Trust me, Girl. I have never lost my empathy for folks with disabilities, whether they are temporary or permanent. And it’s for sure, I will never be Superwoman. I have more limitations than you realize, and for everything I’m able to do, there are another 10 things I can’t do, and if it takes me two or three hours to shop on payday (travel time included) then it will take me just as many DAYS to recover.
Las Vegas has a favorite charity called Opportunity Village. When I was working, I rode the Paratransit bus that picked up a lot of these kids (no matter how old they are, they are “kids,”) and got to interact with them up close and personal. A visit to the site is a sobering experience, but it is also extremely enlightening and unexpectedly happy.
The kids have no idea they are a minority. WE are the different ones, and we have to adjust to them. Remembering them, and seeing some of the people here, I am very thankful for what I can do. And I try very hard not to pass the CFIDS along by complaining.
To paraphrase: I felt bad because I lost my hat, until I saw a man who had lost his head.
All things in perspective, I am NOT a Superwoman. Just a PWD who is trying to adjust to what life has dealt. It is an every day battle, make no mistake.
XOXOXO
Disabled. The equal opportunity minority that any of us could join at a moment’s notice.