I was saddened to hear of Stephen Hawking’s death last week. Such a brilliant scientist who made so many strides in advancing our understanding of the universe — and also inspired so many conversations on The Big Bang Theory that I’ll never understand!
But what made me even sadder, and, quite frankly, angry to my core? The response to his death. I’ve seen this meme making the rounds and can’t get over just how insulting it is. Implying that Stephen Hawking is “free” now is incredibly ableist and insulting to people with disabilities!! Guess what?? You can be in a wheelchair AND live a productive, fulfilling, free life.
So I’m sure you can probably guess what I did. Yes, I wrote about it. For THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. I couldn’t quite believe it myself when the editor accepted my essay, but, needless to say, it’s been a dream come true. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d have a byline in such a huge-circulation newspaper!
Here’s an excerpt of the piece, which also appeared in the March 21st print edition of the newspaper…
My wheelchair has carried me—literally—through high school, college and work as a freelance writer. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without it. After all, it gives me the ability to travel, go shopping and live independently—activities that might seem routine but can be extremely challenging for people with disabilities.
Maybe that’s why it’s so frustrating to see Hawking’s wheelchair viewed as a prison he has finally escaped. The idea that wheelchairs hold people back is such an outdated misconception; in fact, they do just the opposite. They’re not a hindrance. They’re incredible tools that give people with disabilities new freedom and power—a chance to thrive in an able-bodied world. To see them as anything less is insulting to those who depend on them every day.
After writing this essay and my recent CNN Opinion pieces, I’m remembering just why I love op-ed writing so much. In college, I took a class on editorial and opinion writing. The year was 2004, and, honestly, part of me just took the class because it fulfilled the requirements for my journalism degree. I didn’t think I’d actually come away with a deep love for the writing genre, but that’s exactly what happened. Maybe I should do more of these? It also reminds me of my days as a newspaper columnist, which was a pretty exciting gig!
You can read the full piece here and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me anytime at mellow1422@aol.com and let’s chat! And of course, feel free to share my essay on Facebook, Twitter or even your local refrigerator. If you share on Twitter, be sure to tag me @melissablake so we can connect! I can’t wait to hear from you! Love you all… xoxo
Column Throwback Week #5: What does the map of your life look like?
a bit better!
My Essay on CNN Opinion: “What America Needs Now Is Mr. Rogers”
Ch4 says
Wall Street Journal! Woah! That is huge.
Terra Heck says
Although I do not share hardly any of Stephen Hawking’s beliefs, I do believe he made an impact on the world. I think your essay is great and poignant.
Emily says
Congratulations to you on this piece! Not only is it such an honor to be printed by them, but the subject matter is so important.
Tracy Urig says
Melissa, You are awesome. Please continue to write your common sense tell-it-like-it-is essays. We need voices like yours now more than ever.
Laura says
YES
Laura says
Congrats. I’m a sucker for print media so this seems extra cool to me.
MelissaBlake says
Thanks so much for the kind words, friends!! xoxo
MARK DRAKE says
Melissa,
Your wonderful writing is eloquence with a stainless steel spine. Please know that those of us who appreciate what you bring to the conversation pity ONLY those lost souls bearing callous comments.
I am recently disabled (as of 16 February, 2014) having survived a brain hemorrhage. A late-50’s athlete initially paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak, I credit God with my near-full recovery. (I continue to have difficulty speaking and have no functional use of my right hand.) I have had only two “oh-woe-is-me” episodes in these last five years.
The first was when I was transferred from the initial eight days of intensive care to a renowned rehab hospital. While still enduring crushing headaches, limited movement had just returned to my right leg but not to my right arm. The Therapy Team knew my limits before I did and were pushing me to do “the impossible!”. Just about to lapse into total despair, I looked up and watched a mid-40’s man stride confidently into the massive Therapy complex accompanied by his “team” of therapists. The guy was fit, sturdily built and had no arms.
No Arms. I never learned the “how” or “why” (and didn’t ask), yet both limbs had been removed at the shoulder. The man was heaven-sent. From that day forward, I never permitted myself the luxury of self-pity.
Fast forward to today. I walk, exercise, hike and still go to hand/speech therapy. But last night our region got blasted by snow. My wife and I awoke to closed schools and 12+ inches of fresh, wet snow. We got our new snow-blower after “Old Faithful” finally bid us adieu after 22 good seasons.
The new snow-blower was entirely different. I struggled to master all the control manipulations of a two-handed machine with my one good hand. The neighbor teenagers helped my wife shovel after they saw me failing to do in two hours what would have been a snap in one. We finally finished in three. I was cold, wet and sullen. Forgoing the cheerful offer of lunch by my wife, I slumped into the computer desk chair.
I typed in your name by mistake. I subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, but missed your editorial. I’ll never miss another. Thank you for helping me see – again – I am only defeated by circumstances if I allow it to happen. Keep writing, pray for those who are hateful and please know you are inspirational by your example.