Hey, guys! This is just kind of a rant about an incident that happened two weeks ago. Some random man was ableist towards me on the street and it made me cry and feel very upset. I wanted to write a post about it the week that it happened but I was still too sad to. Don’t worry, I won’t take up too much of your time with this:
Why I Don’t Need Healing
But before I talk about what happened, let me briefly explain something: I recently asked my family not to wish/pray for me to be healed anymore. Why? Because I’ve received the greatest healing of all – a love and acceptance for who I am, the way that I am. I honestly don’t want to change or be ‘healed’. Society often paints being disabled as a bad thing or a problem, but now I know that it isn’t. Being disabled doesn’t mean being ‘wrong’ it just means being different and I have come to love every single part of me that deviates from the norm.
That’s why I get a little frustrated when people pray for me to be ‘healed’. They simply don’t understand this concept. Doing so denies all of my personal growth and is projecting the idea that some part of me is ‘broken’ and therefore needs to be ‘fixed’ – all according to their point of view of course. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a follower of God myself, but people need to know that stopping random disabled strangers on the street and praying for them to be healed can sometimes be hurtful – no matter the good intention behind it.
What Happened
So what happened was this random man parked his bicycle in front of me while I was riding outside in my wheelchair. He asked if he could pray for me to be healed and I tried to refuse him and explain that I didn’t feel like I needed healing. However, he completely ignored me and continued to pray for me anyway. And since he was blocking my way – I couldn’t escape and roll away from him.
The entire exchange happened in Dutch but I’ll translate it here. His prayer included phrases like: “please let this young girl’s muscles and bones knit together in the correct way so that she may be made right again.” He talked about my body as if it was ‘bent’ and ‘broken’ and ‘desperately needed fixing’ – it was shocking to hear someone talk about me in that way. After how long it had taken for me to accept my disability, they were awful things to hear. His prayer also included many other offensive sentiments which I don’t even want to write down because they made me so sad and angry. Just know it was a combination of all of the worst, most offensive things someone could say about my body, combined and dressed up as a prayer that he expected me to be thankful for. They were honestly the worst insults anyone had ever said to me in my life.
I just sat there completely shocked as he prayed a prayer full of his projected offensive perceptions of me. Once he finally cleared the path and left, I raced back to my sister and burst out crying. It was so difficult hearing all of the things I used to believe about my body said out loud by someone else like that. This entire situation was made a million times worse by the fact that, just moments later, someone was racist towards my sister:
Some man with a dog on a leash approached my sister and his dog started jumping all over her. The man did nothing to pull his dog back so my sister kindly asked him to. He replied: “Oh why are all gekleurde mensen (Dutch for ‘coloured people’) scared of dogs?!” My sister tried to explain to him that not all black people are the same but he rudely cut her off by saying: “Whatever, enjoy tanning even though you don’t really need to.”
And that was it. The icing on the cake. We’d had enough discrimination for one day so we both got up and left. We’d come outside to enjoy the sunny weather (my sister wanted to read outside on a bench while I did some rounds around the park in my wheelchair for exercise) and we both left crying and feeling angry at the world. Anyway, I’m sorry for all of the negativity. I just felt like I had to get this off my chest. Next week’s post is going to be about wheelchair dancing so it will be much more positive than this!
Takeaway Message
The reality of being disabled is that people often stop us on the street and pray for our healing. I’ve heard countless other stories from disabled people who’ve experienced exactly the same. This is a quote from a BBC article about the issue: “Like many disabled people, I am often approached by Christians who want to pray for me to be healed. While they may be well-intentioned, these encounters often leave me feeling judged as faulty and in need of repair.” (Damon Rose, “Stop trying to ‘heal’ me” BBC News, April 28, 2019, accessed June 23, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48054113)
Once again, I’m a follower of God too and I know that these people have good intentions, but this is unfortunately just another form of prejudices and assumptions about disabilities coming to light. Doing this for someone who you know and who has told you that they’re struggling? Fine. Doing this for a random stranger who was just trying to have a fun day out in the sun but ended up coming home crying? Please don’t.
.
I can’t thank all of you enough for your continued support of The Wheelchair Teen. One of the best parts of my week is getting to read through all of your comments and messages. Thanks so much for reading, it truly means a lot ❤ See you soon!
The Wheelchair Teen 
You just don’t NEED healing!!! You are already blessed, blessed with thoughts, emotions and friends! You are who you are, and don’t need any hint of change!
I am horrified by that man-with-the-dog’s attitude! How his conscious allows him to speak like that! Keep up your passion and don’t be bothered by these silly people!
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Thank you so much, BookWorm. Your comment helped me to smile. I agree that I’m blessed with thoughts, emotions, and friends – and I’m very grateful for everyone of them [including you 😊]. I know, I think that the man with a dog wasn’t a very nice man. I’m trying not to let silly people like this bother me – writing everything down like this helped me to fully come to terms with everything that happened and now I feel like I can move on. Hopefully I won’t ever have to write a post like this ever again – I just thought that it was important to share to show people that doing things like this can be hurtful. Thanks for these words, friend ❤
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It IS important! Keep up the good work!
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😊
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I am so happy reading your comment! Be optimistic always! Always voice yourself out, it really helps!
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I’d be tempted to carry something sharp, so they have something else to pray about.
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I wouldn’t wish violence on them, just a wish for them to be less close-minded and ignorant. I do understand the feeling of wanting some kind of form of protection since he did make me feel quite trapped and closed in. Luckily, just having my sister with me outside was enough 😊 Thank you so much for lending me an ear and showing me some support, I really appreciate it ❤
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I tend to be less charitable. I think that the only way some people will appreciate disability (drivers who park on the sidewalk, for example) is if they were disabled themselves.
But you sound a lot younger than me and I might have had that same view at that age.
