She works on a variety of things: from increasing her shoulder range to crossing center, from walking forward and backward to stepping from side to side. Namine has formed a close bond – a kinship, if not perhaps a friendship – with her many therapists. She works hard for them (most of the time), and she proves every day to them – and of course to us – that she has not come so far without an iron will.
An acquaintance of mine is still under the impression that because Namine is disabled, she is unable to do things – to do nearly anything. We know people who talk about Namine as though she will never be a real person – she cannot (whether it’s actually true or not, it is true in their minds) live life with the same experiences they themselves have, so somehow her life will somehow always be less. But Namine has proven what she can do, disabilities and all.
“Disabilities” – I’ll call them that because there’s no better word. The terms “differently abled” and “handi-capable” secretly (or not so secretly) annoy me. Terms are merely that – words. I’ll not focus on how to refer to how my daughter is different. She is determined and self-enabled (oh look, another bon mot) because she has no concept of being “disabled” – and that’s because Jessica and I bring no attention to it. She is simply the way she is; she knows no other way, and we are supportive of her no matter what. We are her number one admirers, advocates and cheerleaders. And no matter what, we’ll always celebrate who she is and what she can do.
Leave a Reply to Jon Eiche Cancel reply