I'm here!
I can hear you!
I'm trapped in this place
I'm stuck in this prison
Behind this expressionless face
I know what your saying
My answers suppressed
My body it fails me
I'm in constant arrest
They don't know I can hear them
They don't know I am here
They think I know nothing
But I'm ALIVE in here
No words
No movement
They do everything for me
I wish for one moment
That they could really KNOW ME!!
BY KMF
I work in the disability field and throughout my time working with these people I have met some truly remarkable human beings.
It is disability awareness week here in the land of OZ and I think it's great to dedicate a week of awareness to people living with disabilities but awareness needs to be an endless commitment.
The picture above is actually a cover of a book written by a woman whom lived half her life in what is referred to as " locked in syndrome", after suffering a stroke at the age of 32. This syndrome is caused by damage to the lower parts of the brain and the brain stem causing paralysis to the entire body, giving the appearance that the person is in a vegetative state. This woman, Julia Tavalaro was awake within herself but the world outside thought she was gone & was nothing but a shell of flesh and bone. She was cognitively intact and aware of the world outside for 6 whole years before a family member noticed her trying to smile after hearing a joke. This book is her story of finding her voice against what would seem like impossible odds.
I have not yet read this book myself but I certainly intend too ... I think it's wise to always keep in mind that well known & often heard quote "Never judge a book by it's cover" things are not always as they appear!!
A beautiful dedication...
ReplyDeletewow. scary that people live this way...i work with a lot of disabled kids in one form or another...many as chastised for being different...that awareness is a good thinkg that many should see and feel...because there is beauty there as well..
ReplyDeleteAmazing post. I've been wondering about these very things for some time now. With my dad in a nursing home from Jan '10 to May '10, I can understand how difficult these situations can be.
ReplyDeleteI began writing about my small experiences March 2nd, and had several posts up to the time when Dad passed away on June 2nd.
We must cling to life at all times and at all costs....
Rick
Katherine - this post reminds me of Dad after his stroke. He spent 2 weeks trying to communicate without words or movement that there was a fly in his room. He recovered his voice eventually but the frustration he felt during that time was intense. Made me see people in a different light. Not everyone communicates the same way. Look for all the nuances.
ReplyDeleteHi Delia..thanks for you comment. It must have been such hard times seeing your father this way. Experiences like this definitely open our hearts & minds and help us to see things differently. Hope all is well with you & yours. Oh yeh, congrats on the new addition to the family!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Opaque I so appreciate your comments. I have tried to visit your blog but am able to gain access.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian.. thanks for your comment. It would be so very terrifying to exist this way that is why awareness needs to be raised about things like this, especially for those working in the caring industry.
ReplyDeleteYes I remember when you were traveling this road with your father. I hope that you are doing OK. And what you say is so true, if there is anything that we can learn from the sadness of such things , that is to truly live life!! Have a great day Rick.. Cheers Kath
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