I Must Remember....

I know how often I say I can do anything I set my mind to but there are times I must slow down and say well I will have to try whatever it is later due to the fact that I need to take into account my body needs more rest than most people around me. The fact that I must listen to my body frustrates me because I am a very independently-willed person that does not want help and would love to say if I lost my husband due to illness or worse that I could absolutely take care of myself but not sure at the moment how that would work.

 There was a time I would try and work the 40-hour week and then come home to take care of dinner, family (then only a son and husband) and try and keep going until I could go no more during the evening. After an accident at my workplace (department store, then) where I eventually had to have my two front teeth replaced by a bridge (later a second on my own dime) I have had enough and refuse to work a department job ever again. The reason is because I only had that accident after being denied a break because it was not my turn and they were behind on breaks no matter that I had a disability and was feeling dizzy: I was told that I could get water but had to get back on my cashier lane.

Currently. I am working very part-time at a children's clothing store where if I need a break I can get one when I need it and am treated like a human being not a number or a workhorse. I love the fact that my managers and co-workers understand that sometimes I need to ask for help because of my few limitations. I do wish there were more available hours but the economy is slow and thus no one is buying for their tween (don't call them little) girls.

When I am at home: I will try almost anything before I scream in anger (mostly at myself) at anyone that happens to be around me that could take over. The fact is that I know what I want to do but with the limited use of my right hand I have a difficult time when putting stuff together. I usually end up being told to step away and either my husband or son will finish whatever do-it -yourself project I started because I was sick of waiting around for someone to open the box and put the project together.

Life is great but when you have limited abilities it is good to know your limitations and not take them as a weakness but as a reason to step back and finally ask for help. Asking for help is not a bad thing it is only understanding when it is time to sit back and ask for the help you need in life to make it more comfortable for you as a disabled person. The fact is that even the people around you have limitations and must ask for help.