@scottrl
Hi Scott,
I hope this message finds you well. I recently watched the Mother's Day video, and it truly resonated with me. I wanted to reach out and discuss something you touched on regarding your physical recovery. It sounds like it hasn’t unfolded the way you had hoped, particularly with your challenges in walking.
I’ve been curious about your experience: have you encountered any stigmatizing comments related to your walking? Are there moments when you’ve felt any shame or embarrassment because of your condition? I ask because I, too, have faced my own struggles with epilepsy, and I know how profoundly stigma can affect one’s sense of self. Some feel the shame and embarrassment can sometimes feel insurmountable, and I can’t help but wonder if those same sentiments echo within the stroke community.
I think of a friend who has epilepsy, someone who chooses to remain indoors, shackled by the fear of experiencing a seizure in public. It breaks my heart to witness their isolation. I genuinely hope you are finding a supportive network as you navigate your unique journey.
Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Jake
Hi, Jake.
I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties and your reluctance to walk in public.
Yes, I have experienced this. Not too long ago, in fact, I was hobbling my way through a store when some guy looked at me like I was a space alien or circus freak. Frankly, I wanted to smack him with my cane!
What can be worse is being treated like an idiot just because I have difficulty walking. When my wife and I have been places like a doctor's office, the staff will talk to her, not me, as though I am incapable of coherent speech. (My wife. God bless her, will say, "Why ask me those questions? He's sitting right here. Ask him.")
I try to keep in mind, however, that most people are quite kind and patient.
Overall, my embarrassment at being in public is decreasing. Part of that is telling myself, "Hell, I don't owe these people anything. If they're uncomfortable with my appearance, that's their problem, not mine."
Besides, I need the exercise. I am not going to wither and die just because some doofus thinks I walk funny.