I have always been something of a stubborn person...maybe it is because I have had to learn to do things in a different vein, and I have had to fight for what other people usually take for granted. For me, it is the ability to feel normally, or to use my legs, or even to go to the restroom on my own.
Because of my disability, I have very diminished feeling in my lower limbs, and my limbs are virtually useless. I can't control my bodily functions, so I have to wear a catheter in my penis, so I can void, and I also have to use crutches in order to be able to walk. Sometimes I use a wheelchair, but for me, I'd as soon rather use the crutches as they are a lot quicker...for ME, anyway. I also have to be careful whenever I am doing something like taking a bath because I can't really tell how hot the bath water is, or a sauna, and if I am not careful, I can get a really nasty burn, which would only complicate things for me.
But despite all the drawbacks that having spina bifida has given to me, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have a very good support system in my wife, Sarah, my two darling daughters, Brookie and Susie, and also my parents, and I also have a vast network of friends who have accepted me as a person, disability and all! When they see me, or get to know me well enough, they soon learn not to see the crutches I use to walk, or the heavy braces that I wear on my legs; or the wheelchair, if I am using it; and they only see ME for ME, which is how I like it really. They treat me like a normal person, even though I am obviously NOT normal, in the physical sense; but if people stare, I really don't find it a problem. I have learned to live with people's stares or comments, and I just block them out if the comments are cruel or mean-spirited. I figure I am not going to get mad when the people comment because I would only be stooping to thie level; so why even bother??
I also find a lot of pride in my work as a doctor. I am the "gas man", or an anesthiologist. I am the guy who puts people to sleep prior to surgery, and I monitor their sleep patterns throughout the surgery; and I make sure that things are going well; if not, I have to be ready at a moment's notice to try to rectify things and prevent a crisis; and a quick mind (not to mention, reflexes) are a must. For an middle-aged crippled guy, I have been known to move pretty fast, especially if a person's life is in jeopardy; and I have been credited with pulling several people back from the brink of death. That is a mighty satisfying feeling, and I am honored to be able to help people when they need medical care or even surgery.
You note that I freely use the word "crippled" in my description of myself. That is me. I am "crippled", and I really don't find a problem with it when many people do. I am sorry if the word offends, but that is what they used to call people like me back in the olden times; and once in a while, the word still flies in today's conversations. Nowadays, to describe a person who is "crippled", people say they are "disabled", "differently-abled", "special-needs", or "physically impaired" (or even "physically challenged"); there are a lot of ways to describe a person who has a disability. But I call myself "crippled" or "disabled" or even "handicapped"; it just depends on my mood, really.
I love to do things with my family when I am not working at the hospital. I love to take Sarah, Brookie, and Susu shopping at the mall, or take them out to eat or to the zoo, or even to church; and I love to ride my motorbike. My motorbike has hand controls (as does my van), so I am able to operate both vehicles with little or no problem. I also love to read (John Grisham and Stephen King are my favorites; I love a good, dark mystery or suspense story), and I love to dabble in the art of writing. I am trying to write a book about myself, but so far, I haven't really had the time in piecing it all together since I am so involved with my job at the hospital and with my family when I am home. I also love to cook; for me, Cajun is where it is at! I can make a mean jambalaya or crawfish etouffee', and I can make an equally killer gumbo guaranteed to put some hair on your chest! LOL In addition to all of the above, I love to work out in my weight room (I do this to keep my upper body strong, and to keep me in tip-top shape), and I love to go swimming or fishing.
As you can see, I am a normal, very active guy who just happens to have a disability that is quite noticeable, but as I mentioned earlier, people's reactions to me really don't bother me, and I say it is better than not being seen at all. I would much rather be seen than not seen, and I would much rather be around people than not; I am not a loner type of guy, and I just love people, period.
I think that this is an amazing write also and we are now getting snow here. It started earlier than what they said it would. But I love your stories. I don't see them as crippled but ably challenged.
GLIMPSE OF AN ANGEL IS NOW AVAILABLE. A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL GO TO HOSPICE TO THUS ENABLE THEM TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE SOON TO PASS TO THE OTHER SIDE. NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
He Keeps Me is a devotional journey of revelation and insight birthed out of prayer.Searching the Word of God revealed the many ways that He has kept me and continues to keep me. Each day is an opportunity to recognize that God is mindful of you, eve
I have always been something of a stubborn person...maybe it is because I have had to learn to do things in a different vein, and I have had to fight for what other people usually take for granted. For me, it is the ability to feel normally, or to use my legs, or even to go to the restroom on my own.
