For those who know me, it's a pretty apparent fact that I'm in a wheelchair. Not so apparent is the reason why. Upon meeting me for the first time, some are riddled with questions about what I have, how long I've had it, can I go to the bathroom by myself, and basically any other question you can think of. You name it, I've been asked it. Then there are those who freeze in their tracks as if I will spontaneously combust if they say the wrong thing. Both reactions are little irritating but mostly just entertaining. Come on, you know watching people freeze up like an iceberg is pretty hilarious.
My disease is named Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II, a neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. As a result, I've had many unique experiences (both good and bad) that I think people would find interesting and enlightening. Many of my friends have said that since they've known me, they no longer feel awkward around handicapped people or wonder what they should be doing. That's what I want this blog to be all about. Giving one girl's perspective to the world- the ups and downs of a quirky, loving, obsessive, determined, disabled college student just trying to find God's perfect plan for her life.
To my pleasant surprise, I am not alone in this quest. I have found multiple blogs of people with SMA and other disabilities that discuss their life and how they live it. They are some of the best blogs I've read, and I hope you take the time to read them also:
http://www.the19thfloor.net/
http://gobecky.net/
http://busybee24.wordpress.com/
http://guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jul/11/lady-campbell-disability-peer
I've entitled this post "The Hesitation of an Inspiration" to address the comments made in every one of the blogs I've read about the position of being called an inspiration. Since childhood I've had people tell me that I'm an inspiration to them. As nice a compliment as that is, it has always struck me as uncomfortable and a little confusing. I've done nothing super special so far, I possess no extraordinary powers. And yet people say that just by getting up every morning and putting a smile on my face, I inspire them to live life to the fullest. But my only response is this: what other choice do I have? Not get up? Frown and complain all day? Nope, that's not the way to live. Every person on this earth has many obstacles to overcome, mine just happen to be easier to see. This said, I do hope my life and testimony can inspire people to follow the Lord. My disease doesn't give me a reason to smile, but my Lord Jesus Christ sure does.
"I have a question: when you were born, did your mommy have to push out your chair too?" Asked by a kindergarten boy, this is still my favorite question anyone's ever asked me. The serious question of this curious boy reminded me that people really do just want to know about my experiences. Therefore, I have taken the lead of some of these blogs and made a list of some things you might not know.
The Top 5 Myths of a Disabled Person Debunked:
1) Since you can't walk, I guess you can't hear either.
Wrong! We can hear just fine. Shouting your greeting in super-slow motion is not only obnoxious, but you look pretty foolish. Count on us to tell you so.
2) You look like a great portable storage system.
Unless we give you explicit consent, do not hang your purse, backpack, umbrella, lunch, etc. on our chair. We'd love to ease your load, but we are not Simply Storage. Expect a bill.
3) If you say "let's take a walk", it's not offensive.
We consider rolling equivalent to walking. Don't feel bad, freeze up, and continually apologize if you let the 'w' word slip.
4) If I touch you, I just might kill you.
So not true. We're just fine. As long as you don't put us in a vice hold, it's all good. In fact, hugs are very much appreciated.
5) You are the same height as a normal adult.
No, actually more like the height of a 5th grader. So when you're talking, getting on our level would make our day. Also, our face is at the level of your rear. Please don't fart. ;)
So that's it for now. Thanks for reading and I hope you learned a little bit more from someone in a different perspective. I will write again soon. Merry Christmas!
