't have love from an able bodied person.
Now, some of them to each its own.
You may want to rock with an able bodied person because that person gets you.
But like I said, get you somebody that's differently abled boo, because like we will we will never leave you nor forsake you.
(49:20):
I mean, that's what the Bible does say now.
I'm telling you, we a classic.
We'll never go out of style.
But you all keep sleeping on us and I don't understand why.
People sleep on people who aren't disabled.
People are just, you know, extremely selective and weird and yeah.
(49:42):
I'm not saying go out there, you know, and rush it and be in.
Everybody DMs.
I'm saying it'll happen when the time is right because even in my older age, I had to learn that for myself.
You can't expect somebody to just want it right now.
You know, my evening aide Miss Joan, shout out to Miss Joan she always says love comes from the most unexpected places so.
(50:12):
Just, you know, don't rush it.
Don't be in nobody's DM.
Just keep concentrating on you and being focused on what you got going on and everything will fall into place.
First of all, that's just beautiful, beautiful advice.
But I think that, too, when you meet someone, I think meeting people in the most random places at the most random times end up being the best relationships.
(50:43):
Right.
Well, those end up being the best relationships when you're not all dressed up and, you know, done up and everything.
Literally when you're leaving the gym, you know? But sometimes, you know, I mean, you could it could be great in the beginning, but then it also can, you know, turn sour, you know, but it but first you gotta.
(51:07):
You gotta pray, if you guys believe in God or whatever you believe in. You got to pray and ask God to like, help you prepare yourself for that future and pray for them that they're preparing for you as you are doing the same for them. You know?
(51:30):
So, and just getting yourself together like making sure that you're straight, making sure that your career is in the pocket, like, get out here and go to college, it don't matter how young how old you are, you know, it doesn't matter life can start at 55 if you want it to.
(51:51):
I ain't saying bull-skate through your 20s because I did that, you know, I'm getting it together now, you know, but you know, at least you did what you did, you know, come on, it's fine.
You can live a little have fun but most importantly, make sure that you know you get everything together for yourself. So that way, when you and your future partner come together.
(52:21):
It gels perfectly.
And you also, I'll say this, everyone, you have to be mentally ready for that, you have to be healed from the inside out because if you're not mentally ready for any kind of relationship.
You're going to ruin that other person.
So you have to be healed in order to be able to accept what it is that's coming into your life and that's something I had to learn, you know, and that's something that a lot of us just have to, you know, to learn and have to develop within ourselves in order to receive our blessings,
(52:59):
whatever those blessings may be.
So, definitely guys, heal. Don't be making it seem like she just the problem. Like you know you still be holding on to stuff from 1995 and you really haven't worked through it and then you having her look at all crazy pulling her hair out like, oh, I gotta go to counseling, you know, to get myself together because maybe it's me.
(53:22):
No, because most of the time it be yall. Now I ain’t giving light to the ladies because it do be us now, sometimes, but most of us good ones like myself, it really don’t.
Like we be working through our issues. It's not like we go bother people with it. Like we be working with it internally and working through it. But yall, if you got to work through some stuff first, make sure you handle that, you know.
(53:48):
That’s it, work through your stuff, or else your stuff will work you.
Yes, that's it. And guys, like we said, be respectful, because there's no reason, there's no need for anyone to act out of pocket with social media, especially on someone's page or DMs, just act like you have some sense, or else, just don't bother the person.
(54:10):
That's it. If your intentions is just to like just love or fall out with that person, be a friendship or a relationship, don't even bother.
Work on yourself first until you're ready to have a mature friendship and relationship and make sure you be friends with that person first, because a lot of us, I mean, I'm guilty of it myself.
(54:35):
A lot of us just be quick to jump into that relationship. And then when it don't, it don't work out.
I mean, listen, don't don't don't feel badly about that because you know you just you love hard and you love fast you know some people fall quickly. It’s nothing wrong with that.
It's a Gemini thing.
Oh, is it a Gemini thing?
(54:56):
I'm not a Gemini, but it happens with me too.
My sign, like we really be delulu. Like this person can tell us like, oh, like I just want to be friends.
Like we be having the wedding, the whole names of the kids planned out, I'm telling you.
The mind of a Gemini it’s crazy.
(55:19):
Yeah, like if we like somebody, we'll be like, we'll fall hard. They can tell us like multiple times in a like a nicer way, mean way, it don't matter whichever way they put it, that hey, I just want to be friends.
But it's like, I like you. Why don't you like me? Like why?
(55:41):
See, I'm not like that. As soon as you say you just want to be friends.
All right, cool. Let's be friends.
That's like always been like my main issue like when I like somebody is just like, it'd be the moon and the stars and I'm ready to have you know the wedding that like the kids picked out like this.
And you know what Amber, you deserve that. We all do, but you deserve that. You are just such a bubbly just ray of sunshine on this very gray dark day because today was just very very dark where I am.
(56:16):
It's been gloomy for the last couple of days.
So gloomy, but like I needed this today in my life on this day because you just, I mean, you are just so bubbly and I got this from your channel too. I got this, you know, watching you.
