I remember as a kid, seeing this Disney World commercial.
This commercial stayed in my mind as I thought about meeting Brock. He was my inspiration! It was his story that made me believe that Mike could maybe help me too. His story was the reason that I really started thinking about walking being a possibility for me.
Yesterday I was having a rough morning. As I was teaching (I’m the Reading Specialist at Cesar Chavez Academy Middle School and I run two reading programs), I was sitting with a student who was about to start a timed reading with me. Before we started, I took a deep breath and thought, “this hurts!” I didn’t know how training was going to go and I was nervous as the day wore on. I get into Barwis Methods and I am greeted by the guys who work there. I tried to be upbeat but I think I’m one of those people whose emotions show on their face so I was thinking the guys could see through my smiles and “I’m alright” responses to how I’m doing. I was sitting in my chair waiting for my time to start watching the high school kids working out. I am amazed at all the high school athletes and how much they can control their bodies. Walking around seems effortless to them because it IS for them. It ISN’T for me.
As I was sitting watching them, I turn my head because I knew someone was sitting in the chairs to my right. I probably did the double take, mouth gaping, eyes bugging out thing because it was Brock Mealer sitting in those seats!!! I wheeled over to him and shook his hand and told him that I watched Mike’s TED talk about 30 times and cried every time! I was so excited to finally meet and talk to him. I was a little bit embarrassed by how rough my hands were when I shook his hand but he knows what it was like “walking on your hands” by being in a wheelchair. I asked him a bunch of questions and I wished I was a college freshman with one of those recorders to tape everything the professor says in case it is on the test. Like that college freshman, I wanted to remember everything he said to me. He said it was “crazy” walking again and that it IS a transition to go from a chair to walking. He said he just asks people to carry things for him. He said some things were easier being in a chair but… and trailed off with a shrug.
Phil (I was working with him today) came over to sit as Brock and I were talking. It was so COOL talking with Brock!!! I needed that boost today. I needed that reminder that it IS possible! Brock told me he does back pedal at times (like I feel like I am right now!) but he said he comes back stronger. After Phil called me, “chatty Cathy” I said my goodbye to Brock and went over to start working. Phil could see that I was so star struck having seen Brock, he asked why I didn’t take a picture? I told him that I didn’t have my phone so he calls Brock over said he would take the picture and send it to me.
It was SO cool to see him! I needed that and now I have a picture to remember this day! Like that commercial I remember as a kid, he’s my Mickey Mouse.