I have been thinking about this post for a few days. Recently, we went to a family gathering and I saw some of my husband’s family I had not seen in a while. Being the pretty friendly person that I am, a conversation quickly ensued about being a new mom.Â
I was very impressed to see that they were very inquisitive as to how I was managing the daily care of my son despite my physical limitations. Instead of saying something that sounded insensitive, they were genuinely interested as to how I accomplish each task. I really appreciated that because I have been in other situations where I was made to feel like I was contagious or had a second head coming out of my neck.
When you don’t spend a lot of time with people, it is interesting to see how they will react to you. This is generally true when you are going to a party of let’s say a friend who you haven’t seen in years. This happened to me before I married my husband. Luckily I had gotten some warning as to the way I might be treated so, I was on my “A” game that day.
We had gone to a wedding and after the wedding, the minister (yes, the minister of all people) told me I was “damaged goods”. To this I responded with a question, asking what was wrong with him. He could only respond “Praise the Lord”
I am just a person who happens to have some limitations. It really didn’t bother me because it wasn’t the first time someone who didn’t know me said something out of the ordinary. I am not sure why this happens but, it does. In no way, though, am I going to cower in a shell and not be proud of who I am.
I had a different take on talking with a person from a church today. I was inquiring about some information that I needed and it came up in conversation that I happen to have a disability. She had a few questions out of interest in the subject (you can tell people’s intent after a while) and I think ended up learning a thing or two from our conversation.
Why do you think it is so out of the ordinary for some people when they encounter those who have some differences in their everyday lives? Doesn’t everyone have a right to go out and enjoy everything life has to offer?
Thanks for reading…
cr