Thanks for Lending a Helping Hand

Let me start this blog with a thank you. Thank you everyone who has lent me a hand or offered to carry something for me. You see, I am newly disabled... or am I handicapped? I am the one with a disability and I don't know the politically correct term. There were no classes in the rehab hospital on political correctness. I remember a lot of pain, complaining and crying but no one corrected my terminology.

 I was recently injured in a motorcycle accident. The accident is not of importance but for those who are curious, it was my fault. No one else was hurt and I am totally to blame for my situation. I have a paralyzed left leg from the accident. I spent a majority of 2010 in physical therapy. My current condition is that I walk with forearm crutches and have a brace on my left leg. I am fortunate. I did not sustain a head injury and I have full use of my right leg and arms. So, as far as disabilities go, I am one of the lucky ones.

 I do, however, find challenges every day. From carrying a bag of groceries to climbing a flight of stairs. You may see me around town. I'm the guy with the blue jeep and crutches. For the most part, I can do everything myself but I won't refuse a helping hand if you see I am struggling.

Recently, I took my 10-year-old daughter to a Cardinal's game. Walking from the MetroLink station to the stadium was not so bad and there are elevators that took us up to our level. Everything was going great until it was time to leave. I had to climb a steep flight of stairs. While holding the rail with one hand and my crutch with the other, I fell. Not down the stairs but just to my knees. Now, at this point, men and women on each side of the aisle came to my aid. People picking up my crutches for me and lending me a hand to stand back up all strangers who were not afraid to help. Sure, I was a little embarrassed but imagine how alone I would have felt if everyone stood and waited for me to get myself up.

 I'm not speaking for all disabled people. I have no idea how anyone else gets through their day. I, for one, appreciate everything my friends, neighbors and friendly strangers have done for me. Thank you to the folks at the Cards game, thank you to everyone here in Wentzville who have helped while I shopped, ate in restaurants and made my way to work and home.

 The human race has it's faults. We are all made well aware of these faults on the nightly news. But my disability has given me insight into the greatness and generosity of my fellow man. Thanks. I promise I will help you if I see the opportunity to do so.