Disneyland

Today I'm going to back up a little to the actual vacation, because I skimmed over the vacation part.

The first day we went to Disneyland.

We had a two seated stroller for the boys and my wheelchair to help us get around. We were set. But the closer we got to the entrance the more I could feel an ignorance from other guests towards disabled people. I felt as though when people saw me they went out of their way to be rude. Such as;

• My son, Ace, would be pushing me along at a casual pace and as people noticed, but pretended not to, they would step directly in front of me. Then they'd walk straight at me as though I was invisible and play a game of chicken. We'd be the ones who had to swerve not to crash into them, apologizing as we did. They would then give us a look of' 'You Better Be Sorry!' I felt angry at them and myself, because of this.
• People would jump in front of me and stand there not moving, even when we said "Excuse me!" It was like I was a non-entity, causing me to feel shame.
• Don't get me wrong the Disneyland workers were very accommodating by allowing people in wheelchairs to cut in line every third car or so. Though as we were let on, verbal complaints and crusty looks were given from the able-bodied as they waited ever so impatiently for us to board the rides. Also quite a few returning guests had figured out the trick of renting park wheelchairs to be able to ride quicker. This was apparent when you saw them walking out of the exit (which were very long) with no problems. But the park could do nothing about this without risking a law suit. Some people! GRRRRRRRRRRR!
• Once when I took baby duty (This is when a ride was not baby-friendly and an adult by their own choice would volunteer to take care of Merryck. That way the other adults could ride a ride and enjoy themselves without worrying if he was safe), Merryck was asleep. We parked in the shade and the rest of my party melted into the crowd. Just as they disappeared the baby woke up and wanted a bottle. Screaming at the top of his lungs, I picked him up to sooth him before searching for his bottle. I found it, but just my luck it was empty. Trying to keep both of us calm, I went to work making a bottle for him. With Merryck squirming and my erratic movements I struggled and struggled to fix it. People passed me, staring at us in disgust. No one offered to help, in fact more than a few groups of people stopped right in front of me like I was a freak-show there for their entertainment. I felt sickened by their contempt.

Even with all the mean-spirited stuff that happened, I did enjoy myself very much. I mean I got to spend special time with my son, his family and my awesome wonderful God. He kept reminding me everyone eventually becomes disabled in some way and they will reap what they sow. That and our catch-phrase of 'There but by the grace of God go you!' made my visit more than bearable...

A man reaps what he sows.

Galatians 6:7

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce