Get Real

Warning--this is a rant! Despite my tolerant demeanour, there a number of things that I do indeed find annoying; these would include drivers who don't use their signal lights, people who are habitually late and those who accept as true that if you try hard enough you can walk after a spinal injury—a myth largely perpetuated by soap operas.

Granted, there are those who are able to walk again, and it takes a great deal of grit, determination and physiotherapy to get to that point. However, there are those with no less willpower that are unable to regain this ability. It all depends on your injury, not your attitude.

Soap operas would have us believe that if you are young enough, restless enough, bold enough, beautiful enough, and spend the requisite number of days of your life in General Hospital you will indeed walk again. If you are male, and I believe that you are if you suffer a spinal chord injury on a soap, it also helps if you have a steely jaw, bedroom eyes and a good woman who truly loves you (at least until the next ratings period when she finds herself suddenly attracted to your nemesis who has returned from the dead).

This perception puts the pressure on and can cause a great deal of anxiety to those who are recently injured, lying in hospital constantly attempting to feel this or move that. If you can that's wonderful, if you can't, you can't, it's no reflection on your resolve.

A young man of my acquaintance, a quad who is able to walk, once told me that he has never really learned to accept using a wheelchair, even though walking becomes increasingly difficult for him. He said that he admired Christian's confidence, grace and ability in the chair. I always wished that Christian had the option to stand and walk, but it made me realize that it too has its down side.

So if you enjoy soap operas, watch them by all means. Just remember that not everyone looks like Brad Pitt or Meg Ryan, has an evil twin or is able to will themselves to walk after a spinal injury.