Mel HarrisonOn the 28th of December it was 30 years ago I was told I wouldn’t walk again, never to feel what it is like to have sand under my feet or touch concrete or to run even if it was with straight legs.
However on 22 December 1995 it was 30 years since I knew I would never walk again. So that’s actually the anniversary for me. The anniversary means a lot- some with pain I can’t even begin to explain but mostly being happy with how my life has turned out because of having the injury. 30 years ago a piece of me left and I am not sure If I ever got it back.
Do I want it back? Most days no!
30 years ago I didn’t know how to deal with life and sometimes I wonder if I can now, each year gets harder with more complications but somehow every year I get more people in my life who make it better.
30 years ago I learnt to not see mobility as ability but to see each day as a gain 30 years ago meant basic things in life changed such as needing access all the time, having to change toilet habits, having more surgeries, and coming to realise that no matter how well your doing in life you’ll always come across the attitudinal Barriers.
30 years ago I saw how I needed to pretend I was more okay then I am to protect people around me. As being the one sick is often much easier then watching the person sick.
30 years ago I decided I wanted to help others in the disability space to prevent pain I had gone through. As no one should ever feel alone, navigating health and disability, I was never alone I always had support and saw how hard it was for me so can only imagine how hard it is if someone doesn’t have support.
30 years ago started my dark journey for 10 years that I am forever grateful to some who kept me alive and actually wanted to keep me alive with everything I put them through 30 years ago regardless of all that I actually started loving life in a way I never thought possible and I am actually truly grateful for the life I have and the people I’ve met. That’s the honest truth. I am truly grateful.
30 years ago I told the world to “fuck off” and gave it the bird. It was the Start of the 14 year old girl gaining a voice and Realising she may be extremely shy but is determined to see a change for people with disability going forward ** yes this girl is shy.
Disability does not stop you – the environment and attitudes do. So for everyone in my life who has seen me through, loved me but more importantly followed my lead in not treating others with disability differently I will forever love and be grateful to you.
People with disability are here to stay and quite frankly show the world that normality is boring and we can adapt if we all have the heart and mind to think outside the box.