So you find it hard to ask for accommodations? Laura shares the joy that is available when we get over this hurdle.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
I have a confession to make–I love music.
And it’s not Christian music–although as I get more exposed to this genre I find it beautiful. I enjoy the hymns I grew up singing in church.
But I confess to you that I like other music–particularly rock and alternative. Music without vulgar language–stuff with rhythm, drums and a beat.
I have a favorite local band, born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and I’m a bit of a fanatic. So much so that my husband did not flinch when I told him we were going to an acoustic, private show for 600 “fan club members” at a restored theatre in Buffalo–in addition to seeing them at an outdoor summer show.
I arranged accessible seating at the small show, which meant an additional chair to elevate my feet. To my delight the theatre moved us to the second row.
When I think of this group, I am drawn back to October 2010. It was around this time I realized something was wrong with my health and it was the last time I saw this band indoors. Since then I’ve seen the group three times outdoors, stretched on the lawn where I am comfortable.
To see them in a concert hall was a leap of faith, because sitting upright for more than 20-30 minutes produces symptoms. But with the accommodations I was able to enjoy the show.
Attending a concert is difficult , but having accommodations makes it feasible. I’m learning to set aside my pride and ask for what I need; whether it be an extra chair at a concert or a handicapped parking permit to conserve energy. These accommodations are there to assist in making our lives slightly less cumbersome.
Sometimes it is difficult to admit we need help, but the results are worth the effort.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for allowing me to begin to set aside my pride and ask for assistance. I am learning that this is okay to do and oftentimes people are happy to assist. Let me open my eyes, Lord, to the needs of others and do my best to assist them. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She retired from her job as an elementary school counselor in 2012. She is writing a book about her struggles with dysautonomia–a neurological condition in which the autonomic nervous system malfunctions, affected such things as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature regulation.
What accommodations have you sought to continue to participate in activities?
This song “Declaration of Dependence” rocks out. Kings of Convenience sing lyrics, however, about how we all want to be independent and how hard it can be to ask for help. Remember that our need may actually bless another person. It may give someone purpose they are seeking today. -Lisa
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