The Importance of Friendship and Advocacy

It has been said that the only way to truly understand what a person is going through is walk a mile in his or her shoes. Everyone's journey has it's own path and, it just so happens that I was given a challenge that not everyone is familar with. While I have learned many valuable lessons along the way, there has also been times where I have become frustrated and annoyed with my circumstances because I felt as though no one could possibly understand what is like to live in my body. I was mistaken. When I was in school, I had an amazing group of friends who accepted me for who I am, despite my physical challenges. Even though they viewed me the same as everyone else, I always felt somewhat out of place.

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Last week Thursday, I spent the whole day with my friend Justice and his roommates, Keith and Dennis. We are just like any other group of friends with one exception. My friendship with these three amazing individuals and their helpers is very special to me because, we are all able to relate to the challenges that we encounter on a daily basis that come with having a different ability. When I am hanging out with them, I feel as though my disability is not the elephant in the room because it is our normal. I am so grateful for all of the lessons that they have taught me and, I am also grateful for the support system that binds us together. Having a disability is just another part of our daily lives and, yet, it is not our focus.

Recently, I talked to all of my friends who have different abilities. I asked them if they would want people to understand one thing about people with disabilities, what would it be? Every single one of them had the same response. " The one thing I wish people would understand is that other than our challenges, we are no different than anyone else." I think that everyone everyone has a disability and, whether it is visible or lies beneath the exterior, it limits us in one way or another. The key is deciding whether or not you are going to let your personal limitations define who you are as an individual.

My own challenges have inspired me to be an advocate for people, but especially the disabled community. There was a time in my life where being open and expressing my thoughts and feelings scared me. Once people share how they are feeling, it takes a huge load off their shoulders. I also have realized that by doing this, I am actually helping others. The answer to that question could not be more true. People with disabilities do not want to be treated any differently. However, we also want others to understand that while many of us are capable of making our own descions about what to do with our lives, we may need a little extra support to accomplish our goals and dreams. All we ask is that those around us take the time to listen.