When Number 1 was younger, we were eating out in a local restaurant. It is a small, intimate place, with tables quite closely packed. I wheeled into the restaurant with Number 1 sitting on my lap. I noticed a lady at an adjacent table give me a very strange look, which I interpreted as disapproval. Ignoring her, We took our table and settled in. I saw her getting up and approaching us. I braced myself for something that could be an unpleasant encounter, preparing my arguments. We had every right to bring our child with us, and carrying her on my lap is perfectly safe even if it looks dangerous to others. But instead, she said something like the following:
"Excuse me for intruding, but I just saw you come through the door with your beautiful daughter on your lap. My father was in a wheelchair, and I still remember riding on his lap as a very young girl. It was the best place in the world - I always felt like a princess when I was there. Seeing you brought all those memories back to me, I hope you don't mind me sharing!"
Mind? It was lovely - a truly beautiful statement and one that I still think of often. It is worth remembering that we wheelchair parents can impart feelings and memories to our children that are unique to our situation. A case of enrichment, not loss.
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