I Saw You

Dear Parent,

I saw that woman openly and blatantly stare at the child you were pushing in a wheelchair. I saw you turn to look after her defensively. I saw her look at me the same way as she came upon me pushing my racing wheelchair along the trail behind you. I saw her finally turn when I smiled back defiantly.

I saw you and your wife politely move to the side when I called out that I was coming up behind you, then the shock as you realized I was also in a wheelchair. As I turned around to run more of the trail and you continued on towards the parking lot, I saw you stare at me the same way that woman did. I chose to smile genuinely at you, hoping to show you there was still some joy in the day, but was still met with that stare.

I don't know the limits that have been placed on your child and your family. I don't know if this is a recent injury or diagnosis. I don't know the reason you stared at me the way you did.

But I saw you. I saw your struggle.

I also understand the hope that brought you out to the trail today. It was beautiful out there, and most of the people were as well. You wanted to get outside for some fresh air, your wife looked like she was ready to go for a run.. but something happened out there and by the time I saw you, you were almost back to the parking lot and on full defense. I have to believe that woman wasn't the only bad experience you had today.

And I saw you stare at me. Probably the same way you had experienced.

I represented something out there today. Maybe it was my confidence in not caring what people may be thinking of me. Or maybe it was my independence, out on the trail by myself and pushing my own chair, a chair made for sports; while the chair you were pushing was made to be pushed by anyone except the person in it. I wonder if the doctors have diagnosed the hope out of you, told you there was nothing to be done, there would be no sports or independence. They told me a bit of that too. Told me I couldn't do the things I always did and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Except stop. Obviously I didn't, I simply found another way and I hope you do as well.

For the first time in my life, I hope you went home and talked about me. I hope I inspired you, even a little bit, at least a small spark of rebellion to show the doctors that they were wrong. That there can be joy despite the diagnosis. I hope you and your wife find an activity with your child that makes you all happy. I hope you find the defiance I did, to go outside without caring what others may think. And I hope one day you'll return the smile aimed at you to reassure others of the joy in each day.

Sincerely,
There is always hope