I
haven’t stood on my own power since August 25th, 1993. That’s 16 years and 2 weeks give or take. And while assisted standing isn’t pure unadulterated, like running through the grass or posing for an artist standing, my EasyStand 2400 stander does get me on my feet. If it wasn’t for this genius device, my body would never even get a semblance of standing; and that would be pretty sad.
It’s funny. Even to this day, I still mourn how graceful my legs once were. I was a born dancer and felt at home on-stage. And now, even though they’re not fully atrophied (thanks to spasms), I just look at them and want to profusely apologize, telling them how sorry I am for taking their ability to stand, walk, move, everything …away. But don’t worry, those moments are far and few between. When they do happen, yes, they suck, but I’ve decided pining after the veritable “four leaf clover” really isn’t a good way to spend my time.
And you become more grateful when you can’t stand on your own power anymore too. A not surprising side-effect of losing the ability to stand: Able-bodied people who go through their days, never realizing how lucky they are, may get on your nerves. When you go from a perfectly working body to a body that’s full of fail, instantly, it’s a massive wake-up call. I’ll never forget how easier life was. I want everyone in my life to know just how lucky they are.
Btw, I know it’s natural for humans to be this way, to “not know what they got till it’s gone,” but it still pisses me off. If you’re reading this and can stand on your own, please, take a little “I am blessed” moment right now, because yes, you truly are blessed.
When I go in my stander, I may not be extending my legs en pointe, in fact, I don’t move them at all anymore, but seeing myself stand…seeing my 5’10 frame in it’s upright position, it not only feels freeing but it pleases me greatly. My stander helps me feel like I’m cheating fate somehow. Is that strange? Does anyone out there feel this way too?
To read more about Tiffiny and her long-term relationship with her stander, read her EasyStand Customer Story.
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