How does one pull off a cane? I don’t think people question
it, or even look twice (as they say) when an elderly person uses a cane or some
other type of walking aid. There are definitely younger people that need
assistance when they are moving around, and it is obvious to why they have a
cane. But what about those of us that only need a part-time cane during the
times when a little (or a lot) of extra walking support is necessary?
Do people look at you and think, “There goes a fashion
disaster…that dumbass?” What do you think of when you see a younger person with
a cane, when you are not noticing an obvious “disability”? I know that I look
at people differently then I used to…actually it’s not that I look at people
with canes differently, it’s that I notice them now.
Multiple Sclerosis is a tricky way of life with its
different hurdles. Personally I don’t always need a walking aid, but when I do,
it is a needed friend and is very beneficial. So that begs the question, how
does one pull off a cane?
I was using a cane the other day and my neighbor pointed it
out. Made some sort of comment about trying to bring it back into fashion. He felt
like an ass when I told him of my MS and I needed it sometimes, but that is my
point; I have seen my neighbor a handful of times over the years, but obviously
never with a cane.
So you needed a cane to walk yesterday, but not today? It
almost comes off as an excuse.
“Chris, can you help me move tomorrow?”
“Yeah sorry, I have a feeling that my legs are going to be
weak and giving out tomorrow throwing off my balance and coordination, resulting
in the use of my cane. This usually happens around…sorry, what time are you
moving again?”
You can argue the point of who cares what people think, and
that is a good argument for no one because people really care about what others
think of them (there are different degrees on this, but people care).
My issue isn’t people seeing me using a cane, especially
complete strangers. My issues are from the people I know treating me differently.
Which we all know happens, even if they say they didn’t realize that they were
doing it.
The end of the day, I use my cane sometimes…less than I
probably should, but more than I used to. In fact I now have a collection of
canes…two of them to be exact (that counts as a collection…right?).
Still, no matter what, I don’t know how to pull off the use
of a cane. Can you use a cane while wearing shorts? I feel that there needs to
be a certain dress code when one uses a cane. Jeans are acceptable, but what
about a moustache…beard yes, but a moustache?
I feel like I’m missing the cane guidelines and user manual.
All joking aside, I’ll use my cane when I absolutely
(sometimes) need it; no matter what I am wearing (sort of), or if I have a
moustache or not. I know that no one is going to say something, and if they do
I’ll make them feel like crap for making fun of somebody with MS…stupid
bastards.
So here at the end of my post I haven’t learned anything new
or answered my own question; so basically this post served absolutely no
purpose. Well at least you get to see a picture of my cane collection.
Happy walking!!!!
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