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A year in review, sorta
Written by Sean on Monday, December 31, 2007
December 31st. The last day of the year. And what a year it’s been, really. Seems like there’s been loads of things going on. Some years stuff happen more than others, it seems. This year was certainly eventful.
When I was a kid, I saw a movie called “The sandwich years”. I don’t recall the movie itself, I have a feeling it was pretty much crap. But it had a concept that stuck with me since. It basically said years are a bit like sandwiches. Some years are the meat - interesting, eventful, tasty. Other years are the bread to support the meat - boring, unventful, a chance to recuperate.
Objectively, not that much stuff happened this year, but at the same time, there are quite a few things that seem to have happened. In no particular order:
- Dr. First began his follow-up study about Body Integrity Identity Disorder. I was incidental in making that happen.
- I researched and gathered most of the research and writing done about BIID, and put it up on a website to serve as a resource for transabled individuals, their loved ones, researchers, academics, and the medical folks.
- I reached depths of depression I had rarely reached before and came near killing myself.
- I managed to shake off depression and while I have not been completely depression free, I’ve had the longest uninterupted period of very low depression (2 months and counting) that I can remember in years.
- Finally told my partner about this website.
- Made new friends.
- Renewed friendship with long lost friends.
- And a few more things that must remain unsaid at this time ;)
I hope that this year has not been too rough on you. And I wish you a very good, healthy, happy, prosperous new year. May your dearest wish come true.
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9 Comments
Mine:
-I purchased my first wheelchair
-went out for my first-ever wheeling trip (turned out to be the first of three before the year was done)
-finally joined the online BIID community
-told someone else about BIID (not including online acquaintances)
-started seeking counselling to help deal with the feelings from BIID
-started seriously considering my future as a wheeler (ie. whether to go full-time, if I’m ready to tell others, etc.)
3 On 3 January, 2008, Sean said:
Good stuff! Keep ‘em coming :)
Mine:
not much
-learned about what I am
-told my cousin quite a bit (i think all)
Ideas to come:
-full time pretender (gonna be hard)
-get wheelchair (*shudder* expensive)
-tell mom all I can handle
5 On 4 January, 2008, Sean said:
Lucien, remember, take baby steps :) You’re still living at home, you’re not yet 18. I wouldn’t even think about considering full time pretending for a while. Work on yourself, try to understand your feelings better, learn about both BIID and your desired impairment. These are all things you *can* do now, without every having put your butt in a wheelchair. Doing that work now will see you MILES ahead of where I was at by the time I turned 20. Don’t be in a rush to get a wheelchair now. As long as you live with parents that don’t accept or understand, you’d only be creating more aggravation for yourself.
Lucien, if I might add? Work on strengthening your upper body for the day when you do go into a chair.
As I said to Claire the other day in a more private forum, Is there any way we can get away from the “pretender” terminology. I’m not pretending about anything when I use mobility aids, I’m taking care of symptoms. There must be a simple one-word way of saying that. To say I’m “pretending” implies that BIID is unreal. We all know it’s a very real impairment. My 2ยข.
well said Brice I totally agree.
my year went so fast till towards the end where my partner did reasearch and found its name BIID I told her about me which went down ok but hit her a few days later, then settled to the point of her buying me elbow crutches for christmas i actually feel quite good now that i have a load of my chest but it still doesnt fix it so will be hopefully rid of my damn leg soon
@Dave, well use your crutches it will be easier to get things off your chest as your upper body gets stronger. Seriously, you’ve come a long way, your partner must really love and trust you, you’re a lucky guy.
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1 On 31 December, 2007, Claire said:
Mine:
- told my mom about BIID
- flew as a wheeler
- wheeled at an amusement park
- took part in two major studies on BIID
- became a full-time pretender (I still can’t believe that one)
I too wish everyone a happy new year and your dearest wishes.