#3 Aging

Aging...what does that mean for a tetraplegic? Who knows! The possibilities are endless, much like aging for those who are able-bodied. There is an advantage to being disabled and growing older. I am getting a little more comfortable with not knowing what tomorrow holds. After all, look what happened in a few fateful seconds and the following three and a half years of rebuilding, rehabing.

Not much different than the process every person faces when they age. Early exposure to knowing that aging is inevitable and not under our control means dealing with the conflict between what we expect and what is. That conflict came earlier than expected. I know that the continuing changes that will occur as I age with tetraplegia will be faced differently. I'm already dealing with unrealized expectations of my body, from its appearance to altered function. Believe me, I'm not asking the question any longer, 'what more can possibly happen'.

Not that I have reached a point of complete acceptance of my body alterations - appearance, feeling, and function, but expectations are dropping off my radar. Without expectation, observation and surprise remain. Maybe, I hope, this is a precursor to making peace with change. Perhaps a forced jumpstart on the process.

#2 Seating

I don't know how many times I've commented, "it's OK, I have my own seat", meaning my wheelchair. No worries about rounding up another chair in a crowded venue. Most theaters have special seating areas for wheelchairs. I have been to two theaters that actually do not charge for tickets if you are in a wheelchair. When you think about it, this makes sense since many people in wheelchairs bring someone with them, a paying customer who requires a seat. Wow, now this is a real benefit!

It's also kind of fun to respond to the command "everyone stand please" with 'I think I'll sit this one out'. Or, when attending a conference that begins with, "lets stand up and take a deep relaxing breath followed by wake up exercises" that you have always been embarrassed to do prior to using a wheelchair. Now you have a legitimate reason for non-participation and can simply observe others being embarrassed.

Finally, no one ever asks you to please give your seat to someone else or to move over several seats to make room for more attendees...and, you are not viewed as being rude or non-compliant. Often, bringing your own chair allows you to go to the head of the line when boarding airplanes or rides at an amusement park.

So, I'll keep on bringing my custom seat that has been molded like a well fitting glove and designed for comfort. Enjoy your seat and I'll keep mine.