My name is not "Courage," it is not "Brave" or (worst of all) "You Poor, Poor Child!" I lay here, moaning in my bed of dis-ease, mourning loss of function and identity. Seems I've been given a label I don't want: Disabled. Oh, I can walk, but not as far; my leg doesn't feel normal any more. A blackened road chars its long way from butt to toes, a burning, numb path tracing the sciatic nerve. And now, Fibromyalgia rears its ugly head adding to my discomfort. I hate to complain, but I'm tired. Tired of the stares and comments from small- minded people, who know nothing, nothing at all of what I go through, who judge before they know get to know me. They forget there is a person behind THE CANE and uneven stride. It's making me crazy, it really is.
My youngest daughter has two little boys (my grandsons) with autism. Too much sensory overload will cause them to meltdown, often in public places -- the stares we get from strangers break my heart. People just don't understand -- especially when a person's actions don't fit into what they deem as 'normal' behavior.
It's cathartic to write about it, Karla. Keep writing!
Many hugs, much love,
CJ
I used to be a nurses aide many moons ago, and i saw so many sparkles disipate in the eyes of residents. Day after day. this piece reminded me of them. So sad but sadly to true. Nice job here!
I hear ya, Karla, I am facing the same thing too. All they see is THE DARN CRUTCH, NOT me, and it really hacks me off! People need to take a disability awareness class, have them sit in a wheelchair, have them walk with a crutch (or cane), have them wear blindfolds or earmuffs for a day, and their worlds will change, and hopefully, in the end, they will understand what THE DISABLED go through, every day. Better yet, make employers take this class; then they'll see that we are more than our disability. Just a thought. This one got me all fired up; sorry about the novel here! LOL Very, very powerfully written, you don't mince your words in this compelling, hardhitting look at what WE DISABLED go through. Just let these small minded people go through what we do, it'll change their lives, guaranteed (and hopefully, they'll learn to treat us with the compassion, dignity, and respect that we rightfully deserve, not in just the workplace, but EVERYWHERE!!!!)! BRAVA, Karla, this is one of your best yet!!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin sister, Karen Lynn. :(
So sad and I know you are justified in the way you feel. The problem is it only hurts you more while the people who are ignorant fools go on being that way and feel none of your pain. I have learned to be like a duck Karla and let it slide right off. I'm keeping you in prayer...Eileen
never takes reactions personally ... they are the regurgitations of ignorant minds who cannot comprehend of the mind and soul that lives beyond the body ...
Dearest Karla, You have written from the heart, here. Sorry for the pain and discomfort you feel. If this is any comfort, you are not the one with the disability, it's those so-called "normal" people who are the most disabled...in their minds. Their lack of sympathy proves that. When they stare, give them your warmest smile, ask them in an off-handed way, if they'd like to have a go at walking with a cane. Please, when you pray, ask God specifically to cure your fibromyalgia, in Jesus' precious name. I will add my prayers to yours. One more thing, in God's eyes you are wonderfully made...He sees the inner, not the outer. You're unique!
Thanks for dropping by my site; always appreciated.
God Bless
Love always,
Lena
Reviewed by Rebecca Burns (Reader)
Reviewed on September 28, 2006
They don't matter you do, what they say doesn't matter, you do. YOu know this in your heart, just hold your head as high as you can and walk past them, you may walk slower, but you are much higher than they will ever be. I know you fear you don't have strength, but from the words of honesty that you share here day in and day out, you are stronger then most Miss Karla.
Love you chickie,
Rebecca
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. My heart just goes out to you. I hoope by writing about it can somehow help you feel better. You are so brave!!!
It is hard to deal with the disabilities but when we feel in our hearts that we are young and able only the physical is disabled. I know life is difficutl and perhaps that is why we are bestowed with our abilities to write.
