So came the question followed by a pint-sized kid of about four pointing at me. I stayed quiet and waited for the bus, my nose deep within Nigel Slater's boyhood biopic, Toast. The mother sat down, looked her child in the eye and replied, "That is a wheelchair. The lady sitting in it uses it to get around like other people we know use bikes to go places and do things."
I half expected a follow up question such as, "But why is she in that? That question, however, wasn't asked as apparently the child, satisfied with her mother's initial answer, said, rather astutely, "Her arms must get tired even if her legs don't."
Don't you just love little kids for being able to get to the heart of things so quickly? I also tip my hat to this mother, who, rather than flinching, pulling her child away or squirming, answered in a straight forward manner. Interestingly, neither she nor her child said anything about disability or not being able to do things the way walking folk do, which is more often what I hear in these situations. The emphasis was on getting around and doing, which these days, I do in spades.
While I should apologise for not scribing here of late, the things that have kept me away are necessary, if not always enjoyable. My efforts in the gym have left me tired but a few pounds lighter, a trend I hope continues. Though I harbour no aspirations of being stick thin, I do enjoy getting stronger and more flexible.
Watching the occasional pick up game on the court is added scenery.
Until Next Time...
10 comments:
Nice to hear of someone positive who can give clear explanations. Her child is lucky in its mother.
smiles...i love hearing how kids view the world...they have such an innocence to them....
Yeah, it sounds like the mother handled that question really well! Good for her! Hope you're doing OK -- maybe we could grab a bite when I visit next week?
Yes, that was a very positive and unprejudiced answer. Good for her. There are many disabled people in Northern Ireland, partly because of the Troubles, so by and large they tend to be treated quite well. But you still hear now and again of some horrifyingly callous incident. The trouble is that many people just can't put themselves in the other person's shoes.
We could all take a lesson from that mother as we learn how to say the right thing. I have overheard children asking their mothers why I walk the way I do, but I have never stuck around to hear the answer.
Sounds like you're busy living, E. I love to see the days getting longer because I get out more myself. Cheers on your training results!
A positive post, thank you.
Children always ask the questions that we, as adults, never do.
I have never once been hurt by a child's question, only by their parents reaction to their inquiry.
Life goes on and you obviously are enjoying it, I am glad, even if it means you are posting less. Happy very belated New Year E.
X David
Like you, I admire that sort of honesty from a parent in our tiresome politically-correct society.
What a postiive post and approach: from mother and child. Thanks you for sharing with us e, I think by sharing with us you get us to reflect on our own behaviours too.
Also thank you so much for your warm wishes. Your comments are always thoughtful and appreciated.
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