10 year anniversary of the spinal cord injury today. Woke up in a puddle of piss, which I guess is symbolic. But I’ve come a long way, learned a few things, made some mistakes and, all in all, life is good (when it’s not shitty). Disability has taught me much about the world and our embodied strengths and vulnerabilities. I’ve met wonderful people and known great generosity. I’ve had fascinating new work opportunities (presently with the Disability Royal Commission). I’ve been enriched by friendships with other crips. I’ve had good support from healthcare workers and the disability system in Australia (and would not want to live anywhere else). I’ve been loved by my wife and family and friends. I hope the next decade is a little easier (and goes a little slower). But I’m looking forward to it. Here’s to a celebration of the good that can come from the bad on this beautiful and brutal planet.
Written by
Shane Clifton
About Author
Shane Clifton
Shane is an ethicist and theologian, Honorary Associate for the Centre of Disability Research and Policy, the University of Sydney, and Assistant Director, Policy, at the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation against People with Disability. Shane is proudly disabled, and an occasional blogger on http://shaneclifton.com/
Further Reading...
Diary of a day: 9:30 AM
February 22, 2012The march of a pressure sore
November 4, 2023John Trefry, 50 Years a Quadriplegic
January 17, 2012
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2 Comments
Sam Stewart
October 15, 2020 at 12:02 pmSuper encouraging to see you celebrating ten years! Here’s to you, your crew and many more years 🥂!
Reserve me a seat and a beer for one of those south coast sunset trips I see you post on insta – visions of beauty: another, alternate & apt symbol for you! 😉
Shane Clifton
October 15, 2020 at 2:03 pmAlways welcome to a beer on my balcony Sam