Monday and it's a beautiful sunny mid-west day! Yet another day that my broken foot has kept me from enjoying. I wait 9 long, cold, miserable months to have 8 weeks of warm weather when I can be outside. Now, with my inability to go outdoors without help I spend most of my days either in front of the computer, TV or reading. Those three activities use to be on a limited basis of only 1 to 2 hours max a day! I now have a much better understanding of what folks who have to deal with limited mobility deal with daily, every day. The Native American saying "Don't judge another man unless you have walked in his shoes" is quiet true.

None of us can ever totally understand what is is like for someone who has limited mobility unless you have experienced it yourself. You can have compassion and empathy, but understand? Nope, no way. This experience has given me insight and a new comprehension of just how much those of us who are able to move about without hinderances take that skill for granted. Also how much we don't see!

I've been walked into by more than one person while seated in my wheelchair in the grocery, Wal-Mart (especially) and on the sidewalk. Yep, folks just aren't paying attention and walk right into me. Kinda interesting really, they look stunned and then mumble something stupid like "Where did you come from?" As if I had suddenly appeared out of vapor! Really, people are you that focused on other things that you don't even see someone in a wheelchair right in your path?

The answer, yes people are that focused! We go about in one place while thinking of our next destination, not fully taking in where we are in the present moment. Kinda sad don't you think? The present is just that "a present", a gift to be opened and enjoyed. When was the last time you opened "the present"? Live in the moment today, not in the past or the future. Try to just live in the moment and savor it -- it's a gift. I've learned a lot just watching my cats, they live in the moment (sleep a lot), but they enjoy whatever comes their way and don't really push time to pass so quickly.