In trying to cheer myself up, I thought I'd compile a bit of a light-hearted list on why being disabled (specifically my disability and how it affects me, though obviously there's overlap with other disabilities/conditions) is cool* (or you might just think I'm a bit of a freak!). So without further ado, being disabled is cool because:
- ...you feel like a celebrity because you get stared at so much.
- ...your shoulder dislocates spontaneously whilst in a conversation with a friend, and, without flinching or stopping the conversation, you pop it back in with one swift motion whilst said friend looks on in horror/disgust.
- ...you have an encyclopaedic knowledge of pain relief, and your friends ask you to advise them on the best painkiller to take by describing their pain to you.
- ...you have enough pain relief in your medicine cupboard to sedate an elephant (according to my dad, anyway!)
- ...despite never being able to walk, you've sprained your ankles 6 times...twice which you're not sure how it happened.
- ...your emergency pain relief kit consists of paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine and chocolate buttons.
- ...like your friends, you sometimes wake up with random injuries you're not sure how they happened...unlike your friends, you were not drinking the night before and went to bed as normal.
- ...your best friend plays 'guess where Catherine's internal organs are because of her scoliosis'
- ...and you join in.
- ...you can never decide whether you're hot or cold because each part of your body is a different temperature, ranging from boiling hot to ice cold.
*Disclaimer: I hope my readers see the intention in which this was written in is just meant to be a bit of lighthearted humourous fun. In no way do I want to make fun of any disabilities or symptoms, as I know from personal experience how debilitating they are and how hurtful it can be to be mocked.
I just wanted to say how interesting it was to read your list - you have a great way with words. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a disabled student, but with my experience of being a normal student, you should definitely hang in there. It's all worth it in the end, especially if you have a career goal at the end of it (i studied English and Spanish so had no idea what I'd do when I graduated!!). :D
ReplyDeleteSadie xx
http://whatsadiedid.blogspot.com/
sorry you're feeling so down. i think that when you're a bit more prone to it anyway, this time of year can be a bit of a bitch for getting you down and wanting to pack the degree in. stick with it. i'm here if you need.
ReplyDeletei like your list of lighthearted fun :-)
x