“It’s too soon to know.
Could be a week
could be a month
or forever!” The doctor’s said.
Glad I’m alive and yet…
“Will I ever see, or feel, be able to lift my baby again?
I hate that I can’t take care of myself” she thought.
The prospective employers did not understand nor care…
I was one of the lucky ones – rendered paralyzed, from a car accident, on one side for a year. I did lose my livelihood ( and long aspired for profession) because of discrimination which, at the time, I did not believe could be the case.
However, I can get out of bed each day, take care of my hygiene, and feel a child holding my hand. Though I have empathy for my brothers and sisters who live each day with limitations, I never would choose to back . Try it for a day and see how painful life is as a “differently-abled” often misunderstood person.
I would like to thank G-Man for weekly hosting Friday Flash Fiction. Its a great challenge to formulate and idea in 55 words.
photo courtesy L. Beaudin http://www.flickr.com/photos/khaleeka/4777100973
penned in moon dust 
Frequently the “handicapped” emloyees are the most productive because tgey are proving it to themselves as well as to theircoworkers & bosses. I am sorry you did not find a employer that knew this.
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The ending was a bit open ended in a way…not sure how to interpret final lines…did the employer not care about what the person felt or did not care they were paralyzed…?
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I guess it is open ended because it is not clear at the time. Employers don’t say “you are paralyzed sorry no job.” I was being hired for a job that specified I did not need to lift and yet the tests to get my federal identity card required that I did. My immediate supervisors had already approved my limitations for the job.
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Thanks for the Backstory MDW.
Very touching, now it all makes sense.
Thanks for another uplifting 55.
Thanks for playing, Happy Mothers Day, and have a Kick Ass Week-End
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glad you came through that moon…it does give you perspective for sure to be without one of your abilities for some time…
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Leslie, often your short stories ‘paralyze’,
But this is that one which takes the prize.
Good ’55’, my dear…..
PEACE!
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Only someone with the soul of a mother could see things from all sides, as you do. Gratefulness is not a sin, nor is not wanting to go back to a place you don’t belong.
What marvel thoughts occur when we have choices, opportunities and can feel that small child’s hand in ours.
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cant imagine missing that feeling
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The nightmare that helped to open your eyes to the world. Sometimes I wonder why we just can’t learn lessons via easier means. I am glad that you were able to recover MDW.
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My brother-in-law is permanently disabled due to a work accident. It has definitely changed his life and definitely people look at him differently. Thought-filled 55, Leslie.
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We will never know those sides until we are there. Thanks for the picture of compassion.
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I was on bed rest for a week last month and I sure can understand the feeling .. It was so much irritating to begin with .. and frustrating by the end of week ..
Good one ! hope people realize and remember this ..
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Very well written. While not as serious I had Bell’s Palsy had lost function of the right side of my face for several months. Lots of people thought I was winking at them!
Blood, Sweat and Tears is mine this week.
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oh my – i didn’t know this…glad it turned out good for you…we often learn the most valuable lessons in our darkest times
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Very well said, mdw. People are intensely uncomfortable with those who have disabilities, and they do NOT get the fair shake they deserve too often, or the empathy. Thanks for posting this.
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People are people, each different than the next, all worth respect, and each one deserving of the liberties we all should have. Nice 55.
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You give us so much inspiration in 55 words, Leslie. This is is such an intense write.
Glad you pulled out of paralysis. I’m not eager to see how I’d do for a day…thanks for shining a light on our equals who have special needs.
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I’m glad that you came through not only with an appreciation of what you learned from the experience, but as a teacher to show others that what we see is not what lays below the surface. Well done!
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Wow, moving post. It makes me grateful for the things I have in my life. Thank you for taking the time to share your back story. Pardon the cliche, but it can be a cruel world.
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Really thought provoking 55. And, really sad.
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Sobering and powerful. Thank you.
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Such a difficult thing – would anyone really choose it?
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Yes, we can never know how it feels to be “differently-abled” unless we, through sad reality, or intense powers of empathy and imagination, truly understand it.
You have shown us both. So glad you came through your very difficult situation. Thank you for sharing this.
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There are many many layers to you, Moon, and all of them good!
xoxoxo
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