The Book
From the Introduction of Facing It:
Chances are if you’re looking at these words you are the one having to FACE IT, or possibly you are the one who cares for someone who is having to FACE IT. This book is for you, from me – one who has had to FACE IT and continues daily to FACE IT.
“IT,” defined in this book, is a physical disability or handicap that forcibly invades a so-called “normal lifestyle.” This “IT” can mean no more normal walking, eating, breathing, seeing, hearing, working, playing, writing, driving, speaking, exercising, hunting, camping, sewing, fishing, gardening, cooking, and on and on and on … you name “IT.”
Interacting:
It’s time to begin interacting. In the box below, write down the “IT” you are FACING as a handicapper or a caregiver. There may be multiple “ITS.” As an example, my “ITS” are: Type 1 diabetes, one functioning eye, and unexplained neurological issues that cause discomfort, pain, visual and spatial disorientation, and spastic inflexibility in my legs. More importantly, I have to face these “ITS” every day: 4 insulin shots, a strict dietary regime, and significantly impaired movement requiring a walker and keeping me from driving, jumping, running, and a whole host of normal activities. All marked by the inevitable hanging of the blue handicap parking permit.
Don’t be shy about this. Be honest. This may be very difficult to do. It was for me. Please know you are not alone and that help and hope are in this handbook. This is your first opportunity to begin the process of FACING IT. What is your “IT?”
DOs, DON’Ts, DARES
DO – Handicappers
This DO is very specific. I learned this one first hand not too long ago. DO go to a live physical event.
…
DO get out and experience physical events. Think of something you could go to, see, and experience, and then follow through. DO it!
Where can you go? What would you like to experience?
Personal Experiences
… Then, in the confines of this close, hot, old gym, it was Irena’s turn to prove herself worthy of a black belt. (My heart beats faster right now, just remembering this experience.)
First, she was put through a rigorous round of special exercises that would have killed me on a good day at age 21. Next, she was surrounded by eight people. They encircled her, and attacked her constantly, in many different ways. She was so quick and accomplished. I was holding my breath. She seemed to do well in my eyes. Then it was time for the final test of her ability. She had to go one on one with an accomplished black belt, and do well enough to earn her own, or fail trying.I had to remind myself to breathe. By now, she was tired and flushed, her beautiful, braided hair was coming undone, and I was scared for her. (I was perched on the edge of my walker, yet I felt like it was almost me, who would have to FACE this last physical test.) She was called to the center of the gym and her opponent was called out to FACE her. His nickname, behind his back, was Godzilla. The nickname fit. He looked like he could stomp on villages and send screaming crowds through city streets. He was tall, at least 250 pounds, and a professional trainer and fighter….