Growing up, I was often told by various family members that if they could they would take my disability away from me, as if that were some realistic possibility. The truth is those are nothing more than empty words meant as an empathetic attempt at understanding the struggles one faces when living with a disability. The truth is unless you live with a disability, there is no understanding what that life is like. Sure those who are friends or family of people with disabilities have their own perspective and that in itself comes with its own challenges. The truth is you don't know the fear that lies in wondering if every time you have a headache or feel nauseous if that means your shunt is malfunctioning. The truth is you don't know the fear that comes from every hospital visit, whether it's for an annual checkup or an upcoming surgery. The truth is you don't know the frustration that comes from being denied accessibility to various venues of interest. The truth is you don't know what it feels like to have a society tell you in so many words that you are "less than" and that your needs are of little to no importance. The truth is you don't know the fear that comes from not knowing whether your abilities will render you capable of gainful and meaningful employment. The truth is you don't understand the fear that is tied into how that affects your future and your quality of life. The truth is you don't know the fear that comes from not knowing whether you'll be able to live a life of independence or need to rely on others.
KB