"Walking"

The idea for today's blog entry came to me late in the game. At various stages in my life, I have been asked what it would be like if I could walk unaided. The short answer is I don't know, since I was born with Cerebral Palsy.

But, there is a longer one...

How would you describe the act of walking? Is it putting one foot in front of the other? Well, simply put, yes. Technically though, what your body has to do on autopilot would probably trip you up if you thought about it each time you had to take a step. It is, however, a form of motion -- usually forward motion.

The other day, I found myself coming to the "defense" of another person who happened to have a different condition than mine, but was exhibiting some of the same troubles I do when it comes to fine motor coordination. While pouring coffee some of it missed the mark-- ending up on the table and in the saucer.When I asked her if she cared for another saucer, she clearly stated that she would rather not have one. I smiled, waited a beat and took a sip of my own coffee before there was a rush to help her clean up and get her a saucer. I hastily repeated that she actually didn't want one. I realize now that my tone was less than calm, but I was sure at the time that they had heard her answer to me. I surprised myself.

What is the meaning of this slightly long-winded story? Walking could be a metaphor for learning. As you learn you move forward in life. As you move forward in life, you will hopefully ask more questions and, thereby, gain more knowledge. There is nothing wrong with asking a question, but the trick is to listen for the answer. When a good intentioned person doesn't listen to an answer given by me, I tend to acquiesce (especially if I don't know them well), and feel like I should have stood up for myself in the said situation.

So, I am here to tell anybody reading this who doesn't already know. A dis-ABILITY does not necessarily mean a lack of ability. It just means that we may do things a bit differently, and possibly slower. than the majority of the population. Go ahead and ask the question. We may need help. If you don't ask, you won't know. All I ask is that you listen to the answer given.