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What in the …?!?! I don’t understand this at all. I’m a Christian & I get the desire to pray for people with perceived problems. BUT!! When you refused, he should’ve simply said “Ok” & walked away. He could’ve even prayed for you when he got home & you never would’ve been the wiser. That was disrespectful on his part, especially how he described you during that prayer. Sheesh.. & the guy with the dog was no better. Unreal! Any dog owner should know better than to let their dog behave that way for one thing & any normal human being should know better than to say what he did! GEEZZZ!!!! I’m so sorry you & your sister went through this! ❤
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I’m a Christian too and I also understand the desire to pray for people who I think need help. I agree – no means no and he didn’t have to have done it in front of me. Sometimes I feel like when people see me rolling around in my wheelchair, they think that I have a big sign on my head that reads NEEDS HELP. True, we were really disappointed in that dog owner. On our way back, we were about to cross paths with him again but my sister turned around and found a different way back because we just didn’t want to have to deal with him again. Thank you, it’s okay – I feel much better about it now. I just needed a few day’s time out to unbelieve everything that he said about me. Thanks for your kind words, Cynthia. They really do help ❤
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I’m sure the praying man meant well, but that doesn’t excuse his intrusiveness. My mother was deaf. People crossed all sorts of invisible lines attempting to be helpful. There is no excuse for the guy with the dog and the racist comments. I’m sorry for your experience.
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Thank you, I feel better now that I’ve gotten it off of my chest. I just felt like it was important to share to show people how things like this can be hurtful. Yes, I’m sure he meant well too – I doubt he meant to make me feel sad. He actually probably meant to help me feel better which I understand. True – it doesn’t excuse his intrusiveness though. I’m sorry that people would also cross lines when it came to your mother. I feel like it’s mostly done out of ignorance and not realising that disabled people should be treated the same as everyone else.
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She passed away years ago. Our experience was back in the 1960s and 70s. People woth disabilities didn’t have much access in those days. I believe things are easier now, but I could be wrong.
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Yes, things are definitely more accessible and better for us since then thanks to the disability activists who fought to make life better for us in the late seventies to early eighties. Now, it’s mostly just societies views of us that need to change.
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I would not like anyone to pray for me, did people in German concentration. camps not pray? Who wants to believe in God, fine, but I would not waste my time.
You are a wonderful family, and you are lucky. Racists are vermin, don’t even think about them. Gave my love and regards to your sister.
Joanna
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True, it’s everyone’s own desicion I guess – I’m a follower of God but I know that it’s not for everyone and that’s fine. If someone says no to someone praying for them then I think that should be respected. That man didn’t respect my desicion when I said that I didn’t want him to. I am lucky to have the wonderful and supportive family that I have, I feel grateful for them everyday. I agree – racists are very close-minded people and I feel sorry for them and the small world that they must live in. I gave my sister your love and regards and she appreciated it and said thank you. I agree with her – thank you, Joanna ❤
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All my love and regards to your family, and to you.
Joanna
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This is really informative, really. It’s good to hear things from your perspective. And yeah, you sure aren’t broken.
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I’m glad that you found this post to be informative and that you liked seeing things from my perspective. I wish that I had the same opportunity to share these thoughts with the men that I interacted with that day. That’s very kind – thank you for saying that I’m not broken ❤ I hope that you have a lovely day 💕
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I’ve seen several people try to pray for or fix people with wheelchairs and knowing how it actually makes them feel is helpful.
Like you said, I wish that guy could read this too.
Have a great weekend ❤️
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How disgusting was that? To cloak his abuse and bullying in a Christian guise. I am sorry you had to go through that. I am, also, sorry your sister had a nasty encounter with a troll. If only I was not scared of flying…….
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Thank you, it was tough to go through, but luckily I feel much better now. I’m sorry that my sister had to encounter that racist too – we didn’t feel very welcome outside in that park that day.
XD Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it. And by the way, I definitely share your fear of flying. The thought of plunging down from that height? No thank you XD.
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Dearest Simone – you are wonderful and beautiful and wise. I love the person you are, just as you are.
I have reposted this on my blog, because this is a message that everyone needs to read. ❤
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Thank you for reposting this, I was worried that people might not understand why I was so hurt by this but I’m glad to see that people have been comprehending why I was upset that day. There’s nothing wrong with prayer of course – we just need to be a little more wary of things like this. Thank you so much for calling me beautiful and wise. It means a lot that you like me – as me. I believe that I was made to be the way that I am and I’m proud to be ❤
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I am not a Christian, so praying for you will not be something you have to endure. However I can see a beautiful, and thoughtful person and enjoy talking with you about anything. You in a wheel chair is just a state of being, like me in a body that is slightly overweight. No ones business, but our own. I hope you day ended with fun, and laughter and you enjoyed your time with your sister and also the sun. It is good for you to get some Vitamin D.
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Thank you so much for calling me beautiful and thoughtful. I really enjoy talking with you about things too because you are also a kind and loving person who hopes for better days. I agree – it’s just a state of being and no one’s business but our own. The day was good in the end because we ended up eating some delicious comfort foods and recieved lots of hugs and kisses from our parents. We were actually just out today getting some Vitamin D, I really enjoy the sun. Thanks for your kind words, have a lovely day! ❤
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OMG I am SO sorry this happened to you. Man/people always think they know what is best for everyone even though they don’t know what is personally best for themselves. The racist guy has my blood boiling. What an angry, miserable existence. In some ways I feel bad for his unruly dog. The dog is a product of the owner. Thanks for allowing us to be your burden bearers.
