I'm stunned at the simplicity and clarity and inspiration in your story.
While I have always been "aware" of MS, I was not aware of many aspects of it and was also not aware that it could strike at nearly any age.
I'm so sorry that you have ever felt that you had to "justify" your disability in the eyes of other people. But I also imagine that the "compliment" they give you that "you look fine" happens more because they simply don't know what to say next. Some people may feel that it's nosy to ask you to tell more about your experience; others may be uncomfortable with the conversation at all.
But I think it's also surprise: We expect to be able to see a disability, don't we? We expect to be able to tell why someone is using a disabled parking space, or why they are in a wheelchair. This gets me wondering why. Why would we second-guess someone we don't know? Why are we not even more willing to give the benefit of the doubt?
Your posts are also perspective for any of us, and reminders that just because we are able today doesn't mean we necessarily will be able tomorrow. I think that you are probably affecting a lot more people than you imagine, just from writing what you did.
Have you decided yet about the scooter? I'm interested in what your three fabulous supporters are thinking about it, too.
Thank you so much for your post. You have taught me things today, both about MS and about how I see my own life. There is a great beauty in what you wrote. What a gift.
Comment Reply
Sarah,
I'm stunned at the simplicity and clarity and inspiration in your story.
While I have always been "aware" of MS, I was not aware of many aspects of it and was also not aware that it could strike at nearly any age.
I'm so sorry that you have ever felt that you had to "justify" your disability in the eyes of other people. But I also imagine that the "compliment" they give you that "you look fine" happens more because they simply don't know what to say next. Some people may feel that it's nosy to ask you to tell more about your experience; others may be uncomfortable with the conversation at all.
But I think it's also surprise: We expect to be able to see a disability, don't we? We expect to be able to tell why someone is using a disabled parking space, or why they are in a wheelchair. This gets me wondering why. Why would we second-guess someone we don't know? Why are we not even more willing to give the benefit of the doubt?
Your posts are also perspective for any of us, and reminders that just because we are able today doesn't mean we necessarily will be able tomorrow. I think that you are probably affecting a lot more people than you imagine, just from writing what you did.
Have you decided yet about the scooter? I'm interested in what your three fabulous supporters are thinking about it, too.
Thank you so much for your post. You have taught me things today, both about MS and about how I see my own life. There is a great beauty in what you wrote. What a gift.
December 29, 2008 - 9:04amThis Comment
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