I first had to get through the emergency of having to redesign and recalculate my “retirement” plan (sudden early full-time retirement/disability = major financial and cash flow loss while increasing medical expenses). I had to get through that panic and reality check. But how PN was “good” for me? It was reality check #2 - that there are so many people with a lot more hardships in their lives.
I’m using my walker and pass a child in a wheelchair. I realize the total sacrifice and adjustment the whole family has made, and what experiences I had in life that they won’t. Many people would be worse off being disabled at 51/52 like I was. I am careful about judging others on outward appearance because I do not know what struggles they have. That includes when I see a people get that handicapped spot before me and “look” ok. I realize how terribly mean some people can be by judging, staring at my shoes, making me feel like a drain on society, but I’ve learned 99% of people are very compassionate, opening doors, offering help, and that’s made me more compassionate. I miss activities with friends and perhaps feel envious and sometimes left out of things, but I’ve learned more understanding. Especially as we’re getting older, we all must live to our maximum enjoyment and ability, and I’ve learned to understand our differences in abilities and know it’s unfair to hold others back! So my husband is starting his 77th birthday today with early morning Pickleball while I’m making his favorite breakfast of Crabcake Benedict. I’ve learned to be thankful for the things I CAN do (thanks @njed )