Thursday, April 1, 2010

Walkin' and Talkin'

So today I was out walking with my favouite fiesty lady. I suppored her while I was on my placement for school and only a couple of times since as a relief worker. I love her. You may remember Vivvie.

While we were out on our walk (or in her case - wheelchair) I asked Vivvie if there were things she wished she could do, you know, if she could walk.

I was really waiting for her to give me this great list of things like: dance, do a marathon, become an olympian. Physical stuff that would require great dedication.

Her answer suprised me.

Vivvie doesn't speak. She can make noise and stuff but has no real control over her tongue really, so mostly she will make sounds and do lots of hand gestures. It can be VERY challenging to understand her but once you get it, it's worth it.

Vivvie began by saying one of the things she would do is go shopping for new clothes all by herself. She also mentioned just being able to call up her friends and family on the phone herself and chat with them. She stopped her chair and then pointed to a house. She also said she would buy her own home.

I was amazed at her answers. So simple, so practical, so normal.

During my on going quest for living life as full as I possibly can, and doing my best to not take for granted all of the gifts I've been given, I took in Vivvie's answers hoping that in some way I could fulfill the things she mentioned. However, I realized after she gave me her answers I can not live out her dreams, because they are her's and her's alone. She has simple hopes and desires.

After our conversation I learned that you are not responsible for living out anyone else's dreams, only your own. Everyone's dreams and goals are diffeent and that is ok. In fact that is the way it is supposed to be.

If Vivvie had not been hit by a car she would likely have fulfilled many of her 'now' dreams but never realized it because these simple gifts we are given to walk and talk are almost always taken for granted. Vivvie would likely possess other aspirations and hopes.

After I left Vivvie I really thought about her 'everyday' wishes and was saddened. She also mentioned travelling she'd like to do, maybe Vegas. I could totally see her gambling in Vegas. I hope someday she does.

I hope you fulfill your dreams. I hope you take time to find our what they are. Most people don't even get that far.

I hope you realize the dreams that you've already realized.

I'm in the middle of continuing to learn about mine. I find them ever changing and on going. Life seems to be such a great evolution of growth. It can be very frustrating at times and very amazing at others.

I just neve seem to be satisfied, and I think I'm glad.