The bombing of the Boston Marathon this spring has taught us many lessons. One of the greatest is that anyone, at anytime can join the community that embraces people with disabilities. The stories of those who are recovering after the attack are a strong testament to the human spirit.
Doctors amputated Roseann Sdoia’s right leg after the bombing. She now uses a hand-cycle to get around and exercise. Roseann is waiting for a prosthetic leg, so she can give up her crutches. Roseann views her disability as “temporary,” until she can learn to traverse places that aren’t handicap accessible. It’s a matter of attitude, adjustment and getting the right assistive help for those who have recently joined the community.
Surrounding the grief, pain and anguish from the senseless blast, there are tremendous stories of healing and grace. Many of the 265 wounded are now just taking their first steps after multiple surgeries. Many of those struggling with wheelchairs and crutches have discovered a renewed sense of optimism.
“I’m ready to move on. I feel great. It’s just a different normal,” one amputee said.
His brother said that the tremendous injury has instilled a new sense of hope and understanding of determination.
“It sound weird, but it’s probably changed me for the better a little bit,” J.P. Norden said. “It made me realize how great people are..so I’m happy, overall. I really am.”
You can read more about the stories of those recovering from the bombing in
“Marathon bomb victims adjust to a ‘different normal’” by Miranda Leitsinger, staff Writer, NBC News