The painter took the whole house apart and told me I could put everything back with the help of my sons. He’s seen me limp around and struggle to perform simple every day tasks. He knows I had a stroke years ago.
His leaving the place with a ton of physical work for me made me realize that he had no idea I am as limited as I am. I suppose it looks like I am ok because I can walk and have all of my body parts. It is hard to see that I have limited strength and coordination as well as poor balance which make it hazardous for me to lift anything that weighs over 5 lbs or is large and cumbersome. It looks as if I can do anything. I guess this is kind of neat in that I can present myself as if I am like everyone else.
In general, I like to be treated as if I don’t have a disability. This is particularly true when it comes to relationships. I know I have been discriminated against in the world of dating because some prospects don’t want to deal with my disability. I believe some friends have distanced themselves since I became disabled due to their own discomfort at seeing me with limitations.
After I realized that the painter just didn’t get it, I wasn’t too pleased with the mess he left and having to rely on others to put the place back to right. I must admit, I do not want to be treated as if I am like everyone else in parking lots where I prefer those reserved parking spaces, or in long security lines where I am allowed to cut to the front. Just sayin’.
Thank you for reading :)
