Another crucial ingredient during recovery is a sense of humour. I’ve cried of laughter with a friend after my dentures flew out mid-sentence. I’ve had friends tell me supportively to “break a leg!” before important hospital appointments. My walk-in wardrobe was christened the ‘hobble-in’ wardrobe.
When I passed the time sewing Bag Lady tote bags, my friends brainstormed totally inappropriate but funny collection names, like “tragedy totes“, “pity purses“, “disability duffles” , and “hit-and-run handbags“. You just can’t expect to survive this thing without a laugh.
I’ve just found your blog and read your story. I’m a stroke survivor in a wheelchair myself, and I like to read about how others in wheelchairs are getting along, and maybe get different viewpoints. I don’t know anyone else in a wheelchair in real life, and it makes me feel less alone to have an online community. And I really appreciate your humor, I always love a good laugh.
Thank you Denise! I’m happy to hear my blog has helped you. I don’t know anyone in my circle of friends & family in a wheelchair either — so I know how isolating and difficult that can be. Even if people around me offer me lots of support, there’s something comforting about being in touch with others in a similar situation. One of the best things for me was searching relevant hashtags on Instagram, (“wheelchair”, “wheelchairlife”, “babewithamobilityaid” and many more) revealing a world of bloggers and Instagrammers who have learned to adapt, overcome, and thrive. It has given me hope and it’s shown me reduced mobility shouldn’t stop you from getting the most out of life. That’s a message I hope to pass on through my blog too. 🙂
I read your stories and this blog post really impressed me. I’ve only seen you smiling and being open to everyone around, but you have overcome tremendous amount of difficulties that no one can imagine. And it is amazing that you have started to make this website with accesible places for wheelchairs. I’m sure your work will help a lot of people with wheelchair to explore Amsterdam, which looks a bit not-so-wheelchair-friendly because it’s an old city.
I showed your instagram photos to my 6 yo son, including the stiches and x-rays. He was at first surprised, and then he told me you are very brave and strong because she can walk again. He also said it’s very cool that you have(had) metal pieces on your legs. I really think that one day soon you’ll give a class to school children about your stories. I’m sure children will learn a lot form you.
Again, thank you for sharing your experiences, and it’s amazing you have made your experiences into this website. Keep on going!!
Thank you for your lovely words of support Shiho!