Dear Muscular Dystrophy: Thank you for making me, me.

It’s my birthday, it’s okay I’m not expecting a surprise birthday party or for you all to sing me happy birthday showering me with gifts!

As most of us are still grounded I’m thinking celebrating all month is completely acceptable. Yes?!

As each year passes me by I like to make small changes or adjustments while thinking about my future what I want my life to look like in the next few years, I think it’s important especially living with a condition that can be unpredictable but in someways very predictable. Nevertheless, I know it’s also important to celebrate the journey and appreciate all the things I’ve been through that have brought me to this point in life. In honor of my birthday, I am writing a thank you letter to my disability… Muscular Dystrophy.

Dear Muscular Dystrophy,

Hey,

I’ve lived with you since my late teens and I know you’re not going anywhere any time soon. We have had lot of highs and lows during this time so I need you to know something. I hated you at points in life, mostly now I just roll my eyes and other days I will admit I love you.

I never fully accepted you as part of life at the beginning. I thought of you as a nuisance. Yes, you were there, my new constant companion, reminding me that I was now different. I didn’t want to be different, especially as I loved the life I already had. I wanted to stay being just like everyone else and some days, my quest to do that made things harder for you so for that I am sorry. I am sorry that I couldn’t accept you sooner and do what was best for you.

However, you have to admit you’re kind of demanding with the way you affect everything. I know now that there were better ways that we could have coexisted peacefully at the beginning. I had to learn right? You didn’t exactly come with an instruction manual or give me a choice.

I now fully accept you and in my case you make me a wheelchair user, full disclosure it causes problems sometimes. Okay a lot of times like having to fight to make sure I have the right wheelchair for my needs, your needs. But on the other hand some of the situations you’ve gotten me into as a result of using a wheelchair have been funny and entertaining to tell you the truth. When I look back i’m always laughing, I wouldn’t have those memories without you.

As much as I fully except you I also have to tell you, muscular dystrophy you are really high-maintenance! You’ve affect almost every part of my body, influence my every decision and action but also of those around me. You’ve taken so much from me, having you with me has been anything but easy. However, if someone offered me the chance to get rid of you right now I can honestly say that I don’t know if I could say goodbye to you that easy. Yes, you make my life extremely difficult from day– to -day, all day, every day, and yes I do sometimes miss the small simple things like walking, itching my own nose or just standing around. That being said I also want to thank you for giving me just as much in return.

I am truly grateful to you. Muscular Dystrophy, though all the bad you have given me so much, taught me things I’m not sure I would have learned without you by my side. Teaching me patience in order to live with you, to have patience with other people trying to help me because of you, patience and willingness to share what’s it’s like living with you, but most importantly patience with myself and adjusting to different parts of life while living with you by my side. You are part of the reason I started this blog and even though my journey has changed over the years it’s still given me away to share some of the ways you’ve impacted my life be it fun or difficult times I’m having a blast doing it.

You have taught me to never take the simple things in life for granted, to always try find humour in things, and the value of persistence. You, my dearest closest friend, have turned me into a great problem solver because of the way you affect my everyday life, even though some days I really wish you would give me a break ever now and then, I wouldn’t have the tools to think quickly on my feet (pun intended) when it’s comes to accomplishing tasks I may not be able to do things the ‘traditional way’ like others but I still get things done.

What I want to thank you for the most is the experiences you’ve given me. Yes, even the bad ones, they’ve turned me into a fighter and a warrior who’s always up for the challenges of life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you – the opportunities I’ve been able to relate to others and help them as a result of my experiences with you or even the uncomfortable laughs at some of the situations I find myself. Thank you.

All the adventures, mishaps or random and funny questions that people ask me way too often, and every single crazy moment in-between. Thank you.

MD I guess what I’m trying to say is despite being a constant pain in my arse, I wouldn’t have you any other way, you keep my life interesting and entertaining. I have no doubt there will be plenty in my future. Thank you for making me who I am today. We’ve had a bumpy ride along the way and I’m sure we will continue to, but it’s been worth every bump, fall, bruise and hospital stay, I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us when we’re not grounded anymore. See you soon (probably in 5 mins as i need the loo).

Kisses K

Come give your me a follow and say hi.

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Posts you might like to read

• My Wheelchair & Me!
• How can car dealerships support people with disabilities?
• Impossible choices
• Football for all
• Looking After A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)