Friday, June 22, 2012

in poland, all dancing is pole dancing...love, mari


Printed in Georgia Connector Magazine, Summer Issue, 2012

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” — Coco Channel

I have been neither since January.  That's what happens when two legs become one and simple motions become exhaustive behaviors.  I have had to take into account that when I said, "I'll be there in a second," I really meant, "I'll be there by next Tuesday."  

And so concludes this chapter of my life, entitled, "Revenge of the Achilles Tendon." I pledge to forever honor this tendon that controls everything from the knee down, to stretch on the onset of each exercise session and to protect my legs with paramount caution. I will remain vertical at all costs.

With that in mind, I have learned many lessons during my stint in decorative leg wear. Not only did I learn that those hideous and bulky covers are necessary for healing but also that the minor things really are quite major.

Many questions were raised in my small brain about the accessibility for and treatment of those with handicaps whether they be great or small, lasting or temporary. First of all, why are ramps at such an incline?  Going up or down takes a balancing act and incredible braking skills. I, along with whoever was helping at the moment, almost  met my Maker on many occasions. And why are ramps so far away from handicap parking?  And why are doors so heavy? If you get to the front door, how in the world are you supposed to open it while holding firmly to a walker ? And how are you supposed to get to the motorized wheelchair located in the front of a store if you are alone and can't walk?  And why are grocery stores so big? And why do people look at you like you're contagious rather than offering a smile? Sometimes, that's all I needed.

My observations are by no means new nor are they earth shattering.  I'm sure there are laws and explanations for every point I raise. But to those that who are recovering from surgeries or accidents, or those dealing with disease or old age, access and compassion are the least we can do to take away a smidge of  the hurt.  Opening a door, or just waiting on the other side of the opened door. Getting the out-of-reach can on the grocery store shelf or simply asking , "Can I help?"

Now, I have to take these lessons-learned and change the world, or at least, my world. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?

And so my dear Coco Channel, I'm not sure I can do classy and fabulous according to your definition, but I will most definitely tweak my meaning to include simple acts of kindness, a helping hand, a kind word and a hug to squeeze out the unhappy of it all. Everything is major - to someone. 
 

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