I had no idea that people really actually ARE this mean.
I thought that this stuff only happened in the movies, but unfortunately I was dead wrong.
Scenario 1:
I was on crutches, coming back to my college dorm after class. I had to pass by the pool area on the way home. As I neared the hot tub, I noticed a group of guys pointing and laughing at me. One of them shouted out, "Hey, crutch girl!"
On one hand, his comment was, at best, unoriginal. It wasn't even funny or creative. Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I am using crutches. Good eye, there, buddy.
On the other hand, no matter how stupid the comment was, it was still hurtful. It was implied that there was malice in his comment and the fact that all his buddies laughed along with him made it worse.
I just ignored the comment and continued on my way.
Scenario 2:
It had been a bad day; I was having a pain flare. It was Sunday and I had been out of town, visiting my boyfriend at his university.
I had planned to drive home that afternoon, but my RSD had other plans for me.
So I decided to rest and then drive home when I felt okay enough to do so.
My parents asked if I needed them to come pick me up, but I said no and told them my plans.
My boyfriend was beyond accommodating. He went to get me lunch, he let me watch his Netflix, he sat there and held me while I cried. He even carried me out to my car when it was time to go. Unfortunately, once I sat down in the car, it flared again.
So we went back inside.
I told my boss what was going on and that I probably wouldn't be in the office on Monday. He was very understanding and told me to keep him updated on the situation.
As it got later, my parents got angrier. My mother texted me asking why I wasn't home yet and I explained it to her.
She flipped out.
I told her that I had everything worked out with my boss but she refused to accept that answer.
An argument ensued... one where I stressed to her the value of my health over not missing a day of work.
She didn't seem to agree.
She then drove up with my father, who was also just as angry. My boyfriend continued to be amazing and make sure I was okay.
Once they arrived, James (my boyfriend) carried me outside to the car and put me in the back seat.
My dad commented on this, saying, "You shouldn't make him carry you. That's such an inconvenience. That's why you should carry your wheelchair around."
Frustrated, I barked back, "I'm a human being, not an inconvenience. He knows full well what being with me means and he has told me that he is prepared to help me whenever he can."
My dad said that I should go back to using the wheelchair, but I disagreed. I hadn't used that chair since 2011, and trust me - I did not want to go back in it.
I told him this and he started to laugh. HE STARTED TO LAUGH.
He just said, "You really don't like that, do you?"
I told him, "Of course I don't like it! What's wrong with you?! I've come so far since then. You don't understand what it's like to be in a chair. People look at you differently. Every day tasks are so much harder. You have to ask for help. I don't want that life again. I want to walk."
As much as I tried to reason with my parents, they simply did not understand.
I have to make sacrifices to make this work. I have to utilize my spoons in an effective manner.
If that means I have to take a day off of work to rest, then so be it. I try my best and that is good enough for me.
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