The Hardest Thing...

[Cheryl Anna]

The hardest thing about having a progressive, hereditary, degenerative, neurological handicap is dealing with the ignorance of able-bodied people.

Here's an example:
Yesterday, I thought that the weather was perfect for tanning. I put on my bikini, put on suntan lotion, got a beach towel, and went outside to the cement near the pool. I laid out, alone, for 45 minutes.
Soon, I heard voices in the house. My roommate was home with his friends. They came onto the porch, but I was hidden from their view by a bamboo tree.
I couldn't lay there-someone might eventually see me-so I hoisted myself into my wheelchair. I was now completely in view.
My roommates friend said, "Did you fall down?"
I replied, "No, I was laying out-getting a tan." (I thought, "Duh. Beach towel... lotion... bikini. WHATEVER!")
Then he said, "Do you need any help?"
I said, "No." (I'm thinking, "I'm in my wheelchair, DUMMY!")
Then he said, "Are you sure?"
I answered, "Yes, I'm sure. I'm fine!" (I sarcastically thought, "Gee...I only have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology-I'll have to strain to think.)
I went in the house-steaming mad.

This happens, often, in various situations.

[fluffy]

awe................but he sounds as though he was just trying to be considerate in an awkward male kinda way...............but i'm sorry you come across it a lot............there's no excuse for ignorance.....

fluffy

[quirky]

Cheryl, why be mad?

It sounds like you have a compassionate roomate.

[Cheryl Anna]

Thanks! You're right! I should not be so defensive-afterall, he meant nothing mean. I think that he just felt awkward.

[quirky]

Not everyone has it in them to WANT to help when people need it.

I admire people who do, even if they're mistaken.