What’s the rush?

The old cliché of ‘You Only Live Once’ is banded around a lot but the majority of people appear to ignore what this means. It is a motto that I follow and urge others to because we’re all mortal (eventhough some like to think they’re invincible) so death is inevitable. Apologies for that depressing thought but anyone who has lost someone close to them will know that it makes you realise how precious life is.  Having a ‘life-limiting’ condition might be another reason why I tend to live for the day.

That brings me onto my thought for the day. Time goes by too quickly. When I think of friends and family who are no longer with us, it feels like yesterday I was in their company. Same with my walking. It doesn’t seem almost eight years since my first day at Secondary School when I could just about walk around campus. Therefore, I don’t know why people rush through life. No job or journey is ever that important (apart from a life or death situation).

Coming home from the football every week proves my point. There are always a few who try to get out of the area quickly by pushing through crowds. They’d argue that otherwise the traffic would build and life is too short to be caught up in congestion. However, I say that people are potentially making life even shorter with the stress of rushing and making a quick get away in a car. Same with buses. No point in running after it. Just wait for the next one to arrive. I’m no doctor but living life at speed cannot be good for the heart.

My second example again flags up that there is simply no need to rush. I was making my way into McDonalds last week and I stopped to let this disabled girl pass. She needed someone to help her walk and was quite slow but no problem. I am empathetic (obviously) and it was sunny so I was enjoying waiting outside. Then, a woman came along saying “can I get through” and proceeding to walk past. I was so angry. Anyone could see that I was politely giving the girl space, not just sitting there for the fun of it. Also, were they going to suddenly run out of Big Mac’s if she had to wait for a moment? Unbelievable, peope make you sick.

That is why ladies and gentleman, rushing in life (apart from an emergency) is stupid and makes no sense.

Basically, my overall message for the day is not to rush, take in your surroundings and, without sounding like an idealistic hippy, enjoy it while you can.  If I had known Arsenal weren’t going to win the league again for years, perhaps I would’ve celebrated harder in May 2004.

Bye for now!

Not to be...

This morning was the draw I had been anticipating for a good couple of months. The wait to discover if I had been successful in the Big Blog Exchange was over. I could finally find out if I was to be 1 of the 16 chosen writers who would exchange lives with another blogger for 10 days in June. As you can guess from the title, unfortunately I did not make the final cut. Now it has sunk in, I have to be honest and say that I am gutted at the outcome, particularly after going on about it so much. I would like to take the time and once again thank everyone who voted for me.

I may not have won but the whole experience has been brilliant for me to develop the blog. Firstly, I have had an influx of new readers visiting the site and enjoying the posts (which has always been the aim because more become educated). Secondly, I have met a few fellow bloggers and have learned a lot by reading their pieces. Thirdly, I have been overwhelmed by the response, which not only shows that people do engage with what they read but listen to me and absorb most of what I say. This reassures me that what I am doing is correct and gives me the confidence to continue to spread the word of ‘Wheelchair Boy’.

After the all clear from the hospital on Friday, I am determined to go abroad a few times now that I don’t have to worry about a potential operation ruining my summer. I’m hoping for one family holiday in the sun so we can all relax and spend quality time together. I also want to go traveling, perhaps in Europe so I can explore and make people aware of disability. I’m still hanging onto that mission; only difference is I’ll have to fund the trip rather than having the costs covered.

Plus, there is always next year! Although I wouldn’t constantly pester for votes next time.

Bye for now!

Good news at last…

This morning, I had my first check up back at Stanmore after my 2^nd operation last summer. You may remember that the team found another crack towards the top of the metal rod but said they would monitor it to see if any problems would arise. I feared that it had got worse because I kept leaning to the left and wasn’t sitting up straight. Also, during the whole heart scare back in November, the doctors discovered the crack and didn’t realise that my surgeon was already aware. This stuck with me as I immediately thought it might have increased in size, what with the massive concern Hillingdon was showing.

Understandably, I woke this morning feeling rather nervous to say the least. I can’t remember the last time I felt this sick. The pain was so intense that I cannot merely label it as ‘butterflies’. I even skipped breakfast, which is something I never do, but I just knew that being ill was a distinct possibility if I ate food. The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is not the worst but there is something about entering those gates which strikes fear into my body. Probably because it’s got an old-fashioned Asylum look and twice I’ve been imprisoned in there for what, at the time, felt like an eternity.

