New Beginnings!

A Whole New World!

So many amazing things have taken place in my life over the past month. Several of these new, exciting adventures that I have encountered recently is completely uncharted territory for myself, as well as those around me. Three months ago, I would have never imagined that I would now be living in my own place with two wonderful roommates. Living in my own home has gifted me with a sense of freedom and independence that I have never experienced before. Nothing beats knowing that I am free to go anywhere in my house with no restrictions, because it is completely wheelchair accessible, something that I have never had. This may sound weird, but having to crawl on my hands and knees all the time was a constant reminder of my physical limitations. There is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded of the fact that I have CP, but my whole perception has changed, and I can do so much more now. I am nineteen years old, and for the first time in my life, I am able to do my own laundry- a huge accomplishment for me. I phoned my mom after I put my first load of laundry in the washer, yelling in excitement. She claims that the feeling of euphoria will eventually subside, and I will hate the very idea of doing laundry, but let me tell you, even now, after two weeks, I find myself giggling uncontrollably as I toss my clothes into the machine and push the “ start” button. One of the most significant changes for me has been that I can now have a conversation with my friends and family without having to look up at their faces, while sitting on the ground. Instead, I can have conversations with everyone at eye level. I can’t even begin to express just how amazing this feels.

Does this thing have an airbag?

One of the things that I have observed since starting my job at the after school care program almost a year ago now is that, children are the most honest, non- judgmental and funny creatures on the planet.

Recently, we had the opportunity to take the children to a movie. On the way back to the center, I carried a little boy on my lap. When we stopped at the crosswalk to wait for a car he said,

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.” What he said next almost made me fall out of my chair!

“Becca, does this thing have an airbag.” I could not help but laugh. I wish that adults were more like children in the sense that they are not afraid to inquire and ask questions. The truth is, that I would rather people take the time to ask questions than wonder in silence. As a person with a different ability, I feel that it is my responsibility to educate people, not only about the challenges that we face, but also that having a disability does not make us weird or any different than anyone else. I am not an alien from the planet Mars. Since moving out, I have noticed even more than before that people stare at me when I am out and about independently. People with disabilities are the same as everyone else. We may appear different, but on the inside we are all the same. We all have feelings. The misconceptions of others is something that I have become accustomed to over the years. Now that I am an adult, I realize that these misconceptions are a direct result of a lack of education. This is why I share my story so willingly through my blogs and motivational speaking presentations. If we all took the time to be conscience about the feelings of others, the world would be a completely different place.

The Ultimate Escape.

As many of you already know, I am a self- proclaimed daredevil. I have been sit- skiing for about six years now. My most recent experience at the hill was an extra special one, because my parents came to the hill to witness the exhilarating sport that I love so very much. Skiing is the ultimate escape for me. When I am flying down the mountain in my bucket, I feel like a bird, who has just been released from her cage. I have been offered an opportunity to travel to hopefully Quebec for the CADS festival next year, something that I am wholeheartedly looking forward to. I am also going to accomplish my goal of having no one ski behind me. Below, is a video of me skiing a few weekends ago.