I’m often asked if I’m up to date on advances scientists are making on spinal cord research? Honestly I don’t know much about my injuries. Nor do I know, or have much interest in what “they” could do to “fix” me. Mostly on account of I’ve always seen my situation as something that just happened to me. A modified part of an existence that I needed to learn to deal with if I ever hoped to continue to live a productive life.
I don’t or have I ever considered myself as broken. Just altered. Of course I appear different than most blokes on the street. But no matter how hard or soft you look, everyone is different. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re better than me on account of an assumed “inability.” No matter how fair that assumption may appear to be. And by no means does that mean I’m better than you.
Don’t get me wrong if there’s a chance I can change my situation, hopefully for the better, I’m going to take it. I’m not saying my life is perfect. Who’s is? Sure there are things I would change if given the opportunity. A boy can dream. But I refuse to dwell on it. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.
I’ve just found it’s easier in life to work with what you have, rather than spend energy on hoping for it to change in any certain manner. That’s just me. Because of how things unfolded. I am the very definition of fortunate. No need to remind me.Â
I am what I am. The fact that I’m not like you isn’t a big deal to me. I’m grateful for the person I am, partially cos I’m not like you. I now look how I’ve always felt. Different and proud…