Hi Dave, I think I'm a lot like you on this issue. If I'm doing something that is taking up time that I could be better using, a helping hand is appreciated. If I'm doing something that I want to do myself, I refuse the help. What comes down to for me is simply speaking up and letting others know how I'm doing, and what I need or don't need done at any given time. Stay strong. With Love, CtrlAltDel aka Dave C4/5 Complete - 31 Years Post Texas, USA
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How different we all are. If someone wants to help me, I just step back and let them proceed. I know I can open a door or remove my jacket - after 40 years in this, I don't feel the need to prove anything to myself any more. People who offer to help really need to do so for some inner fulfillment. I'm cool with that and am more than happy to help them satisfy their inner needs. Sometimes I'm just plain damned tired of opening my own door or pouring my own beer even though I can (in most cases). I agree with Dan about saving my strength for the important things - like unhooking bras and the like. Whenever I spend time in my manual chair, I can really feel the strain in my shoulder blades and fingers. If my dependence on a power chair puts off reconstructive surgery or arthritis - deal me in. I really feel INVINCABLE in my power chair. AZ Dave - (Good health is simply the slowest rate at which you can die.) In a message dated 1/16/2008 10:45:08 A.M. US Mountain 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. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.