By Lynn Whittmore
Would you try to tell a heart surgeon how to do his job? Would you try to tell a policeman how to patrol his area? Would you try to tell a garbage man how to pick up the garbage or how to drive that huge truck? If you never had any experience at these occupations would you still try to tell them how to do their jobs?
Why do people try to tell me what I can and can't do physically and mentally? I had one person tell me that I couldn't pick up a baby (I've done it hundreds of times) and people tell me: "No," order me, "don't do that, you might get hurt."
I had one person tell my wife and I that it was "common sense" that we can't raise a child. She specifically told me that I know nothing about taking care of a baby. She has never called or sat on my couch since my wife and I have been married, although she wants to tell me I know nothing about babies.
I don't think so.
Why does this happen? Why can't people live their own lives and let me live mine? Oh yeah, I forgot, I have to sit in a chair with wheels on it so I can get around. They call me handicap. I don't know why they call me this. I'm not handy with caps.
Back home, my family and I don't know the meaning of the word handicap. Until you have been in a chair with wheels on it for two years or more ask us what we can and can't do. Don't tell us and you might learn something.
We are the professionals at this, not you.
