Last Wednesday, I went to visit a friend in the hospital. I had just been at work, so I was dressed in business-casual attire, with my hair and make-up done. I would not say I looked super perky -- as I had worked all day -- but I would not say I looked sickly or like I had just had surgery, but never the less, as I entered the elevator to leave the hospital, a man asked me if I was a patient. Since I was dressed in work attire and did not look sick, I can only assume that my wheelchair was the only indicating factor that prompted the man to ask me this question. I am curious if he asks others in the hospital the same question; however, there were two others on the elevator, and the question was solely directed at me.
Yes, I am in a wheelchair. Yes, I have been the hospital patient many other times; however, last Wednesday was not one of those days. People in wheelchairs can be visitors at hospitals, not just patients. I am more than my disability, more than a patient.
