Never Assume That I Cannot

On my last post, my mom made a comment saying that people “consider you as someone to stay away from because you are not able to go to clubs or hangout like healthy adult,” and to some people it may sound harsh but it is the closest thing to the truth. Most people don’t include me in things because they think I cannot do the same things they can or I don’t know maybe they feel ashamed to be around me because of the wheelchair? The thing is, even though I’m in this chair, I am still the same person as I once was. Yes, I may not be able to do everything that an able body person is able to do with ease, but I know if I actually wanted to do something, I could figure it out.

Even though most people do stay away now, there are still those few who would always include me in everything. Even when they know I can’t do it, they still have the respect to ask if I would like to join in on the adventure, because they believe it’s rude to assume that I cannot. I have a few individuals who would take no excuses from me and force me go out with them, even if the task seems ridiculous. Experiences such as making sure I was able to get in the boat, it was as simple as picking me up and sitting me down inside the boat or to even get inside a high vehicle, as easy as him throwing me up into the seat each and every time. Those are the people I treasure.

In life some people care about you more than others. Some see you as a burden or a problem to deal with and then there are those who see you as just a normal human who just needs a little extra help on certain things. Those are the people I will continue to help, the ones who pushed me and didn’t give up on me just because of my wheelchair.

“You will never be a problem alright, so I need you to stop thinking that you are. You will never be a problem to me.” Someone once told me that straight to my face, and that became a moment that I will never forget. Sometimes it’s easy for me to start doubting myself and think that people just see me as a disabled individual in a wheelchair but I have to remind myself that my chair will never define me. I know that there are people out there who really do love me for me and no matter what happens or changes, they will always be there.