Very well put W. I am a high level quad and I need help doing most things. The average AB can't recognize those of us quads or paras that need help and those that don't. Since I'm one of those quads that do need a lot of help, I'm always happy when someone opens a door or picks up something I dropped, etc., etc. It makes my day to know that in this increasingly selfish society, there are still people who will take a moment to help someone out.
My type of disability won't get better - only worse over time. I remember having a discussion with an OT and she said 'Sure Dan, you can struggle to get your shirt on or cut up your food etc. but how long will these things take and at what expense to your time and energy reserve? If a PCA does these things for you, you can save time and energy for the really important things in life - like masturbation or working on the computer'. And Bill, would you say the same thing about watching an elderly lady with a bad limp and using a cane struggling to cross a parking lot carrying a large bag of groceries? Go granny, go! Come on you can do it and if you have another stroke trying at least you gave it your best shot. Bravo! Dan - who is grateful for the compassionate ones. At 01:10 PM 1/16/2008 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] said something that elicited my response: >I got your mail but was pondering the issue before making comments. You >mentioned the term "normal." >That is one word in the dictionary that I fail to comprehend in judging >others. I submit that when you find a perfect normal, please take a picture >of it and share it with the rest of us. > >Until you achieve the status of being independent, you have to tolerate some >of those acts like >those who hold the door, say G'Morning and shake your hand, as a greeting. > >Sometimes, just saying thank you but I'd like to try it myself.... and stick >around I might need your >help. > >Best Wishes > >In a message dated 1/16/2008 11:45:08 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL >PROTECTED] writes: >Gaday Mates: > >I am wondering if my connection with the list has been severed? Two days have >passed now and not one posting has been received in my email. Or, everyone >has already tired of my diatribe and stopped writing. (grin). > >Seriously, I was just thinking about those of us who lead an entirely >different lifestyle than normal people and how our lifestyle effects those >around us. Once again, I am only expressing my own thoughts and ideas on >these matters. Please do not assume me to be dictatorial or presumptuous with >my statements. > >One of the more difficult issues I have encountered in establishing a >relationship with others is asking them to please allow me to complete >whatever task I may be attempting, without someone saying, "Here, let me do >that for you." This naturally comes about when they see you struggling with a >project or catch you involved in an efforts of some sort. > >I have learned as I know all of you have that it is necessary for us to try as >much as we can to complete the task we are attempting, regardless of how >awkward we may appear. Those who do offer to help have only our best interest >in mind, but understandably, they do not realize the amount of self-confidence >and pride we gain when we can actually accomplish even the simplest of jobs. > >Example. Opening a jar, buttoning a button, picking something up. At first >we may not succeed, but through repeated attempts, we learn ways in which to >overcome the daily obstacles that forever seem to be in our path. > >Well, enough venting for today. I'm please to actually have someone to >express these opinions to. > >Bill of Ill. > > > > >---------- >Start the year off right. ><http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489>Easy >ways to stay in shape in the new year.
