Differently Abled

To find a way around an obstacle, that is the whole heart of being, "differently abled", it is not just a politically correct turn of phrase, but is actually a badge of honor to be worn by all who have managed to overcome whatever pitfalls life has thrown into their paths. Look at Helen Keller, for instance. She was blind, deaf and mute ever since her toddler days and she not only did everything that other women could do, but she did some things that most women of her day were not allowed to do. For example, she went to a mainstream college, not an all-women’s college, which was something totally unheard of in that era. Not only that, but she could write with a pencil, speak aloud, tell if someone was angry or not just by shaking his hand, speak five languages, and was an avid equestrian.

Not bad for someone who could not hear or see. That is a prime example of a person who has overcome a terrible deformity, and become abled thanks to her own hard work and perseverance. Then there are the families of the overcomers, the people who have cried over them, labored over them, helped them, fought for them, loved them, and supported them all the way to personal victory. These are special people who should have a special place waiting for them in Heaven because of their patience, their self-denial, and the magnitude of their love. This, of course, also applies to caregivers, who are not necessarily family members but may as well be, since they are the people who give all they can in support of another human being. These people, I salute.

So, the next time you feel an ache or pain, a sliver gets into your finger, or you stub your toe on some furniture, keep in mind how temporary your suffering really is, and how much worse it could be. I think of that when I recall the splinter that flew into my eye not long ago, and left me with a weird red splotch across my field of vision that took three or four weeks to finally go away. It could have been much worse. I could have been permanently blinded in that eye or partially so. I treasure my vision, I don’t even wear glasses, so I consider myself very fortunate and blessed by God. The next time I sprain my ankle, a common occurance for me, the natural maladroit, I hope I have the presence of mind at the time to thank God that I have legs, ankles and feet to stand on. Because there are some people out there who do not, and would probably love to experience a sprained ankle.

The obstacles that lie in our paths are the route to greater patience, learning, and compassion for others. From them, we acquire all the building blocks that make us the people that we are, and the people that we will become. So, stand tall, walk strong, rest well, and thank the Lord up above if you can do all of those things, and try to remember those who cannot. And feel that joyful surprise when someone who should not be able to live a normal life….does. That is the way to really live, even if it does take a harsh life’s lesson to get you there. Overcoming adversity is the mark of the human spirit, the one that just cannot be quenched.