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Thank you for these kind words, I really appreciate them ❤ True, sometimes people have the bad habit of thinking they know what’s best for everyone and it can be incredibly hurtful. The racist guy had my blood boiling too – I’m angry that my sister had to go through that. I agree – I think that pets like that are never bad on their own, it’s just their upbringings that end up affecting their behaviour. You’re welcome, thanks for lending an ear. Have a fantastic day! 💕🌼💕
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I get that he meant well, but he shouldn’t have crossed the boundary when you tried to refuse those “prayers”. He should’ve just backed off the 1st time and let things be. Also, I’m really sorry you and your sister had to be a target of racism. It’s a stigma that doesn’t seem to have scope of diminishing anytime soon.
Here’s to a happy weekend filled with loads of sunshine ahead to the both of you and the rest of your family! ❤
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I agree – no means no and he should’ve backed off and let me pass. He didn’t mean to upset me but ignoring my wishes when I refused him wasn’t kind. Thank you, I’m sorry that she had to go through it too. I’ve never been able to fully grasp why racism exists to the extent that it does and why it’s been so hard for it to go away. So many people in this world are more focused on what divides us rather than what brings us together. Thank you so much for wishing me and my family a happy weekend! We actually have a very fun day planned for tommorow because we’re all going to see A Quiet Place II in the cinema! I’m excited but also nervous because it’s my first time being old enough to be able to see a horror film in the cinema. Hopefully it will be fun 😊 I hope that you will have an amazing weekend too full of laughter and love 💕🤗💕
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You’re very welcome, and thanks again! 😊
Ooh, good luck with that. Lemme know how it goes!
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It was AMAZING! I was still scared at some parts so I had to look away occassionally – but overall it wasn’t that scary and the three of us ended up really enjoying it! 😊
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Oh, Simone. Sorry that you and your sister had to go through all that. While the praying man might have meant well, he definitely crossed a line and went overboard. He should have turned back the moment you refused his offer of prayer. But some people just don’t know when to stop. As for the racial dog-walker, there is absolutely no excuse. That IS no way to treat a person. It is sad that the world contains so many people like this. Don’t let this get to you. You are strong and unique. You are not broken. Don’t let this dark cloud rain over your weekend, dear.
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Thank you so much, Shweta. Hearing you call me strong and unique and saying that I’m not broken – it meant so much to me that it almost made me cry. Truly – thank you. I’m trying not to let things like this get to me. I used to be very bad at dealing with things like this but I’m trying to get better and trying to be stronger. There was a woman that was examining my fingers by staring weirdly at my hands while we are at the nail shop today, but instead of letting it make me feel small, I turned around and smiled at her [as much as I could through my mask anyway] and she ended up smiling back which was nice. I think that it helped her to realise that there was an actual person behind the curled fingers she was staring at – and I walked away feeling good that I hadn’t let her staring get through to me. Don’t worry, the dark cloud has definitely brightened with a few heart-felt hugs and kisses from my family 😊 I hope that you will have an incredible weekend too 💕🌼💕
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Oh, Simone. Lots of hugs and love to you. I am glad to hear that you are trying to be stronger. I am glad that you didn’t let that encounter intimidate you. I hope that you have a fabulous weekend too ❤🤗
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Simone, I am so sorry you had to go through all of that!! Thank goodness you know Jesus! God is our Comforter in times of pain and hurt. I think you did a wonderful thing by bringing this to light on your blog. We have to try to educate others. As for your sister, well that person was just mean. I will pray for both of you that God will give you a beautiful sunny day filled with joy. Thanks for writing a great post. May those who are ignorant learn. Blessings!
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Thank you, it was a shocking experience to have to go through. Yes, He definitely is and He certainly helped to comfort me after everything that happened that day. I’m glad that you appreciated me bringing this to light on my blog – I thought it was important to share because I know that the man had good intentions and didn’t mean to upset me. He just didn’t quite understand the situation. Thank you for praying that we will both have a beautiful sunny day filled with joy – so far so good as the weather has been incedible and it was a very fun and relaxing day 😊 You’re welcome, I wish you many blessings too! ❤❤❤
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Accepting self is truly admirable. You are love.
The Dog Walker is pathetic. Really humanity has left the ground. Such abrasive attitude is intolerable. I really feel like hitting such people but yes, one cannot.
You cannot stop others but yes, you can change yourself. You are beautiful just the way you are.
Amazing post. Keep smiling 🙂
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Thank you so much Kritika for these kind and encouraging words ❤ I agree – I was very angry at that dog walker. That sort of abrasive attitude should not be tolerated, I hope that the man realises the error of his ways. True, we can’t stop others but we can change ourselves and educate others on how not to be ignorant. Thank you so much for calling me beautiful 💕 I promise to keep smiling – have an incredible weekend! 🌻🌷🌼
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My pleasure always 🙂 (hearts)
You are love. You are amazing. Always keep smiling. Happy super weekend !(flowers)
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I’m so sorry to hear about this experience, you deserve so much better!! You are healed, blessed, deeply amazing and so beautifully YOU – always remember that!!! The outside world will test us and trigger us, but as long as we stay true to who we are – we will always persevere!!! I’m always here for you, my dear friend! Keep shining and sharing your voice ✨🖤🤗
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Thanks so much for the support, Ace ❤ These kind compliments really made me smile – I’ll try not to forget this if anyone ever says something like this to me again. I have a lot going for me that I’m grateful for – and they’re more than the things going against me. True, the outside world will always throw its punches, but as long as we stay steady and strong in the fight – we can always persevere. It means a lot that you’re here for me 💕 Have an amazing weekend full with creativity, joy, and laughter my dear friend. You definitely deserve it 🤗😊🌈🌞🔆☀
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Blimey! Rude!
I’ve had people approach me and ask if they could pray for me, too, but never like that, thankfully. And they usually back off when I tell them, no, I don’t want or need your prayers.
