A a trip to the pool at the YMCA.
I sat waiting for a family shower room to open up.
The door finally opened.
A mother with her daughter exited the room.
There was no staring, which was pretty weird as far I was concerned.
Until dad came out.
In his wheelchair.
Both arms working fine but no leg movement I could see.
A different chair than I had.
A different experience.
But I saw something in his face.
The secret handshake.
The reflection.
Recognition that goes beyond the face.
To the part that changed.
With him needs no explanation.
You should totally do a chin-nod to fellow wheelchair users. With sort of a “Yeah, we’re bad, we know it” kind of expression on your faces.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter´s last post…A Love Letter For Egypt
Reminds me of how motorcyclists seem to have a secret hand signal they all use when they pass each other on the road.
God, amazing, just amazing
jessica´s last post…Single Mom Walki…Make that Sliding
ok, did my comment not go through?Well, I’m doing it again, just in case. Anissa, you really are an amazing writer is right.
This was so powerful.
my God What a powerful piece.
jessica´s last post…Single Mom Walki…Make that Sliding
I don’t know what to say except maybe I understand a little. For us (with the kids’ issues), I always feel better when I share those glances with people who know exactly what we are going through. But it is so true that it does feel like a secret handshake.
Julia Roberts´s last post…Comment on Class Assignment by Tammy
Wow Anissa. I have been cackling through all these other funny, Irreverent pieces in my reader tonight ( I’ve cackled many times at yours too). Then I opened this post and was floored. Totally. I’m sitting here with very damp eyes. Such a powerful piece. You are an amazing writer.