our strengths of intelligence and Will

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

I wrote a response to earlier today and was going to write you re: that

response. I know it can be taken different ways, but, I just wanted to be

inspiring. You know, I moved to an area that is mostly black, well, the

apartment complex is but Josh's school is 1/2 and 1/2 because of the houses

behind here. Anyway, I was thinking how they unite in their strengths and I feel

that we as disabled people have to unite in our strengths. I think one of our

greatest strengths is intelligence and also will.

It's hard to get through a day and for me, sometimes even a minute when I'm in

the presence of others who only see my atrophying muscles or my supports on my

ankles or my cane. I am so much more than that!

I recently talked to a Dr. who was telling me how he noticed that people stared

at him while he was wearing shorts and had to wear his brace for a long walk.

So, I told him " I know what you mean. It steals your soul. "

So, I am a bit emotional because I liked this guy and I can feel him liking me

but he's married and I just know that I will never have a husband like that who

is educated and enjoys talking about health and yet can also relate. I feel I

deserve someone like that. I studied so hard in school and yet my body is

betraying me. So, I don't even have anyone to talk to. I never did. I guess

that's why I could relate to so well. Because I never had emotional support

either and I was getting depressed. Plus, I'm not going back to that Doctor

because it is just to painful, emotionally.

Dawn

It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got.