Blog > Thoughts > Other's Thoughts > Ada's Thoughts > Called to the wheelchair…
Called to the wheelchair…
Written by Ada on Saturday, November 15, 2008
I’ve only talked to one friend about all this transabled, BIID stuff. Of course, I blurted something out after a few cocktails one night. I thought there was at least a small chance he was drunk and wouldn’t remember. But he did remember. And he’s been really great! He commented that he can hear in my voice that a weight has been lifted. He asks me about what I’m going through, and has been far more supportive than I could have imagined. He doesn’t really understand, but he doesn’t question my feelings or thoughts.
I’m still not fully able to articulate what is going on inside me. The words want and need are sometimes interchangeable in my mind, and at other times are distinctly different. Thus far I’ve only said that I’m thinking about buying a wheelchair to use. And there *may* come a time where I will need/want to use it in public. He is my very best friend and we are truly invested in each others lives. We travel together and I brought up that there may come a time when my using a wheelchair could have an effect on him. He said he loved me and supported me and would continue to, no matter what I choose to do. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.
My friend has distinctive use of vocabulary. Whenever we talk about all this, he uses the phrase "called to the wheelchair." He has said, "If you feel called to the wheelchair, you should just try it!" "If you feel called to the wheelchair, and find it makes you feel better, just do it. Who bloody cares what others think?" "If you feel called to the wheelchair….."
"Called to the wheelchair" seems to encapsulate want and need. I think it’s a really great way to phrase it! :)
Tags: BIID, Transabled, Wheelchair
This entry appears in Ada's Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
4 Comments
That is a really good phrase. It is indeed a vocation. I am truly happy that you have such a loving and supportive friend, Ada.
My dear friend is not just a friend to me indeed. BUT to ALL of us :)
I\’ve long wanted to be a T6 para. It feels extraordinary to find out I am not alone in this strange world. \’Called\’ indeed.
Post your comments
© transabled.org - 1994-2012 - All Rights Reserved.
1 On 15 November, 2008, Beth said:
Ada, that sums up how I feel too, I don’t have a clear idea of exactly what I need. I couldn’t tell you exactly what spinal level I should be injured at, or even if it really is a spinal injury that I need but I know that one day I NEED to use a wheelchair full time out of neccesity. ‘Called to the wheelchair’ sounds right for me.