Member-only story
THE NARRATIVE ARC
My Friend Started Using a Walker and I ‘Othered’ Him
When evolved and kind people still get antsy around disability
We’re all invited to the St. Patrick’s Day party at Ron and Max’s place, the epitome of easy fun, an unpretentious mix of different age groups, but decidedly leaning into the 60-plus range. I skew younger in my 50s — ha! — but alas, there’ll be folks in their 40s present, so I’m no longer “the young meat” in this crowd.
Friends Martin and Rodney are on the list too, but suddenly there’s a wrinkle. Martin’s been experiencing unexpected severe pain in a hip joint area. Overnight, he teeters and loses balance. Unable to drive. Legitimately having a hard time of it. This new friend suddenly needs to use a walker to get around with safety, confidence and comfort.
And the first thought to hit my brain yesterday?
Oh… a walker? If he still goes, that’ll bring a depressing sheen to the party. Guests walking in the front door and seeing a walker in the living room might think “old-person dullsville” and want to turn around.
Do you know how ashamed I am to admit that short blip in my thinking? What the actual hell?
