What Is It Like To...

Many times I find myself watching people do something and thinking, "Wow ...that looks easy" compared to what I must do to accomplish the same thing (if I can at all).  Most things are possible for me but I do wonder if people realize how easy they have it with all 4 limbs.

Below is a short list off the top of my head of things that are infinitely easier if one has 4 limbs.  While I am grateful every day for what I can do, there are credible challenges if a limb or two or three is missing.    

What it is like to:

1.   Travel anywhere without worrying about barriers, bathrooms or steps.

2.   Turn on the water while holding a glass.

3.   Hold a baby while feeding a bottle.

4.   Put hair in a pony or other style – mine or child.

5.   Flip a light switch on the opposite side as your hand.

6.   Swim straight and not in a circle.

7.   Pick up a full clothes basket and have no clothes fall out.

8.   Place shampoo on hand before placing on hair.

9.   Place lotion on hand before rubbing on skin.

10.  Close a zipper.

11.  Take a pot off the stove.

12.  Take a hot item out of the oven.

13.  Put anything in the oven.

14.  Clip fingernails or polish them.

15.  Chop vegetables or fruit.

16.  Frost a cupcake.

17.  Go up or down steps / curb.

18.  Open a push-down-and-twist pill bottle.

19.  Open anything with a lid.

20.  Put on a bra or other clothing.

21.  Put in earrings.

22.  Put on a necklace or other jewelry.

23.  Pick up a package from the porch.

24.  Scratch the ‘good’ arm.

25.  Hold a bowl while stirring.

26.  Hold paper down while writing.

27.  Put peanut butter on celery.

28.  Cut meat or melons.

29.  Put toothpaste on a toothbrush.

30.  Put butter/jelly on bread.

31.  Take butter and/or jelly out of a small container.

32.  Open a small container (like syrup).

33.  Have a choice of ANY seat in a stadium.

34.  Ride in ANY vehicle.

35.  Get on a bus or plane.

36.  Tear off a paper towel or toilet paper.

37.  Reach a top cupboard shelf or grocery shelf.

38.  Sit in a car when turning corners and not roll like a basketball on the seat.

39.  Hug someone at head level (love hugging kids).

40.  Live in a two-story home.

41.  Use an umbrella.

42.  Stand up.

43.  Walk and/or run.

44.  Tie shoes.

45.  Put a cap on a pen or take it off.

46.  Jump rope.

47.  Clean eye glasses.

48.  Put gas in the car.

49.  Walk.

50.  Walk on the beach and feel the sand between my toes.

51.  Walk on grass.

52.  Walk in high heels or sandals.

53.  Walk in the rain.

54.  Go up or down stairs.

55.  Have a home totally adapted to me!

#1 and #55 are my all-time favorites.  Oftentimes I marvel at how easy it must be to get on a plane and be in a far-away place by day’s end.  I wonder what it would be like to have a home totally adapted to my needs – height and width, no steps, accessible bathroom, etc. I loved the show “Extreme Home Makeover.” 

Dwelling on these contrasts serves little purpose other than as a reminder to always give thanks for what you have.  Disabled people rarely take anything for granted.

I welcome your comments and/or questions below.  

#myextraordinarylife   #amputee   #disability   #awardwinningbook    #inspirational

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