Having a disability means....

A ton of people have asked me, "What is it like having a disability?"  Holy cow is that a loaded question or what!  To me disability means so much.  The most obvious definition being struggle and sacrifice.  I can't hop in a car and drive myself to the store to run a quick errand.  I can't just go to a friends house because 9 times out of 10, I can't get my power chair inside.   So, that means I have to wait until I get driven around  by someone, or that friend I wanted to hang with has to hang with me at a more accessible place.   I also have to watch how much liquid I consume.  more fluid in the bladder, means more bathroom breaks. Again, that means that I must wait to have help from someone.  Disability also means that I cannot be modest in the slightest!  Since I need help with my activities of daily living, I don't mind having those conversations that would make some people uncomfortable, "Can you help me get my bra and shirt on" comes out of my mouth as easily as a patron at a restaurant would ask their waiter or waitress, "Can I get a glass of water?"
Disability also means surgery sometimes, Surgery recovery means pain.  It comes with the territory.

   Enough of the "can't's"  I'm not a negative thinker!  I have my disability to thank for that!  Disability also has some crazy awesome perks, too!  I can get REALLY close seats at a concert!  I've seen concerts in the front row before!  Another perk is that I can wear really comfy slippers all the time.  No high heel pain for this girl!  One of my favorite perks is to have been the one to educate others about me and my disability.  I love educating children. I get so many silly questions from kiddos. My favorite question was from a nine year old girl, She came up to me and asked , " Do have parents?"  I just smiled and said, "Of course I do.  I have a mommy and daddy and they love me so much." She just  giggled, and said, "Oh ok"  I don't mind if kids ask the silly questions.  It's just their curiosity!

There are days that I would give absolutely anything to be able to walk, or drive, just to give those who help me a break!  I have my disability, yes.  But I am thankful for it because when I finally accomplish something, it tastes a million times sweeter!  Count your blessings people!

Until next time,
~C

Two Years Later and it's Back to Posting

Hey guys!  Well, It finally happened...  I graduated college!  I was crazy busy in my last two years; that's why I hadn't posted in forever and a day! I'm happy to be posting again.  As my friends and family know, my five year journey in college was really trying for me! There were times that I just wanted to quit.  I'm so glad I didn't though!  College might have been one of  the most difficult times in my life thus far, but I met some of the coolest people at school!  I got to follow in my mom's footsteps and join, a sorority, and make friends I know that will last a lifetime!  (That sounds ridiculously cliché  I know but it's true!)  Aside from the "typical"memories I made in college, I learned way more than I ever thought I would, and no, I don't mean information from textbooks.  I learned how to advocate for myself, I learned the importance of just letting stuff go. I had professors that didn't give a hoot about my situation and would mark me down for not going to class because my chair would short out due to a really terrible rainstorm!  That's ok though, situations like that taught me the importance of not getting so angry, but just fighting for fairness in my situation.

My last year of college was one that I enjoyed a lot.  I had an internship as part of my social work degree.  My internship was an eye-opening experience for sure.  I worked at a homeless shelter.  My job was to assist clients in anything that they might have needed.  This was something as simple as getting them bus tokens so that they get to work, or helping them call their insurance company so that they would be able to go to the doctor.  I liked my internship because it allowed me to be reflective.  I used to think my life was difficult until I met some of those clients.  They were some of the most resilient people that I had ever met in my life.  My internship allowed me to notice the little blessings in my life and enjoy them more!  I guess that's the biggest thing I took away from my time in school for those five years!  Life may seem difficult and down right annoying at times, but it can also be awesome, too!  It''s all about perspective!

Until next time,
~C