what i eventually realized (and it wasn't as soon as i hope you realize), is that i learned things that other "normal" people will never know about myself and the way things work. i was as ignorant as anyone when i became disabled, and i thought i knew a lot~! but the struggle to become the kind of person i want to be, despite all the losses and pain, the frustrations and disappointments, the endless baby steps~ gives one an inner strength and power that rarely is found any other way.

now i can honestly say that becoming impaired was a great gift to my spirit. it just took a while for me to understand and appreciate what i had gained, rather than to focus on what i had lost.

there is a thread in Grieving you might find helpful... grieving the loss of the old life is definitely necessary for most of us. but then there is another world of triumph awaiting~!

best wishes~
Gus