Only in D.C.
come to think of it, it was actually Maryland…
This past week and a half my body has been quite
obstreperous. It’s been kind of annoying actually. I’m not used to life being
this difficult and I hate that the only response that doctors seem to be giving
me is to “take it easy.” I am not exactly one to be okay with taking it easy. I
understand that I have to take care of myself and to be kind to my body but it
seems that the advice of “take it easy” has done nothing but buy me the more
frequent use of a wheelchair.
Well, earlier this week I went up to Maryland up to a bike
shop that rents out hand cycles. I couldn’t resist it, it’s been more than a
decade since I have been able to ride a bike. I only lasted about 20 minutes
but it felt fabulous to ride again! Also, while I was there I got to meet a
totally amazing young woman. She has the same disability as myself. She also
has the same neurological issue that began it’s onset during her late teens.
She was there trying one of the more fancy (and expensive) models.
We only had a conversation for about fifteen minutes but not
only did I learn that we shared the same disabilities but I also learned that
she did hand cycle marathons all around the world! This woman has traveled to
Israel, Beirut, Jordan and Germany to do these marathons! She had told me that
she was often given the same advice I was given, to “take it easy.” The more
she listened to this advice, however, the weaker she became and the neurological
symptoms never seemed to get any better.
I am not trying to be a supercrip or to even advocate for
the very detested “over comer” image but I was encouraged by this woman! These
episodes are more than annoying they are painful and if I can reduce the pain without
medication I am going to do that. I’m not sure that I will ever do marathons
like she does (although that would be an awesome way to see the world!) but I
have begun working with a physical therapist to begin to strengthen myself.
When I get back to Philly I intend to open a savings account to save up for a
hand cycle.
I seriously doubt this encounter would have happened
anywhere else!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Commenters must avoid profanity, harsh language and disparaging remarks on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. All comments to the blog are moderated by AAPD, and can be subject to removal at any time.
Please use the comments section to engage in the ongoing dialogue between our program funders, current and former interns, our colleagues, and the broader disability community, and to respond to intern posts that intrigue you, to share your own stories, or to simply express your gratitude for being allowed into the world of our summer interns.