This is a revised version of a post from earlier in the week. It did not seem to generate much enthusiasm, and I took it down. Several people have encouraged me to re-post it. Perhaps this time I will express myself better. Thanks to all!
Out and about
As I share some thoughts with you on a warm, Sunday afternoon, I am sitting on my lanai. In Florida that is a part of the house under roof but open and screened. It is quiet and peaceful. But we don’t live only at home. We go out, and we interact with other people.
Those of us with a visible disability, or our family and friends, know that people look at us. I’ve become used to looks and stares, but it took time. They are going to look. People will naturally look at anyone or anything unusual. What happens, though, when it comes time for us to interact with them?
Our audience is watching
Those of us who use wheelchairs, and I’ve learned white canes also, seem to come under some kind of scrutiny. I’ve read that people in service and retail are often, sadly, apprehensive. They don’t know what to expect or what to do. Hence, the Just Say Hi campaign.
As we approach someone, we become the director of our own personal play. Do we look friendly? Do we look clean? Do we look alert? It is to our benefit to put people at ease.
Some tips I’ve learned
- Adaptive equipment needs to be kept clean. It is an extension of ourselves.
- Bling is good. My wheelchair is natural titanium, a silver gray. When it’s clean, it looks spiffy. I added bright blue tires and translucent blue casters. A gentleman in Saint Lucia recently told me that the sun through my casters made them positively glow.
- Dress for the occasion, and wear what works for us. In the first picture I’d been shopping. In every store we went in I was welcomed and treated nicely. Obviously, from the load of goodies. Clothes need to fit and colors coordinate.
- Smile and say Hi. Just Say Hi goes both ways, though if we can’t see the person well, we might not want to intrude.
Two guys in wheelchairs
On a recent cruise, as people were starting to board the ship, I heard a greeter say on her radio, “There are two guys in wheelchairs down here. The guy going by me now looks like he can handle things nicely.” Sandy and I smiled.
Thank you for stopping by. I’d very much like to hear your thoughts on this and if I’ve been of any encouragement to you.
Picture descriptions: In the top photo George is in his chair, loaded with shopping bags. He has medium length blond hair, almost round wire glasses with reddish-orange lenses, a blue shirt with narrow, white stripes, white short pants, and has removed his shoes. In the second picture George is taking a photo from his ship cabin’s balcony with a small camera after boarding. He is sitting up straight and is wearing small, rimless glasses with a gray tint and a bright green polo shirt.
looks like a beautiful day!
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Thank you, Wendi. The entire trip was like that. We were very fortunate and had a good time together.
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love to read happy stories! especially from people who have to work a little harder to make outings happen. bless you!
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Great post!
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Thank you, Amanda!
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Thank you again. We all have stories, and we all have challenges. I guess the trick it to balance things a bit.
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Such a lovely inspirational post ❤. Great tips on being the best director possible. Beautiful ❤
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Thank you, Zena. Actually I am in the middle of revising this. It didn’t seem to go over well, so maybe I didn’t convey my thoughts well the first time.
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As a person who uses a white cane, I understand your thoughts. I try to make sure that people,e remember me as me, and not remember only the white cane. It is not always easy.
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You are so right. It’s not always easy. I’d like to be thought of as more than the guy with the wheelchair who wears tinted lenses inside, though people are obviously going to notice.
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I’m able-bodied, but I agree with everything you’ve said here. What I try to do is just treat people like people, no matter their condition. Saying hi is a part of that, you know?
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Indeed. I think how we approach someone will set the tone. Maybe there are times when it should be the other person greeting us, but we are all human and can control our interactions. Thanks so much!
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Thank you George. It is good to get a perspective on the challenges you face. Sounds like you had a lovely cruise. I visited St Lucia many moons ago. It is a beautiful island.
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