And then the racial discrimination on top of that. I can only imagine just how horrible the two of you must have felt. I also can’t understand why people think they need to do this to others. What has the colour of a person’s skin to do with anything? What a stupid, insensitive git.
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I’m not surprised that you’ve also been asked the same – it really is a common experience for a lot of wheelchair-users which is a shame. I’m sorry that you’ve also been approached like this, sometimes people treat us like we have a big sign that reads NEEDS HELP on our forehead. I’m happy that they at least backed off when you told them no. We did both feel very awful – we were both quite angry at the world for a while afterwards. Luckily, it wasn’t anything that a few hugs and kisses from my mother couldn’t soothe. I don’t understand why people think that they need to do this to others either. True – the colour of someone’s skin is no indication of whether they like dogs or not. He must’ve been a very close-minded person.
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Wow, what a ball of negative energy you & your sis had to endure in a short period of time. My heart goes out to you Simone. You are so justified in your response: you are perfect just the way you are! Blessings to you, my friend, for a weekend without insane negativity! 🌞
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Thank you Lisa for the support, it’s greatly appreciated ❤ I’m glad that you thought that I was justified in my response – I was worried that some people would think that I was overreacting. And thank you so much for saying that I’m perfect just the way that I am 💕 I really respect you and how much you care about the environment and educating others on taking care of their bodies by eating well. Blessings to you too – keep up the good work [I HAVE to go to Northern Arizona if I ever visit the U.S. It looked absolutely beautiful in the pictures that you shared]. Luckily, so far has been a great weekend without any insane negativity, we even have a fun day at the cinema planned for tommorow! I hope that we’ll have a fun time. Have a great weekend! 😊
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Thank you, Simone, for your kindness. And I hope your cinema time is loads of fun! 🌞
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You’re welcome, it did turn out to be LOADS of fun in the end. It was an incredible movie! 😊
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This was very rude of the man. I’ve also experienced something similar, a man on the street said to me that I am sinner and need prayers. Fortunately he did not block my way and I escaped. It was very odd. I was still young and that made me scares of the story for a few weeks. Keep on the good work of this blog.
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I’m sorry that you had to go through that – that man was very awful to have said that to you. I’m happy that your path was not blocked so that you were able to escape him. That does sound odd, I wonder why he randomly decided to be mean to you like that. I’m so sorry that it made you scared – you didn’t deserve to be treated that way ❤ I promise to keep up the good work. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. I hope that you will have a lovely day! 🌼🌷🌻
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You really don’t need healing because you’re already amazing and beautiful just the way you are!! I hope others realise! Thank you for sharing your experiences! 💓
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Thank you so much Zainab for saying something so kind and sweet! 💛💙💜 I’m blushing, you really made me smile 😊 You’re welcome, I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about my experiences.
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I like how you are so clear that you accept who you are. That is beautiful. The man’s actions seem more like verbal abuse than prayer. Would you consider publishing an article in a local newspaper about the experience, so more people can understand that people who happen to get around in wheelchairs are people-no fixing required.
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Thank you, yes, if there’s anything that I want to be clear on it’s that I love who I am and that media is misleading when it only paints disabilities as a curse or something to be pitied. I agree, it didn’t feel much like a prayer at all. I have considered sharing my experiences in a local newspaper but, although I’m fluent in being able to speak Dutch, writing Dutch is a little harder. I have been, however, emailing/writing to different people, organizations, news stations, and newspapers trying to spread my message of equality for disabled people. Hopefully one of them will answer and help me to share my story with the world. I hope that you’ll have an amazing weekend! ❤😊🌈
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Thank you! Dutch would be a big challenge for me. I can understand you’d want to share your story in English. Considering how well you express yourself in writing I hope that one of the other outlets come through. You are making a difference with your website as well!
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OMG this is so bad …. like how can someone say that or behave like that…
We all are different from each other, and that’s what is normal ❤❤❤
The nosy person who was being way tooooo nosy and that racist person who was being all stupid because that’s what they are….doesn’t deserve your attention, just let them be !!! And always remember people around you love you way too much, so existence of these people opinions should be negligible for you …
Lots of love always ❤ 💕
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I agree – we are all different from each other and it’s fine and normal that we’re not the same. Thank you for all of this love, Vaniheart, I really appreciate it ❤ You’re right and I’m definitely trying not to give people like this too much of my attention because they don’t deserve it. If they want to be close-minded and discriminatory then that’s their business. Yes, I have many people around me who love me and are really worthy of my care and attention. I’m trying to focus more on them instead. Thank you so much for these kind and loving words. Have an incredible day my extremely talented friend 🌈💜💙💛🌈
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I understand how the healing doesn’t necessarily mean to be outside, it just comes from within. Oh dear beautiful young lady…. I am so impressed by this post that you are a happy being. We just can’t stop the negativity around us, but learn to ignore…. That’s how we can sleep peacefully. I am sure this affected you much but here I read lot of amazing comments to boost up your strength. Don’t be sad dear… Cheer up… There are many who really admire you including me. ❤️
Happy a blessed Sunday.
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I’m happy that you understand that sometimes healing comes from within. I was actually thinking about your wonderful poem about healing yourself when I wrote about that here. ❤ True, negativity will always exist around us but so long as we turn away from it and focus on those who spread positivity and happiness in our lives then we will still be able to sleep peacefully. Yes, definitely, all of the amazing comments here have helped me to feel much better – including yours 💕 I’m honoured that you admire me – I really admire you and your incredibly encouraging poetry too. Thank you so much for these kind words, truly. I hope that you’ll have a blessed Sunday too! 😊🌈😊
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Little sister I am so sorry that happened to you. Prayer should NEVER be forced on someone. That man though perhaps having good intentions, was so wrong to do that. He was so wrong to block you in leaving you feel trapped and not in control. I prayed for you to feel the gentle presence of Jesus.
