“My daughter climbs on the playground more safely than almost any child her age. She knows that she should only climb as high as she can come down on her own. I couldn’t catch her fast enough in an emergency. That’s not for Noa Problem, she only knows me in a wheelchair, and I don’t know it any other way than changing my child’s diaper from the wheelchair and romping with her.
I think it’s a shame that some people still reduce me to my apparent deficits even three years after the accident, instead of seeing me as a person who lives his life with all its ups and downs like everyone else. Yes, I can’t go sledding with Noa or climb the cherry tree. I can give her courage and self-confidence and teach her how good it is when you can rely on each other. Like us. I was six months pregnant when I had a car accident. When I came to, my parents and a bunch of doctors were standing around me with embarrassed faces. I was so scared for my unborn daughter! When it was clear that she survived the accident unscathed, I was so relieved that nothing could knock me out. Nor the diagnosis to be paraplegic forever due to the spinal injury. I knew that I wouldn’t lose courage because of a physical disability because it’s much more important to be alive at all.
I want to be strong for my daughter, but also for myself. Only when I’m satisfied will I have a happy child. When I was finally allowed to sit in a wheelchair after ten weeks of lying down, it was a good day. And after giving birth to my daughter naturally despite being paraplegic, I was proud and overjoyed. At first I was tormented by fears. But everyday life has shown me that there is a solution to every problem. I have a bright daughter who I love more than anything. She doesn’t question me. That makes me strong. And I’m grateful for that.”
