I was just reading an article that listed the top portrayals of people with disabilities in the movies. First on the list was the character Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump. The article then listed another four. What jumped out at me was that the author never mentioned Forrest himself!

I pondered about what made this movie character's disability disappear before our eyes? We are always clear that his spine "is as crooked as a politician" and "he's five little points below normal". Once Forrest runs out  of his leg braces, we see him as overcoming his disability and just accept him as a sweet, loveable, gentle, honest soul.

The disability disappears because we look past it. We see the person not the disability. Hmmmmmmmmmmm..........

Both my wife and my mother have always thought I had a hearing impairment. I can hear very well; I just don't listen.

I recently got an email from a former colleague who will be getting a new hearing aid. She has a total hearing loss of one ear. That may not seem challenging at first, but, try it sometime. It poses a number of challenges.

Any time we experience any sort of sensory loss it can alter your life. Be sensitive to those who are dealing with those challenges...

Well, I'm getting through my grumpy period. Just another one of those times when I need to turn my focus away from my disability related struggles; find a distraction. And, once again, that means taking a  little time away from writing about it. Some have referred to it as being in denial. Heck, I'm not denying anything. I'm just trying to take a break...

No matter how hard I try, I cannot do everything by myself. And I really do try. Independence is something I hold very dear. In fact, a friend of mine used to tease me about a book he read to his children, " All by Myself, Daddy ". He made his point! While there are so many things that I can't do, there are things I can do even though I have to struggle to do them.

But, as I do frequently quote Harry Callahan , "A man's got to know his limitations". This is  where my friends come into play. When I  have  reached the point of being helplessly in trouble, I have to reach out. And, it's probably a situation where both of us will be embarrassed and I am probably going to be humiliated. Now that's when you really get to find out who your friends truly are. I am very grateful for my friends!

The whole body image thing is so embedded in our culture. And when you really think about it, this "cultural image" finds its way into almost every aspect of each individual's persona. Whether you ignore it or not, it's still there.

Then, those of us with physical disabilities seem to have to work twice as hard  to overcome the influence of that cultural  physical image.  Before we experienced a physical change, we were comparing ourselves to some subjective norm.  Then,  with that change, you don't even have a  norm  to use. I'm not even going to attempt to try to put  myself in  a woman's place. I just don't want that kind of pressure! 

We sure can be silly sometimes!

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        I am involved with a local organization that provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. We are currently kicking off the snow skiing season which is very popular. We provide equipment, instructors and volunteers to help skiers with disabilities enjoy the slopes.

        We also continue to sponsor bowling night every Tuesday evening. This is a great activity that the whole family can get involved in. There are plenty of activities out there for folks who have a disability, AND, for those who do not have a disability. Get out there and try something different.

As I meet with family and friends during the holidays, there is always quite a bit of reminiscing. I always approach these times with some caution. I must be careful that reminiscing doesn't turn into feeling sorry for myself. This can easily turn into a pity party.

I used to do this and now I can't...

I used to do that and now I can't...

I see lots of elderly retired folks fall into that trap as well as people with disabilities. It really is great fun to take a walk back in time. Make sure to save some energy for the return trip.