Winter, Spring, Summer and Falling

When I'm in my home, I tend not to use my cane.

Frankly, I hate the thing. Not because it makes me look like the crip I really am, heck...I'm home alone with just me, dogs, and reptiles. I hate it because I put it down and forget it. Or I can't find a spot to put it down without it falling over and smacking the floor, thus scaring me, dogs, and reptiles.

So at home, I'm what's known as a "wall hugger". I keep my hand on a stable surface most of the time, either that or I try to be aware of my surroundings and keep in mind what I can grab if I start losing my balance.

Unfortunately, that doesn't work all the time. Before I was disabled, I was a klutz. Now, I'm a Bona-Fide-Accident-Waiting-To-Happen.

I have had instances where I've lost my balance, reached out my hand to grab something to stop my fall, and missed. Down I go. I have the bruises to prove it.

This is why I ALWAYS use my cane around family and friends. I haven't fallen in front of anyone yet, and I want to keep my perfect track record. So far, I've only fallen in front of me, dogs, and reptiles.

I have had a few close calls. I once had to grab onto my friend Thorne because I was on the verge of falling. I don't think he realized it, and that's a good thing.

I'm not sure why this is such a big deal for me. I think it's because I don't want to show this outward example of my true crip-dom. To have a fall in front of someone, even the hubby, would be mortifying. I don't embarrass easily... just ask my friends who threw me a surprise birthday party and hired a clown...that turned out to be a stripper. Not embarrassed. Even when he cleaned my glasses with his thong... while he was wearing it... I wasn't embarrassed.

But a fall would be a total drag.

Luckily, I don't get embarrassed falling in front of me, dogs, and reptiles. They love me standing, sitting, or falling on my butt.

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