You are precious, beautiful, and loved deeply by Jesus just as we all are. I admire you. You and your blog are a blessing to me.
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Thank you 😊 Yes, I agree, although prayer is amazing, it shouldn’t be forced on people. Thank you so much for praying for me to feel the gentle presence of Jesus. He certainly helped to pull me through that day after I felt upset about everything that had happened. And thank you so much for your kind words – they truly moved me. I feel honoured that you admire me, that means more than you could know. Your blog is definitely a blessing to me too – and to many others as well I’m sure. Have a blessed Sunday, brother! 💕🤗💕
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Hi Simone, once again you’re teaching me about life. Thanks a lot for that.❤
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You’re welcome, I’m glad that you felt like you learnt something here ❤ By the way, I’ve been trying to comment on some of your blog posts and for some reason it won’t work [the text keeps disappearing before I can hit send]. I wanted to tell you that I really liked your poem Au Balcon. It was dark but with a glimpse of hope in it. I saw the balcony as a refuge from all of the darkness and evil in the world.
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I’m so sorry the comment didn’t work , for some other people it did, I don’t understand why.
But I’m so glad to know you reading some post on my blog, since it’s not basic French 😉 So you’re not only strong and smiling, you’re clever too !
It’s true that I see the world as a dark place, but fortunately with some light like yours in it.
I wish you a nice Sunday afternoon.
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Thank you 😊 I don’t understand why it didn’t work either, but don’t worry about it, WordPress can sometimes make mistakes without a reason. I’ll keep trying to comment, and if I can’t, I’ll just find other ways to tell you what I thought 🌷
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Wow! Are people stupid or pretending to be stupid? I am literally shocked after reading this. That man was so condescending. I think we should make a prayer to heal his stale ‘heart’ (I don’t think he has one to be honest!). The racist guy needs a slap on his face with a brick (I just can’t help but get upset over insanities like this).
I am sorry that this happened. Also, thank you so much for sharing this. I hope you completely forget about such negative incidents and focus on people who actually care about you. Sending you lots of love. ❤ ❤ ❤
Take care~
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Thanks for the support and all of the love, I really appreciate it ❤ I agree, that man was very condescending. I understand why insanities like this make you upset – we were very upset at the time that it happened too. I’m trying harder to forget about incidents like this and to focus on the people who truly love me. Writing it all down like this did help me to get over it a little bit more. Thanks for lending me an ear, it means a lot. I hope that you’ll take care too – have a great day! 😊🤗😊
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Yeah, I agree. Anyways, I am happy to know that you are okay now. That’s what matters! ❤
I hope such disgusting incidents doesn't take place in the future!
Take care of yourself ❤ 🙂
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It seems to be a symptom of ‘their’ faith… that ‘they’ have the ability to work miracles… yet ‘they’ do not HEAR, because ‘they’ do not LISTEN…
‘They’ ought to read the book again… the One whom ‘they’ wish to initiate, NEVER imposed Himself on anyone…
He always waited for an invitation…
🇯🇲🏖️
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I agree, God never imposed himself on anyone else, he always waited for an invitation. That man should’ve too. These are very wise words, thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts on the issue. I hope that you’ll have a lovely day ❤❤❤
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🇯🇲🏖️
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🇯🇲🏖️
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You are amazing just the way you are! Keep going!
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Aw, thank you so much Jyothi for these sweet words! And thanks for the support ❤ I will keep going and won’t let men like these with assumptions stop me from being who I am. 😊 I hope that you’ll have an incredible day full of love and light 🌻🌷🌼
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Yup.. have a great week ahead!
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Wow & people wonder why Christians are seen as absolute nutters, flamin galah. What he did would have been terrifying & here in Aus, he would’ve been arrested, for making you feel trapped & then I pray to God he didn’t lay a hand on you to pray, completely violating. I am sure now, because you have wonderful courage to speak about such disgusting incidences & for your sister as well that rest assured my friend, there are many praying for those 2 (precious) souls right now. You & your family are to be treasured & respected always.
Have a free flowin fun weekend you & your fam.
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Thank you for the support ❤ I agree, although I am a Christian myself, his actions were way out of line. And to add insult to injury – he wasn’t properly social-distancing from me either which is another reason why I kept trying to move back and escape. I’m glad that Australia wouldn’t stand for this kind of thing [or Austria? Sorry I didn’t want to assume 😊]. Thank you so much, it means a lot that you think that I’m courageous. I hope that you too had a free flowin fun weekend 💛💙💜
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Sorry Australian, I should have spelt it properly typical Aussie of me. lol
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No worries! 😊 I understood what you meant.
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People are unbelievable… that was just awful for you. The Lord knows exactly how you feel about all of this. Thanks for writing it all so eloquently after what you’ve been through. May He richly bless you on your journey… you are an inspiration and an encouragement.
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It was awful. Yes, and I’m glad that He does know how I feel and that He was there to comfort me afterwards. You’re most welcome, I thought that it was important to educate others on this issue since I know he did have good intentions. Thank you so much for those kind words, I truly took them to heart. I hope that you’ll have an amazing and blessed day today ❤
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Oh no, how terrible! 😞
To be honest, I never even knew that someone would just have the ABSOLUTE NERVE to just ignore what I had said…
I would probably punch them in the face
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I know, right? It did feel terrible. Until it happened, I never knew that someone would have the nerve either. XD I understand that reaction, it is a complete invasion of someone’s privacy. I think that I was just too shocked to do much of anything. Thanks so much for the support, I really appreciate it ❤
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Aw, of course 💕
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It’s really heartbreaking to realise that there are people like these out there. And even though the first guy might have had good intentions but he should have respected you when you said that you didn’t want him to pray for you.
