A few weeks ago we visited our son and his family. I didn't realise my wife had booked the motel's Disability Unit. As she parked in the disability space, I said. "Do you realise this is a disability car space." She said, "Yes I know, we are staying in the disability unit." I immediately thought. "Really!". This is a first. It eventually dawned on me that I'm the disabled one although I hadn't quite thought of myself in that light.
Just because I have declining sight and increasing arthritis, am I now considered as disabled? Well, actually yes. A telling blow to my ego. Other units have a shower head over a bath and my wife did not want me stepping over a slippery bath risking broken bones in the process. Not a good look. Late that night I had to admit to myself, "Yeah, in fact I have 2 chronic conditions that qualify me as 'disabled'”.
Feelings and thoughts were rolling around in my mind as if in a tumble dryer. And I must say I'm so grateful for the support I have when it's needed. That's not the issue...I am. The thing I resent the most, is my loss of independence. I wonder if I will ever come to terms with this. One day, maybe.