Can’t help but laugh

Being physically disabled in a small town, finding helpers can be a real challenge.

Over the years, I have had some pretty interesting conversations and been in the middle of some very peculiar situations. When interviewing a potential employee, I need to say the following: “When you come for orientation, I will be naked waiting in bed” and “If I am choking on my pills, don’t worry I’ll be fine.”  Surprisingly, most people still show up.

When is a good time to pull a beer from your pocket?  Maybe at a BBQ or birthday party?  I had someone pull out a beer from their hoodie pocket, as they were leaving the job interview.  Also, the individual apologized to me saying “Sorry for being late, I took to many pills.”  They might have still had a shot working with me, if they would have at least offered me a sip of the beer.

I once had an employee come to work still a little drunk from the night before.  After some pretty odd positions in my lift, we make it to the shower.  After they help me wash up, I asked them to leave me in the shower so I can soak for a bit. All seemed well, until my Zen moment was completely destroyed with a stench, not from this world. The employee was having a number “two.” My toilet is right beside the shower. What a way to wake up.

Being desperate for staff, I cannot be choosy.  Case in point when, I had to hire an individual, who basically spoke no English expect for a few words.  It sure made things interesting, especially when I have a speech impairment.

An employee once asked me, “Do you like adult movies and recreational drugs?”  Back in the day, I sure did.  Well one day, the employee brought them both over for me.  We did the recreational drugs but did not watch the movies together- that would just be weird.

One day my phone rang.  It was my employee telling me, that they have had to many drinks in the afternoon and they were too drunk to come put me to bed. However, they did say that their partner was not that drunk and he could come assist me with going to bed.  I said no that’s okay.

While showering one day the employee helping me, decided to grab the shampoo, lather up their hair, while still helping me wash up. That’s right, this person washed me up, then started washing their OWN HAIR. I really did not know what to say, except for “Hey, that’s my shampoo.”

I once told an employee that I like my beef stew chucky.  Supper was ready, I go to the table and on my plate, were large whole carrots, massive halved potatoes, to go along with pieces of beef that were bigger than my mouth.  Next meal, I was much more specific.

In saying all of this, all of my past and present staff have helped me shape my soul and left me with lasting memories. I have had, a lot of people help me out over the years. Each one of them, has their own unique story.

Today, inclusion is supposed to be at the forefront of society.  I think it’s pretty obvious, that Willpower Media is on the right but sometimes wobbly path to inclusion.