Why I'm Not Afraid to Go Out Alone as a Person With a Disability

People often ask me, “Aren’t you afraid to go out alone?”

No. I’m not. And I’ll tell you why — love always shows up, and I’m always taken care of.

The other day I went to go see a movie. Per usual, I asked if there was someone who could carry my popcorn into the theater for me. I can’t carry it while holding onto my walker at the same time. The lady behind the counter happily obliged and went with me to the theater, setting me up in the seat that I chose. She left after that and I enjoyed the movie.

 

When the movie was over, everyone exited the theater. I’m usually the last to leave because it’s easier to let people go than try and fight the crowd. My popcorn bag was half empty by now, so I could fold it over and carry it my myself. As I was just about to get up, a woman who watched the movie, too, came back in and said “Hey, I saw you getting your stuff together, do you need any help getting to the front? Do you need me to carry anything?”

I kindly told her “no,” that I was fine to carry this out, and thanked her for coming back in.

As I exited the theater that evening, my heart was full of joy, knowing this is the reason why I can go out independently. I expected the lady who worked at the movies to help me, and she is greatly appreciated, but I didn’t expect a random woman to come back and ask if I needed help.

These moments show me there will always be good in the world. There will always be a way made for me, and that kindness, love and compassion will never be lost.

This is why I’m never afraid to go out alone.