Theme Thursday: Friends

This is a bit of a thorny issue with me at the moment. It isn't that I don't have friends or dislike those I have, but painful truths have a way of asserting themselves into one's life when least expected, and with the coming of Godot, several long-standing friends have made themselves scarce while others have unexpectedly come to the fore.

The recent incident in which an acquaintance panicked as my head hit pavement, rather baldly illustrates the point that not everyone is comfortable with mobility devices, whether they have an old auntie that used a traditional fold-up or my ultralite. In speaking with other chair users of various ages and backgrounds, I've learned that this flight, and the fear and ignorance beneath it is common.

I will experience anew who can be trusted, who is comfortable with the fact that I am the same person I always was, sitting or standing, and who must be graciously shown the door.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that those at greater distance have actually shown more interest in terms of questions and comments than those in my non-virtual circle. My mother's remaining family, almost all of whom are geographically distant, have taken little interest in this situation. As I have never been particularly close to them, that is to be expected.

Several friends of years continue to write, call or come by, and I was thrilled the first time one of them dismantled Godot properly, stowed the chair and yours truly in his Jetta, and went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. This individual also has no fear of going to the cinema or other public venues with me and does not spend any of our time together complaining about what a pain in the arse it is to deal with Godot, something which cannot be said for many others. I should note that this person and I have a history of seeing each other through life's changes, and there is little about which we cannot speak. Such friendships are rare and to be treasured.

I'm still adjusting and learning about getting around in large spaces with Godot, and still making friends, in both the blog world and beyond, something I hope to keep doing until my last breath.

Blogging has opened my eyes to new worlds and I am happy to be a part of this evolving phenomenon.

Until Next Time...