Understanding and having my Cerebral Palsy symptoms confirmed has now brought me to a different emotional place. In a way, I’m more at peace because trying to work out what was wrong with me was always my biggest challenge; now everything feels less of a challenge.
Although I always knew there was no getting away from the fact that I am controlled by my neurological difficulties, for which I have no choice, going through my MRI scan papers two and a half weeks' ago, has now confirmed what I had always assumed.
My brain's rewiring means it's like having a badly wired plug that never works. I have no choice but to live my life in the way I manage, because of neurological impairments that will never right themselves. A lack of other people’s understanding on what I deal with makes it even more difficult.
As my experiences have shown, there seems to be little tolerance and understanding around what people like me deal with. People and society, must have more tolerance, empathy and compassion, not only because they would expect it for themselves, but because it’s the right thing to do.
This morning I was engaged in a human friendly conversation about eggs with an elderly lady at my local supermarket.
The conversation changed from eggs to her husband's Cancer when she ventured into a lengthy confession about her pain and her loneliness. It was a rewarding experience when she thanked me for listening and I loved every minute of it.
Your last two paragraphs are particularly important to me, since I'm a firm believer in sharing my compassion and empathy with anyone who needs it.
Thanks Tim. Perhaps more of us should take your lead. This is exactly how I choose to play it, but it seems the world has changed and we speak less about the important things that can actually help change a life.
I am sure the elderly lady will keep your conversation close to her heart for a long time to come. You changed two lives by doing so.
I hope many, many people read this blog as i am sure they would resonate with your ideologies on tolerance and understanding and self-awareness.
I like Tim's story too - a little patience and empathy with our fellow humans, can do a long way and make a real difference.
Awww thank you. Yes I hope so too. I believe all of these things would make the world a much safer place for us to live in and function.