What do you want from Life?

This is a response to our friend Barb after she emailed me that her and her daughters Mindy and Abby pray for me to be healed daily.
Sorry to put a serious spin on an otherwise entertaining blog.

"I really appreciate all the thoughts you give to me and my being able to walk. And I really appreciate all the prayers from you and the girls.

On the other hand going with the "god works in mysterious ways" idea I personally believe I'm a MUCH better person since I've been injured and it's not really that important that I walk again. (However bodily function control and pain relief would be wonderful! )
I personally like to believe that this is god's plan for me and if he "cured" me I may go back to being the selfish individual that I was at 33 when I was injured. You have to realize that I have a better and louder voice now than then. Not only for the able-bodied as an "inspiration" (if she can do it so can I) but for people with disabilities as well (for the same reason) not to mention in the political arena where I have those constant advocacy and accessibility issues keeping me going. It's much easier for me to speak out and be opinionated in the chair because not only do I get a little leeway : ) but also I get to be heard because in the current arena no one wants to be accused of brushing off a person with a disability. And such an obvious disability at that. So it's a funny world that we live in isn't it?

Would I be noticed as much as a good pool player if I didn't use the chair? That idea kind of comes around a lot in my day to day life. People need to see people with disabilities surviving in the world. After all we are all different, my difference is just a little more obvious than others. I do thank God that I was not born in a 3rd world country that would have been REALLY difficult. But you know I probably would have found a way to deal with it. Anyone would.

Additionally would I have such a GREAT group of friends if I were not in the chair? I don't think so! Nor would I ever have met my Ray.
I know that people who hang out with me really want to be with me for my character and personality and sometimes they have to make concessions in their own lives because of my disability. I believe that is what true friendship is. I lost several "close" friends when I had my accident. Were they really close? I guess not. The friends that held on are the ones I cherish the most and hold closest to my heart and that encompasses the support of my family too. Again I believe that's what it's all about.

Lastly one of the biggest compliments I've had is when someone forgets I'm using a chair.

I hope this is not coming off the wrong way.
If they came up to me tomorrow and asked if they could cure me I'm not sure what the answer would be. I would not trade my life for anything. Nor would I want to jeopardize what I have. "

So to all that use my name and pity in the same sentence. Rethink!