Don't "diss" the able

A recurring theme within these blogs is that of our nation's apparent desire to knock back or knock down those that are successful. This even applies to students who year after year get excellent GSCE & A'level results, only to have their achievements either belittled or dismissed, with claims that the actual exams have got easier.

This may simply be jealous parents who are unwilling to accept that their offspring may be more intelligent than they were/are, but whatever the cause it really should not be allowed to continue.

We should not "diss*" the able but accept and celebrate their achievements. In much the same way that we should celebrate the achievements of those with "dis-abilities", and accept that they have their place in society where they can bring joy (as well as a fair share of heartache) to many.

* Verb 1. diss - treat, mention, or speak to rudely; "He
insulted her with his rude remarks"; "the student who had betrayed his classmate
was dissed by everyone"

On the subject of wonderful people with disabilities - Nick arived yesterday for a week of "respite" care, and whilst I was pushing him around in his wheelchair in Boots (The Chemist) in Horsham, I noticed a product that - (if it was from the Ronseal" range of products) looked as though it would make the whole experience a lot easier. The product was called Nic Assist and was only £13.99 for 7 days assistance...so I bought a packet.

The box contained 7 "patches" for 7 days assistance, with each patch supposedly lasting 16 hours. Despite the fact that the wheelchair was motorised, it was difficult to manoeuvre, so I immediately put a patch on my arm and waited.

There were no instructions so I didn't know how long it would take before I started to feel the effects. I started to push Nick's wheelchair, it didn't feel any easier. I pushed him around for the next two hours and can honestly say that I felt more and more tired and began to think that this product was possibly a 'con', as the patch didn't assist me at all.
I then decided that maybe I should have put the patch on Nick. That didn't work either!

Maybe I'll take them back to Boots tomorrow.