OCTOBER IS SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH.
At last, Thusday has arrived again, and I can breathe (a little). Thanks again to everyone who watched the Telemundo “Triunfadores” segment last night! Like I said, they did an awesome job. I had so much fun working with them on this.
Once again, I am posting late, because I was doing homework! (Blame it on UCF.) But I enjoyed my advertising and new media classes today. I get to discuss and dissect ad nauseam topics that are very relevant to today’s fast-paced and often cynical society. As usual, by the end of the day, I am tired and just want to get home. I had an interesting conversation during lunch today with a friend of mine, and a friend of his. (Yes, I actually sat down and had lunch with other humans! I usually eat alone if I don’t know anyone in the Student Union.) We were discussing what were, to us, the most difficult aspects of having spina bifida. (My friend John has it, too.) Sure enough, we mentioned a lot of the pet peeves I’ve shared with you on a regular basis– people persistently offering to help when we don’t need it, and being perceived as somehow unable to go to college and be self-sufficient. Talking to John and sharing his views, and finding that we shared many of the same gripes, was a much-needed break from the proud façade I too often wear in the mainstream crowd. I could just be myself– vulnerable, clumsy, spontaneous and dorky. A lot of people probably don’t realize just how key these social interactions are. Because I don’t live on campus, I don’t interact with my peers as often as I wish. But, rest assured– I have a darn good support system at home!
I was in a chair for a couple months after feet surgery. I went from “normal” to getting doors opened and help from every direction. People with SB in my area really don’t know how I went to college and got good grades… it’s a mystery to them. On the other hand they really look to me as a role model which is one part of SB I really actually love!
Laura…you said”Sure enough, we mentioned a lot of the pet peeves I’ve shared with you on a regular basis– people persistently offering to help when we don’t need it, and being perceived as somehow unable to go to college and be self-sufficient. “The silver lining I have found with dealing with the beign ignorance of others is that I knew I was independent and self-sufficient even if they were naive to such realities.Many of them didn’t have that knowledge or confidence about themselves yet. But I possessed about myself.Didn’t end the frustration of dealing with others misconceptions, but it was something for me to reflect on.ENJOY your weekend! :DWenchie
Laura,It was great meeting you last week and getting lunch with you and John. Thanks for letting me see a little of your world! I’m enjoying your blog! Ande