Choosing THIS?

Day 28 of NaBloPoMo! Again, I am not going by the writing prompt (although it's a good one: What is the best part about being in your family?). I have something more important I want to discuss.

I never watch talk shows. Ever. However, yesterday, I found myself drawn to watching Anderson Cooper's talk show just because I like him and it was on. Imagine my shock when I found out the first guest was a woman who WANTS to become a paraplegic. Click the link. Watch the video.

Let me repeat. This woman WANTS to be paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

She has gone as far as asking doctors to sever her spinal cord. And she goes skiing and hiking, in hopes that she will get in an accident that will lead to a spinal cord injury.

Apparently, there is a large group of people who suffer from what is called "Body Identity Integrity Disorder" (or BIID), a "condition" that leads people to want to be a paraplegic (I've looked online and can't find any cases of someone wanting to be a quad), an amputee, blind, or deaf.

What. The. Hell?

I am going to be judgmental because this is my blog and if you don't want to read my views on this specific subject, then please go away and come back tomorrow.

I cannot fathom anyone wanting to be disabled. On January 31 (my "accident anniversary"), I posted how I wouldn't go back and change the outcome of my accident ONLY because I would fear that it would change the choices I have made, therefor changing the outcome of my life. However, I would NOT want anyone to have to go through what I go through on an average day. This is, by no means, a blog entry wanting pity. I am the person I am today because of the challenges and obstacles I have faced. Just normal, everyday things can be harder. And what about the risks of kidney and bladder issues?? Or pressure sores??

This woman compared her disorder to a transgender person -- being born in the "wrong" body, but not one of the wrong sex, but of one without a disability. She also said how she likes how people help her when she's in her wheelchair. Is she in it for the pity? To feel needy? And I will scream if I ever find this woman collects disability (something I don't even qualify for).

I am just... sickened, I guess you could say. Why would someone WANT to be disabled? I guess there is a big difference if you can just stand up when going through security or to grab something from the top shelf at the grocery store.

So, what are your thoughts? Am I the only one who thinks this is ridiculous? I have a few friends who are therapists -- I hope that they weigh in on this.

31.

January 31.

It was the day that changed my life. I can remember bits and pieces so vividly, like it was just yesterday instead of thirty-one year ago.

January 31. Thirty-one years ago.

People have asked if I could go back in time and change things, would I? Of course not. Everything happens for a reason. If I changed that one event, would my life match up to what it is today? I wouldn't want to chance that. I love my life.

Thirty-one years later, I am happy. Thirty-one years later, I have this amazing family that I love with all of my heart. I have a husband who I fall more and more in love with each day. I have a son who is a great kid, gets amazing grades (just found out he's getting a 100 in 9th Grade Science - boo-yah!), and is more sensitive to others maybe a little bit because of me. I have this Wondermutt who acts SO! EXCITED! TO! SEE! ME!! every time I come out of the bathroom. I have a loving mother who still makes me peanut butter toast when I'm sick and hangs out with me when I need girl-time. Thirty-one years later, I have friends -- lord, do I have tons of friends! -- who I know will be there for me forever.

I am blessed. No matter what happened thirty-one years ago today, I truly am blessed.

Then - at my third birthday party.

Then - on my third Christmas. Almost one month before the accident.

Now - with Mason at the Tidal Waves Pep Rally
Now - with Mark at Ben and Samar's wedding.

Now - with Mom at Flip Happy.

Now - with the Naumann's at Epcot.

Now - with my girlfriends also known as the Pentagon of Trust.

Now - with friends in awful 80s wear! ;-)