A Memory from the Past

When I was a child, I saw a young girl in a wheelchair being pushed by a woman I assumed to be her mother. We shared a smile as we passed. I was just a little girl myself, and I related to the girl in the chair because we were about the same age.

An adult nearby -- not someone I knew -- said: "Isn't that a shame? She is so pretty."

Actually, I thought the little girl was lucky because she had a chair with wheels. She was lucky, too, because she was pretty. She was also lucky because her mother seemed proud to be with her and they were having such a good time. They were enjoying each other and the outing on such a nice day. She was lucky.

What did that woman really mean when she said: "Isn't that a shame? She is so pretty." Is it okay for plain children to be in wheelchairs?

That happened many years ago, but I still remember the moment and I can still relte with that little girl.  I am now sitting in a wheelchair and I feel lucky.  My chair has wheels, I enjoy family and friends, and I can have outings on nice days.  I hope that little girl is still smiling, too. 

People in wheelchairs, as well as those not in wheelchairs, can be pretty and smart, sexy and funny, determined and productive.  It is not a shame because the little girl was so pretty.  It is a shame that woman had to say it like that.

Picture Credit: commissioned by GR.Jenkin