And I’m so so happy for you that you found that strength and love inside yourself. Self love is something that I’ve always had a love hate relationship with. SO I can understand how hard it is to accept ourselves the way we are and to truly love ourselves, all our best attributes along with the flaws. More power to you Girl!
Don’t let these idiots bring you or your sister down ♥♥
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It is hard to believe that there are people like this out there. I agree – he should’ve respected me when I said no, no matter the good intentions behind his actions. Thank you so much! ❤ It was very hard for me to be able to find that self-love too, but once I found it, it was so freeing and I was very happy to finally feel like I loved every piece of me – even my flaws and the parts of me that I needed to work more on. Don’t worry, I won’t let them bring us down – we have way too many people who love us to pay attention to the ones who show us hate instead 💕 Thank you so much for these nice words, Sonali. They were very kind. I hope that you’ll have an amazing day today! 🌷🌻🌼
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I’m really happy for you dear. Hope you have an amazing day too ♥♥
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My heart breaks reading your post and I feel angry for how you and your sister have been treated. You are beautiful and amazing the way you are, and when you declined the ableist’s man’s offer to pray, he should’ve got out of your way and left you alone. How dare he say such ableist nonsense and make you so upset you cried and had to go home to find comfort with your family?! And blocking you so you had no choice but to hear his words! If he absolutely must, then he could pray for you at his own house, then at least you wouldn’t have heard all his ableist words/comments. You are not broken and not a thing to be fixed, you are a beautiful and wonderful human being who makes life and the world better for being in it 💖.
And ugh the racist man, that is horrible as well. He should just keep his dog on the leash close to him, especially when asked (it’s only good dog etiquette to do so!), and not say mean racist comments to your sister!! Whether someone wants a stranger’s dog close by or not has nothing to do with the colour of their skin, and if someone politely asks you to keep your dog at a distance from them (for whatever reason and no matter the colour of their skin) you should just do so rather than be racist and insult them with mean racist comments!
I want to give you both a very big hug, you are both wonderful people and you deserve to be able to outside and enjoy the sunshine and nature without being insulted / upset / discriminated against by racist and/or ableist people. I hoped it helped you to spend time with your family and write what happened all in a blog post that many people will read and give nice comments on. Big hugs Simone, I hope you have a good Sunday.
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I can’t thank you enough for this amazingly touching comment GaiaAthena ❤ Thanks for these amazingly kind words, they truly made my heart soar. I am so glad to have met someone who’s so incredible and caring. I feel lucky to be able to call you friend, and your always supporting me and encouraging me to feel good about mself 😊
I agree, he easily could’ve gone home to pray for me and shouldn’t have blocked my way. It made me feel trapped and like I couldn’t go anywhere to escape him. Aw, don’t worry, I can definitely feel your virtual arms around me providing me with comfort and it still means the world ❤ Spending time with family did definitely help and writing it all done here and getting it off my chest fully helped me to move on. Not to mention all of the incredibly kind comments from everyone that truly made my weekend. I did have a good Sunday yesterday because Olivia-Savannah and our mum went with me to see A Quiet Place II in the cinema. It was SO good and so much fun! I hope that you had a good Sunday too 🌼🌻🌷
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What an increadible story…. I think this man did not realise what he was realy doing.
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I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about it, thanks for lending me an ear 😊 I think that he didn’t realise what he was doing either. He meant well – he just didn’t fully understand the situation.
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This experience sounds incredibly intrusive, presumptive, and intrusive. So many assumptions are made based on world view, without reflecting or perspective taking. Neither you or your sister , or any other, should have been or be subjected to this. I am glad you are writing and sharing, Sometimes it takes a life time to move to acceptance of ourselves and it seems you truly hold this. This comes through clearly in your writing and is a goal for many.💗 (Your post is deeply moving, it is a valuable sharing around the multilayered issues ingrained in our structure.).
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True – a lot of people make assumptions based on world views without considering the individual and their actual real-life experiences. I agree, no one should be subjected to discrimination like this. I’m happy that you appreciated me writing it down and sharing it with you all. I thought that it was important to share about it so that I could educate others about this issue. Thank you, I see my self-love as one of my greatest assests ❤ I’m overjoyed that you found this post to be deeply moving. Thank you so much for these lovely, touching words. You are clearly a very kind and wise soul. I hope that you’ll end up having an incredible day 😊
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♥️ I hope you have a lovely day ahead and I, too, see kindness amd wisdom in you.
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I mean…what?!? I’m not religious, but I can’t believe a real Christian would ever do such a thing. Whatever he thought he was doing or “needed” to do, there was no compassion in it, not even misdirected. It’s likely that he blocked your way out on purpose, because he thought he had some God wisdom to impart, regardless to your wanting/needing to hear it or not. Also, you know, he could as well have prayed for you in his head, if he thought it was the right thing to do. He deserved a good old-fashioned yelling at, but I know you’re too kind a soul to do such a thing. And the bit with Olivia and the dog-walker?!? At least in the old days most people would have kept their racist thoughts to themselves, while lately they seem to feel legitimated to be more and more openly nasty. I’m especially sorry because you were supposed to have a nice day out and it became a nightmare. Sending hugs to you both 🧡.
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Thanks, Roberta, we both definitely appreciate the hugs ❤ Exactly, he definitely could’ve prayed for me in his head if he wanted to. It felt more like he wanted to be an ‘Able-Bodied Saviour’ and to help me out, even if I didn’t need him to. Sometimes it feels more like people are doing things like this because it helps them to feel good about themselves rather than because they actually care about the person that they’re helping. It did taint our nice day quite a bit but our parents were there for us when we got home to give us all of the love that we needed. Your support means so much, thanks for always being so kind Roberta ❤🌷❤
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Oh this makes me rage so much, I’ve had it many times. Why do people still assume there is something ‘wrong’ that needs to be ‘fixed’ when you’re disabled.
