You Live An Interesting Life

Lynne Wichmann

I live an interesting life. Some years back I ran a marathon – 26.2 miles– in 3.5 hours. Four years ago I could run a mile in 8 minutes and I could do 5 of those miles without rest. Last September I participated in a competitive race. I had the pleasure of returning to that marathon. My wheelchair bike and I entered the 26.2 mile event, and it took us than an almost five hours to finish. The races I used to run were a solo event. My recent race was a team effort, as I carried with me the love and encouragement of so many good folks. The experience was exhilarating and the finish was ecstatic.

Living with a physical disability is a new experience for me. My legs are partially paralyzed. I have multiple sclerosis. Each day I am surprised that this disability has taken up residence in my body in such an obvious manner. This is also baffling to people who have known me for many years. I no longer have the leisure of being anonymous, blending in with a crowd, mingling privately with the masses. The responses I receive from people are as varied as my own reactions to this experience. Occasionally I see disdain, which is a reflection of one’s stereotypes of differences; sometimes I see fear, which is fear of one’s own vulnerability. Frequently I see curiosity and I appreciate questions more than silent speculation. Most often I see authentic interest in how someone can be of assistance to me, and during those moments I see, and experience, the gift of others’ pure personal goodness. This is a bright blessing. I live an interesting life.

I live a flexible, fluid, ever-changing life. My ten-year, five-year, one-year rigid professional plans and personal strivings have been replaced by shorter term, gentler goals and with larger life desires and interests that reflect the journey of my heart. Goals such as teaching in ways that are natural and in learning life lessons that are new. Desires such as redefining physical and emotional health and personal potential. Interests such as sharing my perspective with people and voraciously learning from others how to live wholly and live well. I live a flexible, fluid, ever-changing and interesting life.

I live a kaleidoscopic life. There are many hues and shades and levels and layers in my daily life. I see those in others. Life, for me, was once black and white, absolute and rules-bound. Those things provided structure and predictability. They did not provide the guarantees of comfort and ease that I imagined being so and that I assumed I deserve. Though I live with fear of the unknown I also live with gustiness and grittiness, with confidence and resiliency, with absolute conviction toward living fully each and every day. I live a kaleidoscopic and interesting life

I live a topsy-turvy, upside down, inside-out life. Things I once knew to be true, such as effortless mobility and sunrise jogs, have long disappeared. I negotiate daily with my body. I challenge my attitude. I urge my soul to be tenacious and coax my spirit to be persistent. The previous straight-ahead smooth highway of my life is now a bumpy, winding path with numerous curves and mysterious routes. This is a wild ride, a new journey and a constant adventure. This roadmap is one of discovery. During good moments, which are many, I find this meandering much more interesting, even with the blind spots and menacing critters lurking in the shadows that living with multiple sclerosis involves. During the dark stretches I hang on, reach out and pray. Those prayers are not for unrealistic physical healing; they are pleas for insight and meaning in redefining wellness. I adapt and adjust. I use creativity and improvisation. I am learning that health and wellness are evident and available in new, unique ways. They are much larger than the narrow definition often associated with physical agility, prowess and accomplishment. I live a topsy-turvy, upside down, inside-out life and interesting life.

I live a public life though I am a private person. I have the gift of personal initiative and the good fortune of family, friends, colleagues and community. They believe in me, keep me buoyant and provide perspective and support. My passion for teaching and service is now directed toward information and advocacy and in being a voice for folks who are too often minimalized and marginalized. Though I am not entirely comfortable with this, I do know my life serves as an example for others, so I am told. This is an honor, a reluctant one but an honor nonetheless.

I live a charmed life. This is true. Though I did not choose this new situation I do choose my responses. I choose, daily, to live. In my life, now, I learn things I would never have known, meet people I would have missed, savor experiences I once breezed right through and see sights I often sped right by. Every day has joy and each day, in many ways, is a clean slate. Recently I celebrated my 50th birthday. I am in my bonus years and in my personal zone. I am living with a wide-eyed gaze and a sense of curiosity. I live a charmed and interesting life.

You live an interesting life. An unusual, unique life that is of your own design. Though there are differences, our lives all have commonalities and interconnectedness. Each day I know absolutely that all of us live lives that matter. There is no benefit in comparing one’s life to another. There is tremendous pay-off in recognizing one’s gifts and talents, in honing those and in sharing your life with others. I am amazed and inspired and humbled by others’ stories. I appreciate this and I thank you. I live an interesting life. Each one of you does, too.