Hard Things

And Strength of Mind

By Trisha Taylor

Photos courtesy of Trisha Taylor

When I was around ten years old, I wanted to go see Terri Clark in concert at the Twin Falls County Fair, but I got pneumonia and was stuck at home. I was devastated. I also was angry that my lungs were so weak I got pneumonia. I was angry that I was disabled and couldn’t be “strong” like my friends. And I was angriest of all that my sister could go, because she didn’t face the same struggles I did. But a few hours after I found out I couldn’t attend the concert, I turned my anger into focusing on getting better—because I didn’t want to miss out on more events. This is how I get through hard times and not let them win: I focus on the next thing I want out of life. I’m now thirty-one years old, and have used an electric wheelchair since I was two-and-a-half. I have osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a brittle bone disorder. And as far back as I remember, I always have been very goal-focused.

I think being raised on a dairy helped in that regard. Dairy farmers are very hard-working people. I learned that if I wanted to do anything productive with my life, I would have to get my goals together and focus on completing them. It also was helpful to grow up in Wendell, population around twenty-eight hundred, because everyone knew me personally, or knew of me. If a new student came to our school, my classmates taught that person about me, and how I was just like them. I didn’t face stares and, unfortunately, the fear and hate, as much as I think would have been the case if I were not well-known. Growing up in a small school and town meant I was treated just like everyone else, which has transferred into my adult life.

I now live in Jerome, surrounded by people who support and treat me just the same as they would treat anyone else they love and care about. I don’t allow special treatment, although I do allow people to accommodate me, by choosing places that my wheelchair can go or carrying me inside a location. I allow people to ask if they can help me with tasks or ask questions about my disability and what my life is like.

This content is available for purchase. Please select from available options.
Register & Purchase  Purchase Only

 

Trisha Taylor

About Trisha Taylor

Trisha Taylor is thirty-one and lives in Jerome. She has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a brittle bone disorder, and uses a wheelchair. Trisha has driven a modified van since she was seventeen. She has a Masters degree in social work, was married in 2011, and five years later, she and husband Michael had their son Maven. Trisha's blog is at andshedid.org and she's on Instagram, andshedid19.

One Response to Hard Things

  1. Danial Foote - Reply

    at

    Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding layout.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *