A Cripple

“On Being a Cripple” by Nancy Mairs really stood out and caught my attention. Since the age of twenty-eight Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The one thing about Nancy that caught my eye was her willingness to continue with whatever she needed to do. She did not give up on herself and take the lazy way out. She was a strong woman who did not let anyone label her; instead she labeled herself, “A Cripple.”

“ What in my life would I give up in exchange for sound limbs and a thrilling rush of energy? No one. Nothing.” This was my favorite quote of the story, because it shows Mairs courageous characteristics. Nancy’s friend had asked her if she ever asked God “why me.” And her response was “No,” because she would not wish her disease on anyone else. I could recall plenty of times where I would say to myself “Why me,” whenever I was frustrated with an illness. I never thought that if it weren’t me, then it would be someone else.

Another thing that got my attention about Nancy was her attitude towards herself. She did not let her disease take over her life; instead she took over her disease. Instead of complaining about her life, she learned to accept her disease and live her life to the fullest. Just as any ill person Nancy does wish that a cure was found but for now, she is doing what she feels she has to do in order to survive.