evolution

I've been a quad for over 35 years, as hard as it is for me to believe. I've seen myself put on a few pounds and slow down a bit. It's all been a slow progression, but the kind of progression that pretty much everyone goes through as they age.

In the last few years, I've continued to challenge myself to grow, most notably going back to school, starting a new career and moving back to Montreal. But my biggest challenge has been one that I didn't choose. It's been dealing with the aging process as a quad. I've dealt with a recent fall and the resulting broken leg. I've been less active for a number of reasons which has lowered my stamina and diminished my strength in some ways. I've had to deal with rotator cuff problems that are painful and limit my mobility. Each problem is significant in it's own way, but together they seem to grow off each other. Now I'm dealing with difficulty transferring, and it's all forcing me to deal with the reality that my level of independence is changing. Honestly, there are days that I feel that my best days are behind me. On those days, I try to remember that what I have learned in those 35 years is that those days go by, and new ones bring new hopes, new challenges and new successes.

outside

We've had a run of scorching weather lately, but today is gorgeous. There's a nice mix of sun and clouds and a gentle breeze. After a good deal of rain yesterday, the temperature is perfect. With the doors and windows open, I can hear the rustling of the leaves in the trees. It's a lovely summer's day to be alive.

Sometimes life as a quad is simply life...

sharing

I've often thought that life as a quad can be very lonely. Don't get me wrong, I've got some amazing friends and family that are a big part of my life. But there are things you go through as a quad that they'll never be able to understand. Like dropping something on the floor, spending a few minutes picking it up only to drop it again. That's how I learned to swear like a pro.

I had a brief chat with another quad today, and it reminded me of two things... first it's nice to be able to talk with someone who has been through some similar things and has a bit of an understanding of what my life is like. Secondly, whether you are a quad or not, we all go through experiences in our life that no one else can truly understand. So I guess something we all share is that we all have aspects of our life that can feel lonely.

Standing Out (no pun intended)

Being a quad means you're going to stand out, like it or not.  I had some experience with this before as I have red hair. :) But this is different obviously.  Over time you start to get used to it, but there are some days it can be a bit much.  I'll admit there are times when being noticed, and having people comment on how 'courageous' you are can be a bit of an ego boost.  But that can grow old, and it can be tiresome being reminded that you are always having to do more just to participate in life.

The more interesting reactions come from kids, the wonderment in their eyes as they see you and realize it's something new and different.  It's sad when you see some parents who pull the child away and simply say 'don't stare'. Then there are those adults who just stand and gawk at you.  It doesn't happen as often, as today we aren't expected to just sit on the sidelines anymore.

Be prepared though, you're going to get reactions you aren't expecting.  The up side is that each time you're out there doing your thing, that's a few more people who realize that we're willing to do what it takes to have a life.