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It really made me rage too, I’m sorry that you’ve also been through the same. I have absolutely no idea why people still assume this about us. It probably stems from the prejudice that disabled people are always to be pitied which is untrue. It’s nice to know that someone could relate. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me ❤
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I’m so glad you’ve built up this supportive community that helps you bounce back quickly from the kinds of stupid and downright nasty acts that you and your sister had to deal with.
That cruel man with the bike shows the utter hypocrisy of too many people who hide behind their self-anointed “religious piety.” He was simply cruel.
And you’ve clearly got the special inner fortitude that’s even more essential. You are so wise and mature to recognize that as long as you are entirely comfortable with yourself, no one else’s views of you as someone who needs “healing” or “fixing” can bother you for long. You’re delivering a message that just about any flawed human being, ie, every one of us, would do well to adopt.
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I’m extremely grateful for the supportive community that I’ve built up here – you all have truly helped me to overcome so much in my life that I’ve had to deal with, and for that reason, I’m so thankful that I decided to create The Wheelchair Teen. I agree, although he had good intentions, that man ended up being very cruel to me. Thank you so much for these kind words Annie, truly. They really mean a lot. It’s touching to hear that you think that I’m wise and mature. I’m also happy that you think this is an imporant message, it feels nice to recieve affirmation that my words are meaningful. You are such an incredibly intelligent, politically-aware, and knowledgeable woman and I greatly respect you ❤
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Thank you very much, dear Simone. I feel enriched by virtually knowing you!🌷
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I am wholeheartedly with you – healing is clearly misunderstood when applied with such reduced perspectives! You have stated it so very beautifully, your acceptance and joy of living for who you are is tremendous profound healing in itself – it is only the weak and ignorant who just can’t stand it in their ego the possibilities and perspectives you live with. Very insensitive of them to assume I agree. You are a blessed beautiful soul who models so much to learn from.
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Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words ❤ Indeed, that’s why I consider my self-love to be one of my greatest assests and I wish for others to be able to fully accept themselves as I have done. It can be a powerful and healing quality all by itself when it comes to feeling different from the people around us. I agree – it’s usually the ignorant who can’t understand my perspective and I honestly feel sorry for them and the close-minded mindset that they must have. Thank you for calling me a blessed and beautiful soul, it really made my day 😊 You too are incredibly wise, thoughtful, and giving for sharing all of your spiritual realisations with your followers. I felt honoured to read them 💛🌻💛
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You are very welcome, my beautiful friend, Much Love.
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This is intrusive and hurtful. Who has the right to overstep someone else’s personal boundaries? Whether it be physical or mental. I think both these men have much greater problems of their own. And this a way of acting out and projecting low self-worth and negativity. It must have been a terrible experience and such things linger on in one’s mind. I know you are a strong girl and will move on from this. Simone, this is the callousness of the real world. I wish you lots of strength and perseverance. 🙂
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I agree, no one should have the right to overstep someone else’s personal boundaries whatever they might be. Well they both definitely suffer from close-minds and lack the compassion to be able to listen to and respect others properly. Thank you so much for these encouragements 😊 I’ve tried my best to move on from it – writing it all down in a post and sharing it with others to help educate them on issues like this definitely helped me to move on and accept what happened. Thanks for your wishes ❤ I wish you endless creativity and inspiration 💙🌼💙
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Exactly, no one should have the right to overstep someone else’s personal boundaries…what a powerful sentence dear…keep inspiring…👍🤗
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Thank you! 😊 I’m glad that you agree ❤
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Thank you for sharing this with us it must have been awful for both you and your sister.There are so many small minded people about that can’t appreciate the person in front of them for who they truly are.
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You’re welcome, thank you for lending an ear as I got this off of my chest. It was awful. I agree, there are many small-minded people around who make assumptions and put people in boxes rather than viewing the person as an individual in their own right. Thanks so much for the kind support ❤ I hope that you’re having an amazing evening 💛🌼💛
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Sorry to hear about what you went through. Disability is in the mind and not in the body. In both the instances you have mentioned, you were the one dealing with a disabled person, not the other way. It is very inspiring to hear that you don’t consider yourself a disabled person and only see you as different. It’s not easy and you deserve a lot of respect for that!
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Thank you for the support ❤ I agree that the problem was definitely with the men that I encountered, not with me. It makes me very happy to hear that you find it inspiring that I fully accept myself as who I am and just view myself as different to most people. However, I still see myself as a disabled person because I do have a disability and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I’m very proud to be disabled. Yes, it definitely wasn’t easy to start thinking of myself in this way – thank you so much for respecting me because of it. Your encouraging words truly mean a lot, I greatly appreciate you reading this and sharing your thoughts with me. I hope that you’ll have a wonderful day today my new friend! 🌻🌷🌼
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So inspiring to hear you say you are proud to be disabled 🙂 Pleasure to connect with such a positive-minded person 🙂 You too have a good day!
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I am so sorry that your sister and yourself had to endure such terrible, unfair and prejudicial actions from fellow human beings! Discrimination is never okay and unfortunately this world is still filled with many ignorant people that will continue acting out in this unfair and unjust manner towards others. Sending big hugs your way ❤
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Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it ❤ I agree – discrimination is never okay. Indeed, there is no shortage of ignorant people in this world, I just hope that one day they’ll wake up and realise what a beautiful world their close-minds are stopping them from being able to enjoy. Thank you so much for the hugs! Although virtual, they still bring me just as much comfort and joy 😊
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Whether someone is disabled or not, praying for them negates the possibility of them taking control of their own life circumstances . I wouldn’t need someone to impose on my own capacity to think for myself.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the issue. Yes, if you don’t want someone to pray for you then you’re entitled to that desicion and it should be respected. I hope that you’ll have a lovely day! ❤
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While I would never presume to stop a person I don’t know and insist on praying for her right then and there–I think that’s just rude1– you taught me something important today. It is wrong to assume that anyone in a wheelchair is unhappy about it and craves to be made “normal,” whatever that means. I’ll be 74 in a few days, and I have a sad, achey back which is slowly crumbling. I have to use a cane, and sometimes I just have to sit down! My FRIENDS have offered to pray for my pain, and I treasure that. It’s an entirely different matter for a random person on the street to get up in my face!
