Guest Author - Deborah Pipas
Suppose you were involved in an accident and it completely changed life as you know it right now. What do you think you would do? Most of us move through our day without ever thinking or even realizing that our life could be changed instantly by a car accident, an unexpected illness or something as simple as a fall. These are things that we do not like to think about and many of us avoid being around those who are disabled when at all possible because deep inside we know that it we are as vulnerable as the next person.
In America alone over thirty million people suffer from some type of disability. Some were born with a disability, others became ill and disability is the result while others have been injured in accidents that completely altered their lives. How many of us ever really give thought to the idea that disability could befall us?
Americans are unprepared for the most part to deal with such tragedies. We live pay check to pay check never thinking about what our future may hold. Tragic events change the lives of families daily. It jeopardizes their financial situations and often crushes hopes and dreams.
For those of us on the outside looking in, it is often difficult to even imagine what these families and individuals live through daily. We take for granted the abilities that we have to take care of ourselves physically and financially. We get into our vehicles and go about our business never stopping to think about being unable to attend to our own personal business or needs. We pay our bills; take care of our families and homes without ever realizing it could all change in a moment.
Those who are born disabled suffer physically, financially and emotionally even though they are conditioned from birth to live with limitations. Statistics show us that over half the population in our country indicated through a recent poll that they would rather die than to live with a severe disability. What if we were to look at things in a different light? When you look into the faces of your loved ones can you honestly believe they would be better off without you in the picture?
There are many different types of disability that can change our lives beyond what we could ever imagine. I don’t know of one person that really wants to think about this subject but it is a fact of life. Anyone of us can face it personally or live through it with a loved one. It is a subject that just can’t be ignored as our population steadily increases. I hope all who read this will pause to give this some thought and in doing so take the time to be more compassionate, understanding, helpful, friendly and/or thoughtful toward those we meet who are disabled. Many of them lead lonely lives due to their physical or mental limitations. Is there someone you know or see often that would love to have you as a friend?
Disability is a very serious subject. However, all of us who deal with this either directly or indirectly need a break now and then. Sometimes it is enjoyable just to do something fun and relieve our minds of all the daily pressures of dealing with the issues surrounding our own personal disabilities or those of our loved ones.
Take a little “fun” time for yourself and follow the link below to play Disability Hangman.
