Is it because I'm disabled?
Following on from my last post; I got to the hotel in NY, wasn't thrilled by the greeting but one hello's better than no hello at all, right? I guess it didn't help that we got to the hotel after midnight!
The bed though was amazing; I literally melted down into the pillows once I placed my head on them. It was incredible. Next day we ventured up to Central Park, Manhattan, where I beat my walking record (according to my phone app), by walking half of Central Park - even if everyone else says I only walked 200 metres, it felt like a long way to me. The next day was thanksgiving, I don't remember what the Americans are being thankful for on this day, but it’s a good idea and we should all be thankful for something in our lives. My SW did tell me why they have the celebration and the history of it, but I can't remember. I may have mentioned that one of the conditions I now suffer as a result of my TBI (If you cant remember what these abbreviations mean, you'll have to visit my previous posts) is that I forget things. There was also a big parade in Manhattan to celebrate this holiday and I wish I could tell you how good it was, but I was too tired after my long walk in Central Park, so I didn't make it. But I did make it to McDonald's on Fulton St, Brooklyn and the juice was fantastic! That late afternoon/evening was special as I went to celebrate Thanksgiving with my American family. Although there were many who couldn't make it to the thanksgiving dinner, the turnout was good and I met with so many of my family, it was unreal. All in all, about 30 people came which was nice. Everyone was so considerate and pleasant, not everyone had the patience to listen to me, but I understand that. I try to empathise, to see what they see and feel when speaking to someone like me, I don't know! Remember I said I like to 'Big up' myself; well, whilst in America I didn't need to because people who knew how far I'd come (I don't mean travel distance) were praising and commending me on my recovery. I would chat to everyone including cats, dogs and the odd frog, - actually I didn’t talk to any animals, but i would have if there were any around - as I was on cloud 9 most of the time. I met a girl from the UK whilst out shopping. We spent a lot of time talking which was great. She was lovely and had a lot of time for me, this, gave me a boost. You didn't need to know this but, like I said before I like to 'Big up' myself. Next day was awesome, went to the Freedom Tower, this was built in the spot that was previously the twin towers. I found out quite a bit about the grounds surrounding this area but I've forgotten most of it, oops! I guess I could look it up and give you a boring history lesson, but what fun would that be? There's literally never a dull moment with me... Either people are laughing with me (I hope its with me) because I've made a silly mistake or forgotten something, or they're scared because I've unwittingly done or doing something dangerous. As friendly as I know I can be - not everyone likes this - I greeted a girl, who was talking with her friend. She ignored me, as some people do and have every right to do. I guess it was the way she ignored me that upset me. Later I spotted her, I approached her to explain how she made me feel and to ask why she was disrespectful. At that time I had not realised or anticipated that she was with male friends who did not appreciate me approaching her. I realise that I put my SW in an awkward and potentially a dangerous position. Did I feel slighted because I think my disability gives me the right to talk to everyone or is it because I am too sensitive? I know that sometimes my judgment is flawed - this is everyone right? - But most of the time this is not the case. Anyway, I done some soul searching and came back to the fact that I had not stuck with the change I had set out for myself in my previous post, which was to avoid alcohol when I go out. Let's see how I get on with this going forward......
0 Comments
Today I feel so great, I'm going on holiday; New York then Barbados. So on route to the airport - I rode shotgun, as you do when you are the last one to the car!
I think I'm a nice person (most of the time) and I think being nice will always put me on top. I decided, therefore that I was going to have a great holiday and treat everyone how I would like to be treated. I find that people are nice if they're treated in a nice way, so I made a point of always being nice and polite to everyone.. (this includes body language, facial expressions, the tone of voice, everything in order to be perceived in a positive way) so forget the nonsense that the world's not a nice place.. it is what we make it. The way to see change, if we want to see change, is to start change at home first. Change something, change anything in your lifestyle for the better (only if it suits you though) and you will see change (it may be small but we all have to start somewhere). As you can imagine, going through customs is never easy for me. My ataxia means I shake, even more when i'm under pressure to do things quickly. I tried to be the nicest person imaginable, because my ataxia means I attract more attention and I always get searched n swabbed for drugs, I guess because shaking could also be a sympton displayed by an addict? Anyways I always kept to my please n thank you rule, and before I knew it three border control officers were tending to me; I'm not sure if they thought my shaking was me coming down off some illegal substance or nervous anxiety, anyway whatever it was, it meant I attracted extra attention. I had my boarding pass in my hand when I was asked to raise my arms for a body search, I was totally unaware that I was flapping the card around as though I was swatting a fly. I looked over at my mother and saw horror on her face, I was still oblivious as to why she had that look on her face until she told me I was waving the card around like my life depended on it. She said it was a good job I was searched before she put all that rum punch in my bag! I said being stopped was just another opportunity for us to meet and talk to another person and make their day better. Anyway, I like to believe my attitude helped me through customs, who knows! Even though they made me remove my shoes and belt, they were patient with me and one of the border control officers even helped me to put my belt back on. Great customer service or was it because I was a nice person? Oh! I nearly forgot, I said we should try to change one thing to make life better. I'm going to try not to drink alcohol when I go out. I'm not a drunk-head or anything but as you may well know, alcohol slurs your speech, affects your judgement and balance so I'm already halfway there without having a drink! |
AuthorHi I'm Lee, my mum encouraged me to write a blog about my experiences as a disabled young man and to be honest, I wasn't quite sold on the idea but thought it might help other disabled people and particularly able bodied people to see things from a different perspective. Ok, let me start at the beginning; my disability was acquired after I was involved in a hit and run accident over 10 years ago. I suffered a TBI (for those who don't know - Traumatic Brain Injury). Categories |
Proudly powered by Weebly