Anyway, thanks for your openness about this issue. If you want to, you can feel free to tell me how I CAN pray for you.
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I’m glad that you were able to learn something new from reading this post. Yes, not all of us are unhappy with the way that we are. I, for instance, really enjoy my life 😊 Happy birthday in advance by the way. I agree, it’s completely fine if friends pray for you – especially since they know what you’re going through. Not strangers though – I completely agree. You’re welcome. If you want, you can pray for my efforts in trying to share my story with the world. I’ve been emailing numerous important people, organizations, news stations, and newspapers in the hopes that they will help me to share my story with the world and help spread my message of equality for all disabled people. Thanks so much for offering ❤
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You are now on my permanent prayer list. Thanks for your response.
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Thank you so much, that truly means a lot ❤
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I was shocked to read this… This is so horrible and shameful on those persons’ part!
Hey, Simone, you and your sister are BEST the way you are 🙌🏿 and to anyone who says you are not or should improve or heal, just give them the address of a mental health professional.
Just remember to keep that glowing smile of yours on your beautiful face! 😇
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Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words ❤ They made me smile and made me so happy! 😊 Thank you so much for saying that I’m best just the way that I am and for calling me beautiful. I’ll try to always keep a smile on my face, with amazing comments like these, it makes it much easier. I hope that you’ll have an incredible day full of joy and laughter my friend 💙🌼💙
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😊 Thank you so much! ❤️
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Hey sunshine! I enjoyed reading this and I do feel that people look at my husband and sometimes feel sorry for him. I surely don’t feel sorry for him..please know that you are enough and you are so loved! Be content in this season. Don’t cry, use those tears and that self determination and excel in your life. I’m so proud of you!
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Hello! 😊 I’m so glad that you enjoyed reading this. I’m sorry that sometimes people look at your husband and feel sorry for him, you’re right, he shouldn’t be pitied. Thank you so much for these kind and encouraging words, Renea! They deeply touched me. I will try and use my tears and self-determination to succeed. I’m honoured that you’re proud of me, that really means a lot ❤ I hope that you’ll have an incredible week and that you’ve been recieving the comments I’ve been leaving on your site [I really enjoy reading your posts!] 🌼🌼🌼
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Ohhh I’m so glad you enjoy reading my blog…Your blog is wonderful and it helps me with my hubby. But I know he doesn’t feel pity towards himself..he is a very assured man and he knows who he is. I want you to know how special you are, and yes I’ve received your comments and it means the world 🌎to me.
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Ugh, what a day it was. But Simone, you managed to write it all out so well and explain why their actions were wrong in a clear and concise way. I’m always so impressed by how much you take these experiences but make sure to inform other people so they can do better. Well, you know all my thoughts and feelings about your ableist encounter. I am so proud of you for how much you love yourself and how much stronger you are, despite ridiculous people like that. You know I love you ❤
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I do, and I really love you too ❤ Exactly, it’s bad that it happened but it feels good to be able to share it and educate others about how interactions like this can sometimes be hurtful. I’m glad that you thought my explanation was clear and concise 😊 I’m so happy that you’re proud of me Olivia-Savannah, I’m not sure if I’d have this blog without you being the OG blogger in the family and leading the way 🌼
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So sorry to hear you had to go through this, Simone. It really is sad how some people behave. Thank you for sharing this with us, even though I know it must be hard to. I could say to ignore such people, but saying it much easier said than doing it…I know. I suppose we could just try and accept that some people will be like this, no matter what. Either they don’t really care, or they are just not educated enough. I am glad you are so wise even at such a young age, and going through all that you have gone through..it surely must be tough. I hope you have better days ahead. We are here for you, and feel free to share whatever is in your heart. I love reading your blog alot!
Stay blessed, love. ❤❤❤❤🌹
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You’re welcome, I thought that it was important to share in order to educate others about how situations like this can sometimes be hurtful. I agree, there’s not much we can do but accept that some people are just like this, and I guess I have. I was really upset at first, but I eventually realised that the problem was with them – not with me. Thank you so much for calling me wise, it can be tough having to face what I do, but I think that it’s ended up making me much stronger than I was before. Thank you, it means a lot that you enjoy reading my posts, especially since you’re such an incredibly talented writer. My week automatically gets much better when I get to read one of your poems ❤
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I am so grateful for your visit to my blog, which led me to yours. This is my first read of yours and I am deeply moved and inspired by your voice. It is unfathomable how insensitive and clueless some people are. You are a woman of strength who knows how to rise above such insensitivity. Not easy, I am sure. Sharing your journey with us empowers you and brings awareness to your readers. Thank you. 💐
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You’re welcome, I truly enjoyed reading through some of your posts – you are a fantastic writer 😊 I’m honoured that your were moved and inspired by my voice, that means a lot. And thank you so much for calling me a woman of strength. Yes, it wasn’t easy – at first I was very angry at the world and deeply disliked myself when I became a permanent wheelchair-user when I was thirteen. Now I’ve come to accept my past and to love the fact that I’m different ❤ I hope that you’ll have an amazing week, I’m sending you lots of love and hugs 💙🌼💙
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Thank you so much. I will carry your beautiful energy into my day. Best wishes to you. 💐🌞
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