I Have Never Felt So Disabled

It was a delightful experience, taking my wife to the theater to enjoy a terrific musical.  The seats were near the front to get the most of the experience. I purchased seats on the aisle to be able to extend my legs to keep them limber. Though the seats did not fit my back, I was determined to make the most of it. Then, intermission came...

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get up. People wanted out of the aisle to go to the bathrooms and purchase more refreshments. They jammed together as they waited for me to get out of the way, but it wasn't happening. My wife had to climb over the top of me, and pull from the isle way.  Even that took considerable effort to get me unfolded from the shape of the seat. When she finally pulled me free, my legs would not hold me up, buckling with every attempt to move out of the way.

In all honesty, there was not one complaint from those trying to get out of the row.  They could see how much difficulty I was having, and though I was keeping them from their desired freedom, they were very kind. My wife was so encouraging and supportive.  She held me up, and waited patiently for my legs to hold me up. No, the frustration was only with me.

I have struggled with recovery from surgeries, and bore the pain of doing more than my surgically repaired body could handle.  All of those things were expected and approached them with a good attitude.  This was different. I was at the theater, and couldn't do what healthy people could do. I could not explain away what I was experiencing. Suddenly the word "disabled" felt so real.

I am no different than any other person with disabilities. We would rather ignore reality, adapt to what is happening, and move on. But, there are those times when we cannot pretend. At those times you know exactly what I was feeling at the time.  I have never felt so disabled. I wished I had Mary Poppins Umbrella and could just fly.

Invisible illness was brought to light in a dramatic way on 5/5/2013 with the explanation of traumatic brain injury among soldiers.  This is brought about by second and third concussions before the first one was completely cured. How sad to hear of our military personnel being called names, and emotionally abused because they are incapable of moving on with their lives.

Again I ask, what is your story?  What is the injury that is keeping you on the sideline? Share it with me at tgw.bittner@att.net

But...You Don't Look Disabled, The Book

          In a recent conversation with a mental health professional, I was told that my concern for invisible illness is all too common problem for people with disabilities.  "You are a good writer. You need to write a book about it. You can help a lot of people. In fact, your blog title would be a perfect book title." If such a book were written, I would not want the book just to be about my own issues.  That would be a boring book.
          What is your story? Please write to me at tgw.bittner@att.net. Tell me about your disability, and how it affects you.  How do others view your invisible illness? What struggles have you faced? How have you adapted, or even overcome your disability?  I would like to include your story in a new book about invisible disabilities. Your story may be the encouragement that others need to continue on in their struggle.  Let's write a book together.