Strideless

I called my self "Strideless" because it popped into my head when this site asked for an identifier. It is an apt choice since I am unable to ambulate due to an early childhood bout with Polio. From my waist up, I am fine. The left leg can support some weight if I hold onto a piece of furniture, it can also act as a lever for me to transfer from one position to another. The right leg is next to useless.

For decades, I was under the mistaken belief that I did not contract Polio until I was 3 years old, thus there was a good chance I was able to walk and run before the terrible paralyzing illness. About 5 years ago, my mother, Mei, told me that I actually got sick before my first birthday, making it unlikely that I ever used my legs.

You hear about paraplegics sharing their dreams where they were able to walk and run like they used to. I can count on one hand that has happened to me. It has been a long time since my last one, but I remembered it as being very vivid. In the dream, my leg muscles were normally developed, full of strength,
and functioned so automatically that I floated along the grounds. When I woke, because the dream was so real, I thought I still had the ability. It was with profound disappointment to find out that nothing's changed.

Even though it was a dream, I am grateful to have had the "virtual" experience.