When people hear the words “physical disability”, they first think of people who can’t walk. There is so much more than just being unable to get up and walk. Even if they can walk, getting dressed and climbing in a vehicle is still challenging. Going places takes a lot of time and effort. When people are incapable of putting on their shoes and socks, it means they need help from others which require much patience. That is just one simple thing. 

What about those who are more limited? How much time do you think they wait around on a daily basis? If many people are like me, we would be averaging between two and three hours. Some days are longer. Waiting to get dressed or use the bathroom multitude times a day. Waiting for someone to give me a drink. Waiting until somebody makes a meal and feeds it to me. Even waiting for each bite. If I want one of my family members to set up my tv, that means more patience. I am always waiting. 

In my book, I had written a paragraph that fits along with what I have been saying. “Not everybody can pick me up. Have you ever found yourself laying hopeless in bed? I never want to wait for somebody to get me off my bed, so I can fully communicate with my device. I never want to wait to get up, so I can move on with my life. I never want to wait to climb out of bed, so I could go to work. It is all a part of living with a physical disability. I learned to be patient. Life would be less meaningful if I didn’t develop patience. “Tonia, you are the most patient person.” people commented. ‘No, Michael is the most patient person.’ mom informed them. Not being able to get up and walk is tougher than most people can imagine.”