Written Traces

It was the 5th of April, a day that started like any other, but ended up becoming a harsh reminder of the cost you have to pay for the assumptions made by others on your behalf.  So the story starts with a scheduled signature that I have to give in person for the proceedings of an essential thing in our lives. I was scheduled to sign an official document at a place about an hour away from our home. For most people, it’s a task that might feel unimportant. But for someone like me, who cannot walk independently and depends on a wheelchair, even the smallest outing needs planning, coordination, and patience not just from me, but also from the people who are involved.  That morning, my brother, who was driving me to the appointment, decided not to bring my wheelchair. A decision which was seconded by my mother. He assumed the process would be quick and wouldn't require me to step out of the car at all. His intention wasn’t to inconvenience me, I know that. He just thought he was m...