Today I am reflecting on new life, Easter is about new life, resurrection, 2nd chances, hope for the future. What does that have to do with disability? For the purposes of this reflection I am considering where disability occurs in life, after illness or accident.

Life before disability - what was it like? I could walk, run, cycle, go shopping on my own, go away on a 'whim', book holidays, theatre trips, concerts online, have a bath, dress myself, and not be obsessed with bowl and bladder function! And now, life after disability, all of the above is a challenge or impossible.

But is it all bad? you may say on the face of it yes, but what is different? Apart from 'not being able to do things', allsorts. Before I was not that independent, I had a part time job, 2 young children, a marriage which was controlling. My faith was strong but I didn't do anything much, apart from work.

Going home from hospital was challenging. The realisation that life couldn't return to normal I realized, my then husband didn't. I had to learn to do allsorts of things, re use limbs, get used to life in a wheelchair, and having to let people do things for me. (I still struggle with that)

But I also learnt other things, like to appreciate what I have, my children, who adapted really well, and became my carers. Patience, perseverance and tollerance, also to stand up for myself, which some people found challenging.

I also began doing more for God, listening to his call, working and studying hard. Lots has happened since 5th September 2005. But now here I am, much happier, divorced and remarried, healthier both mentally and physically, financially secure, own my own home, have a pension plan and money to treat myself . I have a husband who loves and supports me, and two fantastic kids who are becomming independent themselves.

I sit here at Easter 2020 in the midst of a global pandamic, reflecting on life - new life. Easter symbolises that and looking book my disability was a chance for a new life, a new life that I am now living. Would I go back? I'm not sure, probably not. There are things I'd like to be different, a different job where I am respected and using my gifts and skills, to be thinner!; a bit more money perhaps, to be popular? But I'm happy,( some of that may be due to being off work and the stress is not there) but I am happier.

I think we need to encourage others who are experiencing disability to consider, how this is a new life, one with lots of possibilities, yes one that is challenging, that is different and does require a change, often in many areas such as housing, income, job, family life. And we don't come at of it unscathed. But, we do learn lots about ourselves and others, and if we embrace any opportunities then life can be better, fun and rewarding.