I became a quadriplegic 23 years ago. My parents have not adjusted to
accepting my disability in the sense they would wish that I could walk, run,
not struggle with autonomic dysreflexia and Urinary tract infections. I have
not adjusted either. Living with quadriplegia in many way "for me" sucks.
What is most encouraging is that my friends, family and colleagues treat me
with dignity, love and respect which when mutually shared makes life
hopeful.
Henry
David Pfeiffer wrote:
> Simi....My parents (both deceased) NEVER did adjust (?) to my polio which
> I contracted at age 9. They both died a few months before they turned 90,
> but my mother was 7 years younger. It was with shock that I realized when
> I was in my 50s that my father was legally blind for most of his life. He
> never talked in terms of a disability. It is much more complex than this,
> but anymore will have to be off list....David
>
> On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Simi Linton wrote:
>
> > In Tuesday's NY Times there was an interview with Charles Ruff's mom.
> > He is the chief White House counsel, disabled guy.
> > In the course of the interview, the writer (not mom) states that Ruff
> > "came down with a poliolike virus that has left him in a wheelchair
> > ever since." (I quote this not to start another tennis match about
> > language - although this is as ridiculous and problematic as
> > wheelchair bound, but as context for the following:
> > Ruff's mom is quoted as saying "He's handled it extremely well. Better
> > than I."
> >
> > I am curious about her statement. It was my experience that my mother
> > was "adjusting" to my impairment/disability status, long after I'd
> > moved on.
> > I arrived at disability in my early 20's, and I think my mother never
> > quite got past it.
> > I know this is quite personal, but I am attempting to write about it
> > for a broad audience and I would like to learn whether this is a
> > phenomenon that others can relate to or a more idiosyncratic
> > experience.
> > Thanks for your help, REply off-list if you'd like.
> > Simi Linton
> > ==
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> > Simi Linton
> > [log in to unmask]
> > 212 580 9280 (phone and fax)
> > |~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|
> >
> > _________________________________________________________
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> >
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