But just to have you here, even before we started recording like you just, you just have such a great attitude and your attitude determines your altitude in life.
(56:47):
I gotta give credit to my mom, Mommy.
I love you man. Like, definitely. Aww.
That's definitely something that I've gotten from her. You know, even with my brother, he always just say, you know,
no matter if you got a disability or not.
(57:08):
When you go outside, you shake it off. I ain't going to say exactly how he says it. You can tell me exactly how he says it. How does he say it? I won't keep it in the show. What does he say? That’s it.
He always used to tell me like, I don't, he still tell me to this day. I don't look at you like you got Cerebral palsy. No, you normal just like me. I would bop you upside the head. I will pick you up and throw you a few time.
(57:33):
You remember when we was kids, I used to pick you up and throw you. Oh, this boy used to wrestle with me. My grandmother used to be like, you’re hurting her you can’t be that rough.
I’m like Grandma, this is fun. I don't care. Like, I really thought I was one of the boys. I really did. Like, I went through a whole phase where I wanted to dress like him.
(57:56):
You know, my mom's like, you know, you ok? It's like, you ok? It's like, mom, I'm fine. Like, it's just, but you know, it's great admiration, you know, for him.
But you know, also that's, because me and Chaz talked about this, that was their way of just making you just everything just feel normal for you.
(58:18):
Because they knew that when you went out into the world, people were going to look at you differently. People were going to treat you differently. And home should be your sanctuary.
And they just wanted for you to have the most normal life and the most normal experience at home.
And that they did. I'm telling you, I can do a part two just, you know, we can get mom on the show. We can tell you what it was like growing up in the Reese household because there was never a dull moment.
(58:47):
And we'll keep, we'll leave that off the show for now. You can tell me that behind the scenes though. You can tell me that behind the scenes. We'll leave that off of here for now.
Because this has just been, this has just been so great. This is so much fun. I enjoy doing this. And this is, this is exactly why I do this. I don't do this because I want, you know, a whole bunch of likes and views and all that.
(59:10):
I don't really care. I do this because I like bringing stories to you all. And I liked connecting. I like connecting with people like Amber.
And so, listen Amber, thank you for being here. And you're welcome back anytime. And I mean anytime. Because you were just so kind. You were so much fun. Thank you.
(59:31):
Before we go, if you or someone you know is living with CP and having difficulty, don't suffer alone, because there are resources available to help you. Yes.
And below I have the, below on the screen you guys, I have the Cerebral Palsy, the CDC’s Cerebral Palsy information page. And there you'll find links to resources for adults and children living with CP, as well as for families and caregivers.
(59:59):
Now that site for everyone listening is www dot cdc dot gov slash N as in national, C as in center, B as in birth, D as in defects, D as in developmental, D as in disabilities, slash CP slash links dot html.
(01:00:24):
I want you to give us, and you dropped a lot of gems. You're a Gem who dropped a lot of gems. Look at that. Look what I did. Look what I did.
So, I want you to share some encouraging words for someone out there who may be living with CP or another disability, and they feel ashamed about it or insecure about it.
(01:00:49):
One piece of advice I'm going to give you, I'm going to share something that my grandfather, my mom, and everybody used to share with me.
Just because you have a disability does not mean that you can't live your life.
You just have to do things a little differently. So what if you're, if you walk with a limp, your walk’s a little crooked. You have to use a cane because you can't see or a walker to, you know, to make things easier.
(01:01:22):
It doesn't matter. Live your life to the fullest.
You don't have to start life at 21. You can start life at 31, 25, 35. It doesn't matter. Just live your life. Keep God first in everything you do or whoever you pray to.
(01:01:43):
And just be happy. Be positive. You know, I ain't going to say there's going to be down moments because yes, we cry, but keep it together and keep it pushing, keep it moving and be blessed.
Shout out to Amber’s family.
All of you guys. Thank you for creating and helping mold this wonderful, beautiful young woman. Thank you. Who is just so smart, and so intelligent, and so wise beyond her years.
(01:02:17):
If my mom was here, she would be beaming from ear to ear. So I can't wait to show her this episode.
Oh, yeah. I'm going to let you know when it comes up too. Also shout out to Ebony P. I watch you too, Ebony. So shout out to Ebony P.
Shout out to Soundview Community Media in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Thank you for giving Amber and people with disabilities a voice. And Amber, thanks again for stopping by.
(01:02:47):
You’re welcome, you’re welcome, thank you so much. And to all of you, thank you for listening and watching and supporting and because season two would not have been possible without you.
Tell your friends, tell your mama, tell your daddy, tell your baby daddy, tell your boyfriend, tell your sister, tell your cat, tell your dog, tell your doctor.
Tell everyone who wants to make the world accessible for everyone. To follow us on Instagram @crisdavidtv and follow our show @thecrisdavidshow on Instagram and YouTube.
(01:03:17):
You can also visit crisdavidshow.com. There you'll find everything you need to know about the show.
Thank you for watching and listening. I am your host, Cris David, and this is The Cris David Show. Be kind and be well.
(01:03:50):
This is Amber Reese, your girl from Goddess Has Spoken TV, and this is The Cris David Show.
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