Annabelle Unbroken

The Lord put it on my heart to discuss my thoughts about inclusion when it comes to being in a wheelchair full time, and how I feel about it. For me it includes simple actions for example -Hey I really wanna watch this movie with you, come over and lets grab dinner. You could just ask Let’s hang out and sit on my couch or I am really hungry for a burger lets meet up, or lets go shop and eat Mexican. or hey lets go grab coffee and read our bibles together or we really wanna see you at another event so come if you can. Those are some very small moments that make me feel loved, seen, and cared about. Yes being in a wheelchair can be hard and not easy at times but I am grateful for people around me that see past the wheelchair. My people see the real me! Yes it can be difficult when people don’t understand me or don’t get me at all but I always try my best to remind people he created me different. I am still gonna use the purpose that he gave me to live my life to the fullest.  The term “special needs” sometimes can be offensive so thats why people like the word disabled better. When you see me or my friends in a wheelchair treat it like personal space -more like a bubble I am very careful who I let into my wheelchair bubble.  Please never lean on my wheelchair unless I know you. I only let people that I know lean on my wheelchair because they ask before doing it. Please never touch my wheelchair or hug me unless I know you or you are my family or one of my friends. I only allow hugs from my friends or family, or if you know the person well and I kind of know them I will still allow you to hug me because I trust the person that I know really well and I am earning your trust. Speak directly to me if you want to talk to me when doing that means leaning down so I can lock eyes with what you are trying to tell me even if it takes my brain a minute to process. Now if we are sitting next to each other the leaning down does not matter that only matters if you are standing up so I can read your lips and process what you are telling me. ALWAYS ask me if you can help me before doing it because I am very independent and can do some things on my own. Also ask before assuming things about me and my wheelchair don’t assume my parents caused me to be in a wheelchair or I broke my foot just ask what my story is. When asked with respect, I will happily tell you about all the MIRACLES my God has performed in my life because I love talking about them. I will never stop. DON’T CALL ME WHEELCHAIR BOUND please do not use this term for anyone who uses a wheelchair. Don’t view my wheelchair like its a hinderance or annoyance. It is my personal space and part of my body, my legs on wheels. I truly love my wheelchair and feel it is a part of me.