No one would ever want an operation but I seriously cannot go under the knife this summer because I have a busy one scheduled. May is all go with a trip down to Southampton to see Craig David. Then it’s Muse featuring Dizzee Rascal at the Emirates. Hopefully, I’ll be one of the 16 chosen bloggers to win a trip abroad in early June (I find out on Monday). The Wireless Festival at the Olympic Park is in July. On top of that, I have numerous writing commitments plus, I have joined the gym. For them reasons, now was not a convenient time to have more spinal surgery. So, I was anxious as to what this consultation would bring.

There was simply no need. The surgeon told me that my back had fully healed and there would be no need for a 3^rd operation. The relief on my face was clearly visible, according to mum. I went from looking like I’d seen a ghost to a huge smile from ear to ear.  Regarding my posture, the doctor suggested that it might be coming from the hips so he referred me to see a physio. My dad added that it could be the hereditary lazy way of sitting that comes with the Shorey name.

Obviously, I am ‘buzzing’ (as the kids say) with the news so after going for lunch, I treated myself to some new trousers and trainers. Another highlight was the surreal moment when I looked up to see Tony Blackburn buying some Reebok trainers (younger readers might need to Google him). He is a size 9 if you’re interested. Amazing how something trivial can be exciting to watch.

Anyway, I better go and get ready to celebrate in style at my hometown, Watford. Going back to where it all began.

Bye for now!

Playing up…

Sometimes in life, I just can’t be bothered to fight against ignorance and change the way people see disabled people. Mostly, if I’m feeling patronised, I’ll impose myself and take control of the conversation to illustrate that I am an ordinary adult. Like today when I went and joined the gym. At first, the woman seemed to be addressing my carer but I spoke up so she knew that it was ‘Wheelchair Boy’ who was interested in signing up. After that, the conversation was fine and I didn’t feel belittled. I felt I had made her see me, rather than the disability, which is my overall desire.

However, when people are constantly staring at you or giving a special nod, I’ll just admit that I get fed up and give them what they expect. For example, on Monday at the football, I was getting a few looks so I just began shouting ‘handball’ at really random moments. Those who believed I had a mental disability before certainly were sure of it now. Another example where I’ve just gone with it and played up because people think I’m special anyway is earlier  in the park. A woman gave me a funny look so I started singing ‘If you’re happy and you know it’. That frightened her and made her walk away sheepishly.

Now, you might say why do I pretend to have a learning disability? Surely the physical one is bad enough? Yes, but I do it just to humour me and keep me sane. Otherwise, I’d have all this anger towards ignorant people, which is not healthy. Think of society as one big game. I’m trying to change it for the better gradually but occasionally, it is more fun to join in and play along. Also, it’s easier to fit into stereotypes than challenge them. There are times when I’m quite content for people to see me as different so that I don’t have to speak to them. It sounds anti-social but in a way, I’m quite lucky I can pick and choose who to communicate with.

Bye for now!

A distant target…

I’m probably going to regret saying this but it is something I want to do: The London Marathon. It may not be next year but it is a definite aim for me at one point in the future. As you all know, I have been working on my fitness but I need something to keep me motivated. This a massive statement because I am in no means ready, I haven’t even completed a mile let alone 26, but my motto in life is ‘anything is possible’ (except walking, that ship has sailed). Even if it takes a few days (which is quite likely), it would be one of them life achievements, alongside my Skydive, that I can be proud of forever.

Before I can even start contemplating doing a marathon, I seriously have to get a sporty manual wheelchair. The NHS one is simply not good enough and isn’t built for speed. I have seen light ones that may help or my dad suggested like a hand-bike one. Either way, I’ll have to think about how to raise funds because the wheelchair services won’t give me a decent one and as I’ve explained previously, most charities that purchase mobility equipment are for children. You can be sure that a chair will not be cheap; nothing ever is under the disability umbrella.

Only then, will I know whether this idea is terrible or if I actually will be able to do it. It’s one of those things that you think is a great idea before realising how hard it will be. However, I’m more than willing to accept the challenge to show that people can really do anything if they put their mind to it. In the meantime, I’ll have to continue to lose more weight. The lighter I am, the easier the task will be surely. I’ll also have to keep building my muscles so that I have the strength and stamina to go all the way (not in that way you pervs).

Thank you for all the votes on the Big Blog Exchange. The live draw to see if I am chosen as 1 of the 16 is next Monday. Can you do me another favour and vote for my freind Scarlett in the Company blog awards 2013. I am indebted to Scarlett because she told me about the BBXwhich I've enjoyed taking part in. I've gained more readers and met some fellow bloggers along the way. Here's the link: http://www.company.co.uk/company-blog-awards-2013-with-new-look Scarlett London is under the fashion category.

Bye for now!