MY CULTURAL PLUNGE

Last weekend I had to immerse myself in another culture for my Master's Program. Of course I chose a culture that would challenge me to the fullest! I chose the disabled culture. I was a paraplegic for 24 hours. Being confined to a wheelchair was definitely an eye opening experience. Often times we take for granted the simple joys of life, like being able to use the restroom by ourselves, walking, and even the full meaning of being independent. I am the main caregiver in my home, taking care of my mom, my 90 year old granddad, and my younger sister. But, to have the tables turned around was definitely an experience I was not ready for. I briefly sat down with my family and explained to them what I was doing and that I would be needing their help. In the beginning my family was very helpful, but as time went on I realized that this task was something that I was going to have to face alone. My lil' sister was very helpful, she even helped me get the restroom at 3 o'clock in the morning. But, as Sunday morning came it seemed as if my disability had been forgotten. I am someone who wakes up pretty early in the morning, but because I was immersing myself in this plunge I could not get up and maneuver like I usually do. I lay in my bed until 11am when I realized that no one was going to come in and check on me. My greatest fear had come to look me straight in my face. At one point during the morning I actually became sad and even a bit depressed. I prayed that this experience would not be my reality because I knew that I would not be happy. I wheeled myself onto my front porch and spent about 30 minutes just thinking. In those few minutes I experienced a bevy of emotions that I did not realize, but definitely understood. I felt anger, sadness, frustration, and even disgust. I felt like my family had forgotten about me. I am a very strong individual and my family views me as such, but at that very moment I felt vulnerable. A sense of fear had set in that scared me and brought a few tears to my eyes. To know that my family would not be able to give me the type of care that I needed was scary. It was like they were completely oblivious to my needs. It was 12pm and still no one had even come to check on me. But, I was determined to get through this day with or without the help of my family. All I can say is this.......BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE!! ......PEACE AND BLESSINGS!!