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!!
