Because It's True

Wow, I've been living in DC for over a month now and time has flown by! The excitement of living in a gorgeous, historic and monumental city is amazing.
I walk pass the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and the Capitol- everyday and that never gets old.

Here's a panorama I took of the Capitol's ceiling

Last Wednesday I was walking by the Supreme Court on my way to work and saw the media at their usual spots waiting for more SCOTUS decisions. With my interest in human rights, it was a last minute decision to stay that day and stand with civil and gay rights activists waiting to hear the Supreme Court's decision on DOMA and Prop 8. I've never been part of a protest or peaceful assembly before, but standing in front of the Court and waiting with countless other activists and strangers that day was amazing. The street was absolutely packed. Tons of people. It was incredibly hot. But when my friends and I were reading the SCOTUS blog updates and realizing what had happened was priceless. I can't describe what it feels like to see people realize their rights were recognized by the federal government. And we were right in the middle of it- standing at the headquarters where true change occurred. Truly inspiring. I'm so thankful to witness a historic and life changing moment for so many people. I'll always remember that moment.





I have also come across challenges during my stay. Regardless of these challenges, there's always something to learn and take away from those situations. I'm compelled to express this experience as I want others to learn to never say this to a person with a disability.

A few weeks ago I was in the elevator with a man and woman who were carrying two bikes. They made general conversation with me, asking about my scooter and whether I can ride a bike. I proceeded to talk about my training and how I used cycling as a vital part to excel in swimming. The woman then asked what my disability was and I said Muscular Dystrophy. I thought the man and woman were extremely friendly and nice until the woman said- "God can cure you only if you let him." Surprised, I  told them how I am blessed to have an incredible life, but the couple kept telling me (in the elevator) that God can cure me only if I let him. I understand that the couple meant well and wanted to see me "out of pain," but from a disability perspective, saying that God can cure me only if I let him, only implies to those disabled that we're broken and not fully human. It is very degrading and only enables the disability medical model within society- that every person that is disabled needs to be cured. We are not broken people, but rather full, human beings. If that situation occurs again, I encourage everyone with a disability to simply say that we are perfect in God's eyes...because it's true.