What is a disability? It is more than an inconvenience. It is more than "Oh, look at this man in a wheelchair." It's a great example of trust. Lack of oxygen when I was born caused brain damage. I guess you can view this as an inconvenience or a blessing. Why do I challenge you with this?
Unfortunately, a draw back from the nonambulatory disability is that I need to wait patiently for any assistance that I am need of in that moment. Even if I need a simple thing such as a drink, I need to wait until someone is able to grab some water for me. Though I am a writer, it's difficult for me to accomplish reading a book by myself. These inconveniences lead me to search for patience until a friend is able to assist me with accomplishing that simple task. Frustration easily captures you if you don't have the right attitude with accepting the fact that your abilities are different than ambulatory people. Has this ever irritated me personally? Actually, no. My guess is because I was born this way, I have a different outlook on life than someone who was "normal" before a severe life changing car crash.
You see people compliment me on being uplifting and having an incredible attitude with life but honestly, I don't know why! I'm just a regular person who sits more often and talks differently. That's pretty much it. Comfort surrounds me in society, chatting with friends and family. Sometimes people around me stare openly and rudely at restaurants and malls. Does it offend me? Not a bit. It actually sometimes reminds me how unusual I am to strangers, though sometimes I forget that I'm wheelchair bound! Really, I'm just another regular person who lives his life without thinking about what it would be like if I was able to walk.
