There are plenty of things to read about how people with physical disabilities are mistreated. But it is not all bad, not in my case anyway. Because of you guys, I tend to wear rose colored glasses, always seeing the best in people. 99% of people treat me with the utmost kindness, helpfulness and respect. So to you guys, think of this as a thank you note. My warm fuzzies are not limited to one group, country or culture. Almost everywhere I've been I've experienced nothing but human kindness. Now, I've been some places; England, Scotland, Mexico, Bulgaria, Vietnam and all over the USA. I know I cannot say my experience is the only thing going but I still think it is worth sharing. People need positive reminders. Let me share a few highlights. This is personal stuff, man and I don't share it lightly.
Bulgaria- Three strangers met me at the airport (okay, I met one on line) and took care of me for a week as if I was a family member. I never had to worry about a thing. They shared their culture and country with me. It was amazing! Some people thought I was nuts for going. I guess I was a little nuts. I hope I still am. Whenever I'm overseas, I want people to think well of us yanks. So I avoided being a pain in the ass. Think like Michael Jordan. He once said, "A fan may only get one chance in their life to meet me. I want that to be the best experience possible." I may be paraphrasing but stick with me. When I'm over seas, I may be the only American somebody ever sees or meets. I want to do it right. So whatever my new best friends wanted to do I was up for. We'll figure a way up the steps, over the cobblestones and if it rains, well, we'll just get wet. Just deal, yo! I let them guide me through their culture, food and down many, many unmarked roads. Yes, they knew I was a person with a physical disability in advance. Other places I've bee the experience has been similar.
Vietnam- I read a lot of negative things about being physically disabled in East Asia so I was a little apprehensive about going there*. But this time I was meeting an old family friend, so I figured I'd be okay. I went back in 2005. The place is not what one would call "handicapped accessible." There were steps almost everywhere and the curbs resembled the Cliffs of Dover. The people there made the difference. I never had trouble getting help whenever it was needed. Quite often, I didn't even have to ask. Once at a bust market, we stopped for lunch. I ordered pork strips with rice. The young waitress cut mine up without me asking. I would have got someone at the table with me to do it. So, yeah, I was going to ask somebody. The loving-kindness I experienced there was unbelievable! I went back in 2007 and met my wife to be, Thu. But that's another story. I cannot forget you guys here at home.
USA- Too many to mention! Let me share a funny story. I was in an air port once and got singled out by the TSA for a random special screening; shoes, metal detector wand with a date-night pat down. Once they were satisfied I had no explosives, firearms or nail clippers, I was sent back to the waiting area. I sit down with a shrug and this random stranger says to me, "Man, I'm glad they checked you! I just knew you were all Al Qaeda. Now, I can enjoy the flight!" All present had a good laugh. Keep your sense of humor, people! It will get you a long way. The TSA dudes were just doing their jobs. No hard feelings.
You get out of life what you put into it. Sure, you can sport the "I'm disabled" label on your forehead, making demands, focusing inward on your own problems (health and otherwise) and spouting the whole life is not fair mantra. But really? Where will that get you? "You are as happy or sad as you choose to be," somebody said. (Lincoln or Lady Gaga for all I know) Let me make a small change. "You are as disabled as you choose to be." No, I had no control over being born with AMC, but I do control how I chose to deal with it.
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