Ah, Karla, well-said. Why are not people who are disabled just like others, but with one more everyday problem to solve, and therefore more admirable!! Peace. Joyce
you've expressed your frustration well with this poem. My son has expressed similar feelings since his accident in 2004. He has absolutely no use for anyone's pity! And it really rubs him the wrong way when other kids (he's 18) are awestruck by his scars (he was run over and life-flighted). He just wants to be treated like a regular kid because that's what he is...a regular kid. And you, dear Karla, are a regular woman...(you know what I mean)...keep on holding your head high! (:
Reviewed by Dove JoAnne Cromp (Reader)
Reviewed on September 28, 2006
Karla, I am so sorry you live with that..Remember in glorious Heaven, sickness will be a thing of the past, thank GOD!!!
The mind is the advantage you have over others Karla. Fibromyalgia is a painfull desease and my good friend suffers from it. The word "suffer" is a kinder word than the desease.
You're in my prayers.
Love,
Susan
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on September 28, 2006
There are people who are physically disabled, there are those who are mentally so and I do not refer to the sick but the prejudiced. You can write, you can think, you have fine sentiments. To me, you are not disabled. Be strong. Offer you pain to God and give the prejudiced a wide berth. I am however surprised that you do not have a social service capable of finding you a job I know you can do quite ably. Victor
Karla this is powerful, I often saw how poorly Melissa was treated, because of her disability, and I often wondered how she kept strong, you too have that strength my friend, and never forget that, write on and be blessed
God Bless
Michelle~
I believe that all people have some kind of a thorn in there lives that they deal with. Some are seen - some are not.
Dear Karla, you are not alone in these afflictions. I personally struggle with arthritis in my thumbs, and Syndrome X. One of my sons, 21 years of age, is in complete renal failure and on dialysis three times a week. And that is just my immediate family.
There is no rhymne or reason for suffering. I have found out one thing about pain and suffering - you know that you are alive.
Stand Strong dear friend ...
Richard Lloyd Cederberg
Karla stay strong and don't be dismayed by the fools among us they are everywhere you look in high and low places. They are genetically modified people (GMP's)meaning brain dead, no cure and the real WMD's. I shall write a piece about them soon. The God in me salutes and honors the God in you. Stay as powerful and as beautiful as you are. POT (piss on them). I know invoking God and POT seems ambiguous but it doesn't lack power. Peace, love, blessings and gratitude for being the caring sharing person that you are. <Mikii>
My advice is to develope thick skin, and not to give a hoot what other people think..
Nobody is perfect, and we should be secure within ourselves, that God has provided us with all the resources and courage, to overcome all our trials and tribulations..
Stand tall and walk with self respect and boldness..
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It's cathartic to write about it, Karla. Keep writing!
Many hugs, much love,
CJ
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin sister, Karen Lynn. :(
there is a person
behind THE CANE
Far too many forget far too many things these days it seems, Karla, and I hope you feel much better soon.
you angst is strong in this one ...
Thanks for dropping by my site; always appreciated.
God Bless
Love always,
Lena
Love you chickie,
Rebecca
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. My heart just goes out to you. I hoope by writing about it can somehow help you feel better. You are so brave!!!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o(
Fee
Love,
Dove
You're in my prayers.
Love,
Susan
God Bless
Michelle~
I believe that all people have some kind of a thorn in there lives that they deal with. Some are seen - some are not.
Dear Karla, you are not alone in these afflictions. I personally struggle with arthritis in my thumbs, and Syndrome X. One of my sons, 21 years of age, is in complete renal failure and on dialysis three times a week. And that is just my immediate family.
There is no rhymne or reason for suffering. I have found out one thing about pain and suffering - you know that you are alive.
Stand Strong dear friend ...
Richard Lloyd Cederberg
Myrna
Roosevelt did.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Chin Up Sis!!
Love Tinka
I too trust in my Cane
My buddy he is, seems to hang around with me
keeps me from going insne.
thanks for sharing
Love& Peace
William
My advice is to develope thick skin, and not to give a hoot what other people think..
Nobody is perfect, and we should be secure within ourselves, that God has provided us with all the resources and courage, to overcome all our trials and tribulations..
Stand tall and walk with self respect and boldness..
Bravo
Peter