Understanding what others go through

[essdipity]

With so many negatives about MS, there definitely are some positives. One is increased empathy towards those who have obvious movement issues.

Not long ago I was in Best Buy, looking at iPads (which I finally bought!!). There was a man also looking at computers, maybe age 50. He was using a cane to get around. I never would have thought about it one way or another, but his upbeat manner made me think he may be one of us.

I've also seen quite a few others whose problem may be MS, whether they're using walking aids or not. I like to think I've become more compassionate towards them all, and others too. There's nothing like walking in someone else's shoes. I never would ask about disabilities, because people deserve the dignity of privacy, yet inwardly I wish them all well.

ess

[doublevision1]

Agreed with the increase in empathy, definitely greater patience towards pedestrians when I'm driving.  Generally I can be an I'm generally an impatient driver and have borderline road rage when other drivers cut me off; have no apparent knowledge in how a four way stop is supposed to work, etc.  I used to be really impatient waiting for certain pendestrians to cross a road, eg when I'm making a left turn.  I was always understanding with those with canes, the elderly, etc.  However now I notice more patience with all people, realizing that person might have MS but not necessarily obviously impaired using a cane; realize MS strikes all ages esp young adults, etc.  

I even corrected my husband last weekend when he was waiting to make a turn and griping while impatiently waiting for a young woman to cross, and I stated...well, hollered maybe..."You don't know what her deal is, MAYBE SHE HAS MS!!!!"

[jensequitur]

These days when I see a cane or walker or some of those handy canes (don't know what they're called, but they have braces for the hands) I'm checking it out to see how it works.

I definitely have more respect and sympathy for people with movement disorders than I did before!

[HVAC]

I guess because my father was a minister and I started early visiting people in hospitals and shut ins I have thought about others and their plights. I have learned that there are a lot of interesting people most people do not take the time to know. I try to notice everyone. I even try to smile and say hello. Of course some people think I am nuts and want to get away from me.


Last week I got a call from a lady whose husband has Parkisons. She was wondering about Service Dogs. I dropped what I was doing and took Polly right over. I took the time to talk to them. He was a brilliant man. It was really hard to understand him when he talked but I took the effort and heard some great stories of his life. I offered to help them train a dog if they wanted.

In college I stopped to help a guy whose car broke down in a not so great part of the city at night, he turned out to be deaf. A year later my parents were in an accident in another town and the same deaf guy stopped to help. He explained that he stopped because a college student had stopped to help him one night in a big city. He remembered my name. You can't see all disabilities and you never know if something cool like that will happen.

I like Dante's version of hell where people are starving because there is food but the spoons are six feet long and they can't get the food to their mouths. In another area is the same situation but the people are using the same long spoons to feed each other.

We just do not know hat anyone else has going on.

Alex

[Erin0313]

Ess,

   I agree. I have a whole new awareness of the people around me and what they are living with.

I do have to say that while I hope I never ask about their disabilities I do get a huge urge to sometimes and with my frontal lobe damage my mouth just might be faster then my brain one of the days. If it happens I hope that I am kind and recover well - probably with an apology and explain my MS.

I also notice that because I am aware I have been more helpful. Just last week I was in 2 stores and helped ladies in a wheel chair & a scooter to reach something that was too high up for them. Last month at the grocery I helped a lady in her chair take the things out of her basket and put them on the conveyor belt.

I don't know if it made much of a difference to them but it gave me warm fuzzies and I hope when my time comes someone does the same for me.

Hugs,
Erin :)