Hello and WELCOME! IF you are new here and visiting from Scary Mommy: Thank you!
I hope you stay a while. You can read MY STORY and MY FAQs. That should get you started!
I’m in a wheelchair. And I have three kids. As a mom in a wheelchair, I draw plenty of attention.
I get questioned from little kids all the time; “Why can’t you walk?” “Are your legs broken?” or “Why are you in there?” At first, the mom or dad is just horrified and humiliated that their child would ask me such a question, but they start to relax the moment they see me smile.
I’ll usually start with something simple to see if that will pacify them. I simply state that my legs don’t work anymore. Kids, will be kids, though, so more often then not they ask, “Why?”.
I’ll usually twist my mouth a little and pretend to ponder their question as if it is the most important question ever. And it is. They really want to know.
I tell them that we all have nerves in our back that are kind of like a cord on a lamp, and my cord was cut, so it no longer works. The nerves send special signals to your legs and arms so they move but my legs don’t get the special signals anymore.
The child will usually look at me funny and just say, “oh, ok”. It’s almost always the exact same conversation. The same looks. The same reaction from the parents. Yet, each time it makes me proud to know that a child has learned that they can inquire about things. They can learn about different walks (or rolls) of life. Everybody is different yet we all share the same desire to be a part of each other’s worlds.
Parents: Please, let your child ask questions. Don’t be afraid of what someone will think. Chances are, they’re happy to tell your child why their hair is blue, or they have a scar down their face. They want to inform you but if you don’t ask, how will they know you care?
So how exactly do I chase three boys, while sitting in a wheelchair? I get asked variations on that questions fairly often and it’s not a question that I can really answer with words. I just do it. See for yourself on my post today at SCARY MOMMY!
Hi! Found you via Scary Mommy.
Love the blog, and the tag line (3 boys, not trying for a girl). I have two boys myself and hate the question.
Random: I love your comforter.
It’s not because of your comforter that I now follow you blog though, but it helps.
USA Kiwi (Kylee)´s last blog post ..Chicken Tamale Pie
HA! You are cracking me up! Thank you. 🙂
Thank you, thank you for this! I have been in and out of a wheelchair for many years and have worked with children along the way. Their questions are sincere and always welcomed. Loved to read it from another woman who has heard the same questions about her “legs not working”. Im looking forward to reading more on your blog!
Lindsey @ DishingUpHope´s last blog post ..Packing for a Hospital Stay
Hi! I’ve been bouncing from post to post of yours. I’m generally a major blog lurker but your text box convinced me. 🙂 I just love your perspective. My 3 year old daughter (I think close to your youngest in age?) has overheard much wheelchair talk lately (I was recently diagnosed with MS and my mother had an accident) so I was looking to show her that it’s totally fine! You have a beautiful family!
Thank you so much for saying hello! I do hope my blog helped your little one realize that it will be okay! 🙂
Love this and your frequently asked questions section. I too am a paralyzed mom (5 girls, 1 boy) and couldn’t have written the questions/answers much differently (obviously the how and what are different, but). My job at the VA Hospital also gives me many more inappropriate conversations and circumstances at times as well. It was good to read your blog and I will start following, as I honestly don’t know anyone else who has traveled this path. Thanks for having a sense of humor, but also being real with kids when they ask good questions.