Wickliffe's insightfulness is nothing new to me. For years, my nine-year-old nephew has displayed an incredible level of perception when it comes to understanding my situation and feelings. He is always concerned with making sure I am included. He once told my dad that he preferred the waterfall hike from our Hawaiian vacation, because I was with them and had not been on the previous hike.
For years, my nine-year-old nephew has displayed an incredible level of perception when it comes to understanding my situation and feelings.
The other day, my sister was reading a book to my three nephews called Just Imagine by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt. The book is loaded with pictures, each representing a theme, and on each page everyone selected which item they would choose. When they got to the transportation page, with various wheeled objects, my sister pointed to a man in a wheelchair and said, “I bet Loa would pick this one.” Wickliffe rolled his eyes and said, “Mom, she doesn’t have a choice so of course she has to pick the wheelchair, but I wish she didn’t have to. She could get a crane so she can ride the dump truck.” Incidentally, the dump truck is his favorite and I suspect he thought I could use a crane to put my wheelchair in the back and ride along with him.
Wickliffe was so right. I would never choose the wheelchair, and in fact, I am a bit disturbed that one was included. I realize that the author was trying to be inclusive, but in reality, very few people in wheelchairs would make the choice to be in one if it was not necessary. Yes, wheelchairs are wonderful as they allow those with lost mobility to still maintain a certain semblance of autonomy, but Wickliffe’s eye roll said it all. I would never choose the wheelchair if circumstances did not deem it necessary. My “choice” of the wheelchair is one-hundred percent by default.
When my sister asked him if she was allowed to share this story, he gave her his permission with the condition that she stipulate it was “From Wick.” Thus, this blog is brought to you courtesy of my nephew and his thoughts on that which we have no choice over. Even if I could only give up my wheelchair for a day, every minute would be spent enjoying all of the things my nephews love, that I primarily participate in through watching. Despite the fact that my nephews are very generous with hugs, kisses, and cuddles—climbing up into bed with me to get cozy-cozy—I would love nothing more than to be able to wrap my arms around my favorite little men.
We would ALL love that for you, Loa! ♥️