In 1932, Christy Brown is born into a family of 15. After his birth, doctors discover he has severe cerebral palsy. Christy is unable to walk or talk, but still receives love and support from his family, especially his mother. One day, Christy's mother trips down the stairs while in Child birth and Christy was the only person home to see it. He was able to alert some neighbors and summon them over to help. Christy's father, who never believed Christy would amount to anything, starts to become proud after witnessing him use his left foot, the only body part he can fully control, to write the word "mother" on the floor with a piece of chalk.