tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post4138371169352963141..comments2024-03-22T07:18:18.281+10:30Comments on Lupey Loops: Access All Areas: Stairs or Stares?Jodiebodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-16745150587631367682015-09-13T14:48:26.948+09:302015-09-13T14:48:26.948+09:30On of my friends that has a visible disability exp...On of my friends that has a visible disability experienced that attitude too so yours is not an isolated case, I am afraid! It isn't fair! It is sad when parents' ignorance generates fear of difference in children. I am certain that most of the negative emotions that get expressed in the world (e.g., bullying, anger, racism and other forms of negative discrimination) are based on fear. Parents need to love and nurture their children without instilling fear, building their self-esteem and confidence to take risks in the world because that is how they learn and grow. A healthy self-esteem and confidence build resilience in life. <br /><br />How sad that a child or person might miss out on the perfect friend or a soul mate because of irrational fears from those 'pathetic' parents. I am glad the negative responses buddy encounters are outweighed by smiles. All children need to feel loved and that they are included - a smile is a wonderful way to show that. What the world really needs is an International Smile Day!Jodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-37103204338246766402015-09-13T10:08:29.015+09:302015-09-13T10:08:29.015+09:30We get many a look at Little Buddy, most of the ti...We get many a look at Little Buddy, most of the time people are smiling but there are those adults that won't let their children near him, sort of like what he has is catching. It is a bit pathetic.<br />Hugs,<br />MeredithMereknitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04596140300034854370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-82566480143693230952015-09-12T14:04:07.114+09:302015-09-12T14:04:07.114+09:30:-O I am totally stunned! What makes a person thin...:-O I am totally stunned! What makes a person think it is okay to be so horrible and mean? One wouldn't believe that a so-called 'adult' would behave in such a manner! I just want to hug you until you feel better. I know for a fact that your 'insides are not too horrible', especially your kind and loving heart!<br /><br />It saddens me that you consider your outside 'unattractive'. What makes a person 'attractive' is their whole personality. Looks count for nothing if the person inside has a nasty temperament. On the other hand, when I get to know a person - the whole person for who they are - it is 'the whole package' that makes someone attractive. I see you (on the outside) and recognise who you are (on the inside): Cheryl, who is caring, funny, brave and a most loyal friend that we (my family) all love.<br /><br />Try to dismiss those ugly people. I know it is easier said than done. They obviously have no clue about the effects of their actions. Take comfort knowing that those who really know you appreciate and love you, all of you, for who you are regardless of what you look like on the outside.<br /><br />"Those that mind, don't matter. Those that matter, don't mind"Jodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-19682921544360070502015-09-11T20:51:44.215+09:302015-09-11T20:51:44.215+09:30I hear your pain, and feel understanding to the ju...I hear your pain, and feel understanding to the judgement. I find similar issues with being fat. I was ridiculed at Noarlunga the other day and it completely crushed me. I felt like I was back to being bullied at school. A rude woman was walking behind me and Mum. I know I walk slow from my compromised lung capacity, but I revel in the fact that I am out and about! I suddenly heard 'Check out the size of that arse!' I blushed and felt very sad. Then the voice came again, louder, 'Move your fat arse, not everyone is slow and fat like you!' as she pushed past me. She then proceeded to mime an elephant right in front of me. <br /><br />I was mortified and I am ashamed to say, left without finishing my shopping. It was such a shocking, unprovoked attack. I don't know why the most unforgivable thing a person can be is fat, I like to think my insides are not too horrible, and hope my actions help lessen my unattractive outside. <br /><br />I hope your friends will continue to walk beside you, I always will. You are a special shining light in my life, and my sister of choice. Amethyst's Arthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12687174242882193645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-33035614323632783362015-09-11T17:05:26.952+09:302015-09-11T17:05:26.952+09:30It is such a welcome relief to read that you have ...It is such a welcome relief to read that you have had good experiences while out and about. I am glad that people smile when your eyes meet and without the dreaded 'stare-oops-look away'. I will always try to smile and be friendly when making eye contact too because I want people to feel friendly towards wheelchair users and see me first and not the equipment.<br /><br />I agonised about posting this topic because I am not a 'whinger' but was worried that this could come across like that. In the end, I decided that I obviously feel strongly about the subject and there is definitely some room to educate people about the effects of people's behaviours, whether conscious or unconscious.<br /><br />Depending on one's circumstances, living with a chronic illness or disability can be socially isolating in itself. Anyone who has experienced lengthy illness or any major life change will have at least one story of friends or associates who fall away. <br /><br />Opportunities to make new friends may be fewer due to limited physical or financial capacities directly related to the illness/disability. Assistance may be required to access transport, activities and venues and it can be hard to access adequate support services for social outings. <br /><br />If someone is fortunate to meet a potential new friend, it would be a shame to lose a friendship before it even got started because of social pressure from the rudeness of others. I write my post for those people who find it hard to find and make friends as much as to vent my own frustration!<br /><br />I am glad that you interpreted my rambling post as I had intended it to be. Thank you for your support Sharon. I hope that you continue to find support and kindness while out and about. Hugs xxJodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703986833050265474.post-19674411713340547152015-09-11T06:17:20.502+09:302015-09-11T06:17:20.502+09:30Hi Jodie. I am really sorry to hear of all the to...Hi Jodie. I am really sorry to hear of all the tough times you have had out in your wheelchair. I can honestly say that I have never noticed anyone really staring at me (but then I am not the world's most observant!), sometimes I meet someones eye and they will smile in response to my smile, I have been really fortunate and always found people ready to help by opening doors etc and a couple of times when we have been at show arenas, several people deep, there has always been someone in the crowd who has asked people to make room for me to go forward to the front where I can see. Hopefully if the more that have problems when using a wheelchair speak out like you just have then gradually attitudes will change. Hugs x Sharon - creativity and familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09723560933462975777noreply@blogger.com