The Shift

Description: Two overlaping cricles with an arrow to the overlap with the message "Nothing fits here!"

Sometimes the shift is hard.

Yesterday I spoke at the OASIS conference and the day began by meeting with my co-presenters for breakfast and to go over our notes. Even though we were all a bit nervous because it was a new presentation, we were in good spirits and I had fun.

So.

I forgot.

We went to get ourselves registered and wandered through hallways where I knew a lot of people. The morning was filled with warm greetings and the occasional short chat. At the registration table, we got what we needed and we headed back, towards the presentation room. Again warm 'hellos' and a feeling of welcome.

So.

I forgot.

Then at presentation time, we went in got set up, were introduced, then started. It went better than we all expected. We moved back and forth seamlessly. The fact that we like and respect each other I think came across during the presentation. So, in the end, it was fun to do. The feedback was good.

So.

I forgot.

Afterwards Joe and I and the presentation team joined people from Vita for lunch and we laughed and chatted with each other. It was really fun to be with people you work with simply having lunch together and having nothing on the agenda to achieve - other than to be together. They say these moments build relationships, I think they are just nice and don't want to think of them with any purpose at all. Food was good, company was better.

So.

I forgot.

We got home and decided to go up to the Bay to check out to see if they had flower girl dresses there. We want dresses that are fun, are cool, and can be worn again. I hit the street.

And remembered.

And was reminded again and again.

That I am different.

That I am disabled.

That I am worth less.

Slammed into my face.

They don't know, like I do, that welcome is possible.

I should never forget, ever, that difference and disability is a canvas upon which people draw their own conclusions.