We are, I am, You are… much much more than our appearance.

I am not deaf because I’m in a wheelchair! I’m not mentally challenged because I am in a powerchair! Although my condition is challenging, mentally. I’m not blind because I am in need of assistance, but I do see your ignorance! I am not mute or without a voice, I’m simply not physically able to speak, but I have much to teach you.

I am still the same person I was before my body developed ALS. As is every person that is living with ALS. We’ve just been graced with the gift of knowledge. Knowledge of our own mortality, the true value of our lives, and the real meaning of relationships. Time is the only thing that varies between us. Some are given but a glimpse, and in the blink of an eye, they are taken too soon. Others, like myself, are left at the edge of the brink to ponder… when.

Regardless, in the present, which is what we have, “Right Here-Right Now” (@teamhighoctanejules), we are us. Not a condition! Not a wheelchair! Not a subject! Not a statistic! Not to be ignored or forgotten! Cast aside no more, relegated to get our affairs in order, because society isn’t capable of witnessing our pain… no more.

Please allow me to raise my powerchair to your level, which makes us equal. I call this my power(chair) play. Can you see my determination in my eyes? Can you feel the energy I emitt? That is the energy required to endure ALS. It’s palpable.

Can you hear what my eyes are saying?

Can you see me? Because I see everything you believe about me, in how you engage me. Step back and imagine that I’m not in a wheelchair… that is what you should see in your minds eye.

See Me!

TJO