Reflection: people are very kind to you when you have a visible disability.

From bus stops, to the school, to total strangers people have been so kind and interested in what happened to me.

I used the I walk which made my injury very visible. People were always willing to give their seat up on the bus. Everyone was wishing me well.

I felt cared for by these strangers.

It occurred to however that when your disability is less visible you probably don’t get to experience people’s kind side as often. I think of my brother who had a far worse surgery and much more dangerous illness to his heart. When he was sick it was truly hard to leave the house and my the time he did his scars and injuries were hidden. Diseases of the mind are known as hidden diseases and I can see why that would be so tough

It’s easy to have a negative view of the world when so many of us avoid eye contact, have are AirPods on and don’t say hello.

It’s great reminder to stop and say hello to people, to hold doors, to offer seats, even when nothing is obvious. Who knows what that person is going through ,perhaps they are fine, but perhaps they are suffering and you made them feel a little better about the world. I think that’s worth it.