wheelie-babe

Hard to love

Difficult to be around

Undeserving of love

Undeserving of help and care

Going to be alone forever

Going to be abandoned by who you love

Feel this lonely always

Too awkward and shy to meet new people

Don’t touch my mobility aid :) pin designs

Because those kind people who shared theirs made me confident. Not all of us are accepted in our lives. Some of us aren't even treated like a being who deserves respect. Sometimes people ignore us altogether. Sometimes they say nasty things.

It hurt a lot because I felt broken, I felt wrong. I questioned my worth. I thought that I meant nothing.

Then I started reading what other disabled people posted. They were confident, loud, proud. "Get your accommodations, fight for your rights, shout your existence!" I felt accepted, I felt strong, I felt home. I became proud of myself, I never bowed down and looked at the pavement again.

Relatives try to give me random advice, some think that I exaggerate, some think that I'm a faker, some worry too much, some pity me in a "oh the little soul whose life is ruined" way.

But the disabled community compliments my cane, shares cool tips, laughs with me, mourns with me, stands with me, supports me, just gets me. I am allowed to rant, joke, cry, laugh, ramble, speak...

I am allowed to exist.