On December 10th 2016, my
life changed in a way that had only been a dream for much of it. I picked up my
keys for my very first apartment. Yes,
I’m a late bloomer with getting my first place, one could say. Many obtain their first homes in their 20s or
earlier 30s when going away to college or getting a first job. But for me, it was a long journey to get to that point
and now as I write my story in my kitchen/dining room on my kitchen/table
that has been in my family for some time, I feel a sense of pride and
excitement for what lies ahead.
Yes, I live with a disability and
yes when looking for an apartment or even a home, there is so much that needs
to be learned, to find and make my new home accessible for my needs. But the disability was not the main obstacle
that prevented me from pursuing things like others did, not in a direct sense.
It was more about taking the long road in learning what I wanted from life and
finding the courage to get out and make it happen. I would sit back and wait for others to make
it happen for me, including in my family, but I needed to learn to do it myself
and be true in what I wanted from my life. This is a hurdle, everyone, regardless
of ability, can find themselves in, but sometimes the things not seen when
living with a disability, can be a very hard hurdle to overcome.
