Curiosity is a Beautiful Thing!

I have always been a curious person by nature. I love jumping at the chance to learn something new.

I find myself wishing that people would openly ask questions relating to my different- ability, rather than wondering in silence and never uttering a word for reasons I do not understand. I have always wondered what the first thought is that worms it’s way through people’s heads when they first catch a glimpse of my wheelchair and leg braces. There is also a part of me that wonders if that is the first thing they see when they look at me .  The curiosity of others does not bother me in the slightest, and  if I happen to glance over and see you watching me, I usually will offer an invitation by breaking the ice.

Today, for example, when I was working, I noticed that a little boy with the most gorgeous, enchanting smile I have ever seen kept glancing over at me from the bridge on the playground every time I moved my chair forward with the joystick.  After a few minutes, I said, “ You can come take a look if you’d like. I can show you how it works.”  Without hesitation, he leaped off the playground and started running towards me. First, I showed him the horn. Then, I asked him if he wanted to come for a ride. He nodded his head yes. I lifted him  onto my knee, lowered the speed, told him to put his hand over top of mine and push. A contagious belly laugh came out from inside of him. I watched as his mother grinned from a distance.  I could feel my heart fluttering inside of me.

I take the opportunities I can to do this sort of thing, because I understand that others are naturally curious, too.  I know that people may refrain from asking questions out of fear that their inquiry might offend me, or anyone else in a similar position, but I honestly do not mind answering any questions. This is a reality in my life, so nothing you say or do is going to remind me of that. I have accepted it.  I feel it’s important for me to answer the questions that people have, in an attempt to raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy and other exceptionalities, so go ahead, ask away!