Tuesday, July 29, 2008

my perky walk

I was reminded today how ill equipped I truly am to answer people when they ask me "what happened to you" or "why do you walk funny" when I am out and about on my own.

You would think after 58 years I would have some kind of pat answer..but I don't!



Maybe I should explain a little background on the subject. When I was six months old I had a dumbbell size tumor removed from my spine. The surgery left me paralyzed from the waist down. Through the years I was able to get rid of the braces and the crutches. I attended regular school after the 5Th grade and went on to college. I really did pretty well, married a wonderful man,chased three great kids and some neighborhood kids to boot. I did walk with a very noticeable limp though so it's not like I was ever without stares and questions.



Within the last few years I have slowed down a lot....broke my ankle a couple years back and have not recuperated very well...I'm still a work in progress and hope to walk again sooner rather then later.



So back to today...a little girl came up to me at the mall and looked at me for a moment and then asked why did I use the scooter and the crutches (I carry a pair with me )

I thought for a moment and by the time I came up with an answer that I thought she would understand...her Mom came over and pulled her away! Saying something like don't bother the lady... I felt bad that I didn't have an answer ready for such an occasion!



So what do you all think...I don't like handicapped and I really don't like crippled...my Mom always said that i was "special" I don't think that term explains very well. I usually just say that I need the scooter and crutches to walk right now



What do my new friends in cyber space think?



(My good friend always said to me that she thought that I was just perky...nothing else did she see. (She is a keeper.)

6 comments:

  1. Awww...Peg....
    But it's true. You are always so full of energy and you never let anything stop you. You are such a wonder and I'm always in awe of all you do. I had to smile when I saw that you'd posted the "perky" thing.

    I guess I would tell any child that asked, "My legs got hurt and are not very strong right now so I need a little help until they get better. Thank you for your caring."

    I'm so glad you posted something today. I'm able to get on the computer because KC is at the beach with her parents.

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  2. I can empathize with your situation. I have RA[rheumatoid arthritis] and my hands are kinda bent and knarly. My last 10 years or so of teaching, I would put my hands right out in front and tell the kids that I have arthritis, and that they couldn't catch it. And it became a non issue.
    Keep that positive attitude going, and tell the kids that you need those helps to get around. No big explanation needed. And then a "Thank goodness for these helpers!!

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  3. I came to your blog through Mare's and want to welcome you to the blogosphere. I am relatively new too (started in January), and I feel terribly inadequate when compared to some bloggers who have all kinds of fancy stuff on their sites. But, I do enjoy getting to know other people from all over the place.

    As for your answer, I don't know. Maybe you could just say that your back and/or legs have had some troubles and don't work as well as "hers" do (depending on who is asking).

    I'll check back from time to time. Welcome.

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  4. I think your latest comments say it all; leave it to teachers to understand what to say.

    As far as having trouble now, you obviously have a strong spirit and wonderful will to survive, keep up the good work, you're an inspiration.

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  5. Hi, Peggy!
    Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your kind note! I am happy to take requests, if there is something you remember from Geneva and want to see again!

    Love your blog, you write beautifully! Today's post was quite thought provoking!

    Can't wait to come back!

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  6. I think you received some excellent suggestions from the retired teachers and cyber pals above. Just practice them a few times and see how easily they flow from your lips. A short, straightforward answer is always best. Both for ernest inquiries and noseybodies of all ages.

    You sound like a gal that is going to fun to get to know better!!

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