The Men’s Final Four, a college basketball championship game, was held in New Orleans this year. There were many activities that surrounded the final game which actually is this coming Monday. By the time this post is released the game will have been played and won (I predict Kentucky). I just wanted to drop this little note now while my experience is fresh.
Typically, I don’t mind being seen in public, so I don’t shy away from these sorts of activities. I don’t particularly like being pushed in my wheelchair among a lot of people walking around me, but I think getting out is good. They say social interaction is a fundamental human requirement, so out I went. As I was in the midst of kids, families and fans enjoying the sights and games I just tried to appreciate the moment despite how I really felt. To be honest, I did meet some sports celebrities that were pretty nice.
As we rolled around I saw a little girl also in a wheelchair. I couldn’t help but wonder why she was relegated to a chair. I thought about how she must feel amongst her joyful walking peers. I pondered how long she had been wheelchair bound. Then, immediately I felt grateful for the memories I have retained. Although, she did seem content in her own right.
A few minutes later I saw something that was truly extraordinary. It was a man in a motorized wheelchair that had a respirator on it to assist him with breathing. He sucked on a straw-like piece that allowed him to breath. I would equate it to what Christopher Reeves from Superman had. It sounds kind of creepy, but if I had been pushing myself I would have likely followed him. I found it amazing just how comfortable he seemed in his own skin. From the quick glimpse I had of him I found it inspirational that he would be at such an event.
Often, people call me inspirational too. I appreciate it, but don’t know exactly if I deserve it. All I’m trying to do is make it through the day the best way I know how. Probably, the same way we all do. We may not all have the same Multiple Sclerosis monkey on our back, but I’m almost certain we all have something to deal with. So my advice to all, including myself, is to continue pressing on and make the best of life with what we have.
At the end of the day, though tired, I was pretty glad I went.
So very happy you got out of your funk!! I got out of mine today. I had to see the dentist for a follow-up and he noticed I was doing better. It’s pretty bad when my dentist knows when I’m in or out of one of my funks. Thanks for for your blog!! It really helps me get through some rough patches. I feel like I play my own pity party and that there is no one else but me going through these things. Thank you for sharing! It makes a world of difference to know that I’m not alone. Be blessed always~~
Sophia, Thanks so much for following both of my blogs! As it turns out I had an infection.
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What fun! I am proud of you for going out to such a public affair! I don’t know if I would have done the same, just because of the exhaustion! So cuddos to you Nicole.
I am sure your observation of the little girl in her wheelchair and man in his wheelchair, carrying around his own life support, were quite different than anyone elses! You knew how they were feeling, unlike the many others surrounding. Sure you had your own questions in your thoughts, but with much more compassion in your soul.
Don’t ever question your inspiration to others. It is obvious!
Faye,
Thanks! I needed that!
Hi Nicole,
Sounds like you had a good time at the Final Four.
You are an inspiration to all that meet a challenge on a daily basis!!
Liz M.
Liz, Thanks a bunch!
Wow Nicole, you are really an inspirational person! To be in your position and worry about those others, I admire you.
GOD BLESS!
Tim, thanks for your fine thoughts. Keep reading!
Hi Nicole, glad you went to the game and made the most of it. It seems New Orleans have so much to offer in a way of activities. I thought about the great time I had when I was there with old friends of ours from the navy days (80’s). I live in Ohio and our friend live in Moss Pointe Ms. I was fortunate then that I was still able to walk but it stayed in the back of my mind I was hoping I didn’t experience a relapse; which I didn’t. I really got off track there. Just wanted to say my scooter arrived today so I am looking forward to getting out a little more even though I have to still tell myself don’t be embarassed about being in a scooter or using a wheelchair. I use a cane for short distance walking. Wishing everybody have a blessed week!
Angela.
Congrats on the scooter. Thanks for reading.
NICOLE, I’M GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO GET OUT & ENJOY THE MOMENT, BUT I ALSO WAS WONDERING WHY YOU DIDN’T TAKE THE SCOOTER. I DITCHED MY WHEELCHAIR (TOO CUMBERSOME, HEAVY & I CAN’T PUSH MYSELF) FOR A TRANSPORT CHAIR WHICH IS MUCH LIGHTER FOR LOADING IN THE BACK OF THE VW WAGEN OR TRUNK OF A CAR. THE SCOOTER ALLOWS ME TO GO WHERE I WANT, WHEN I WANT WHEN WE ARE OUT & ABOUT..KIND OF LIKE DRIVING ONLY SMALLER! KEEP BLOGGING…..YOU ARE OUR VOICE.
Kim, I just plain old forgot to push for the scooter!
The voice? What a kind thing to say.
Well said Nicole ♥ So glad you had fun!
Lorie, Thanks!
Nicole, You are an inspiration to me. I admire your character and upbeat personality. Going to a big event in a wheelchair is daunting and your smile said it all.
Lisa, You always know to say!
Wow, Ian. I never thought of it that way. Nicole, I still feel self conscious in public, though it doesn’t stop me completely. Thanks again for a post that leaves me feeling just a little less alone.
Laurie, I know its a tough pill to swallow, but if it concerns MS you are probably never alone!
As always, thank you. I look forward to listening to your voice. Right now i am regainig energy by resting in my hammock. A beautiful day infused with a quiet hope and joy, thank you for shining your light…be blessed. Xo olivia
Olivia, Thanks for reading. I don’t think I’ve ever actually been in a hammock!
I, too, dislike being pushed in a wheel chair, but I allow it so I can get out. Just wondering why you didn’t take the scooter. My final pick was Kentucky, but no money involved. Glad you had fun.
Peace,
Muff
Muff, I should have!
Nicole, I am so glad you went out. I understand that “catch22” feeling all to well. I live in Jackson, MS and our St Patricks day parade is the 3rd largest in the States. I was anxious about going this year because the temp was going to be 88 and a record crowd I battled the crowd just long enough to find a good spot to pop out my chair and umbrella. My friends had packed plenty of ice and water. We had a great time.
When I was first diagnosed with MS, I had a neurologist who told me to be patient that I would learn how to work around things and if I over did it ,not to worry just rest the next day. I
Jana, Sounds like good advice to me!
I recently started using wheelchairs at airports, museums and galleries and am now comfortable in the freedom it brings. Glad you got out and about, Nicole – it is usually worth the effort even though it can seem daunting. I guess I know ‘inspirational’ when I see it – but what I notice more and more now is the ‘uninspirational’ – and I don’t mean those thoughtless creeps who steal our car spaces – I mean those who have no apparent disabilities but let life pass them by without embracing all it has to offer. I guess MS also sharpens that ol’ “You dunno what you got till it’s gone”…
Ian, that is so true.