DC in my WC

So...we went to Washington DC in June for two reasons. First, to attend the UMDF conference and advocate for Mitochondrial Disease on Capitol Hill and second, for a family vacation. If you've ever been to DC you know how much you have to walk...EVERYWHERE. Luckily, I knew this ahead of time and for the FIRST time I took my wheelchair on vacation. It was a psychological hurdle. Am I handicapped? What does that mean anyway? Years ago, I naively thought that wheelchairs were used only by people who literally could not walk, that and the injured or elderly. I'm not injured or elderly and I can walk, even run, but I find myself in DC in my WC (wheelchair).

I am purposely calling it MY wheelchair to get used to the sound of that. I bought it at a second hand store in my home town last year. I used it when we went to the fair last summer for the first time. It saved me from exhaustion and I was able to do everything I wanted without pooping out or having to recover for days. I found gratitude in that, but the wheelchair felt so foreign and strange. I can walk. I wonder what people are thinking? Does it surprise people when I stand up? Will they let me ride the rides when the see me roll up to them in a chair? Am I lazy? Am I that sick?

I had the "opportunity" to take my chair on another vacation with some friends earlier this spring and I just couldn't get myself to do it. But I knew, I KNEW, I would have to befriend myWC for DC.

I had the same questions in DC that I had at the fair last summer and more. But overall, it again was a blessing. I was able to do so much more and enjoy my family and vacation because I used my energy wisely.

I had an interesting experience I want to ponder with you. We were stopped on a sidewalk ready to cross the street when a family came up and stood by us. The mom looked at me, smiled and said "I am so jealous of you and that ride right now. You are so lucky." I smiled and said I could understand her. But her comment (meant to be kind) was naive. Think about it for a second...if someone is in a wheelchair, they live with restrictions, limits, disease, aging, frustration, it's not a fun ride.

It's not a fun ride. I wished I had taken the time to hand her a card I have with Mito information on it. I wished I had taken the time to say, "I understand, but I'd rather be walking." I want my body to do what I want it to do, and for a control freak like myself, being pushed around isn't a fun ride.

On the flip side, it is a blessing. I saw DC with my family...in my WC. For that I am so grateful! I wonder what others using assistive devices feel and think. I know I'm not alone in my thoughts. Feel free to share.