Today, I got frustrated with something my mum said. She said I’m her hero, for living life with a visual impairment.
I’ve heard it many times, said by many people.
I don’t feel like a hero. I didn’t defeat Hela or stop the Green Goblin to get to where I am today. I struggled, and still do, lost in the unknown, living in clouded halls of uncertainty.
I didn’t gain any superpowers, to get me through it. Unless resilience is a superpower. But that wouldn’t be very helpful in a fight, would it? It would be useless against someone like Thanos.
I don’t feel like an inspiration. I’m just living my life, the best I can. Sure, it was hard at first. Sure, I could have given up. But I decided a few months in that I didn’t want it to ruin my life. I wanted to continue living life and doing the things I love. Sure, some things are more difficult. But I have tips and tricks to do it with. And it doesn’t bother me as much.
But its how the world sees visually impaired people. Heroes. Inspirations. Warriors. Someone to be inspired by. To be proud of. As if living life is an achievement. When it’s just everyday.
I’m not a hero. I’m just me.
