Thanksgiving is coming and what's a better time to hear about something to make us thankful for what we have in life? Melody Gardot is a 21 year old woman in Philadelphia Pa who was disabled at 19. The circumstances of her accident are tragic yet, despite what some may see as devastating, she expresses how she sees the world in a different light. A most courageous and inspiring individual, I have chosen to interview her in a three part series. The other two articles explain a bit more. See the first two articles I wrote part one and part two for further details on how this story came to be.

Jason: Since I have been dying to ask, but haven’t yet, could you tell me did you ever think, even once, you would be like you do now?

Melody: Absolutely not. And to be honest, I don't think I could have.

Jason: Is there any time you catch yourself thinking "Man I wish I didn't make that turn onto that street" or "Why me?"

Melody: "Actually, no. I never have. A lot of people ask me that, and I'll tell you what I told them. Getting hit by a Jeep, while I don't suggest anyone go do it, was in some ways a blessing. (This is usually where I get the shocked face from people). Let me explain...it brought me to a place where I now have so much more compassion for other people. I see now, what I could never have seen prior to the accident because I didn't have the wisdom I needed to be able to empathize with people who have suffered any kind of hardship. I never bothered to think about what it would be like to have to fight every day just for medical treatment. I never understood how much it meant to have someone care about you (I had to spend a great deal of time in the hospital/rehab and had one or two visitors). I was without the understanding that I now have about the world. For that alone, I am grateful for my hardship."

see Putting the "Ability" in Disability pt 1 for the first part of this article that I wrote about this amazing individual.

I have been absolutely amazed by this young woman after our chance meeting in a doctor's office. At 21, Melody Gardot is disabled, after living 19 years free from disability. She has proven herself to be a fighter in the face of many issues: Insurance, Doctors, Brain Injury and Physical inabilities. And she has found a way to cope with that constant fight: music.

Jason: Last time I talked to you, I asked you what had happened to you, and you told me how you were in an accident. What is a day or a week like for you now living with disability?"

I would say it's much harder than living without one, but that’s just my opinion. Some people might argue it’s easier. After all, I don't work, I am no longer able to go to school, I don't drive and I don't do a good number of the chores I used to. You could argue I had a life of ease, but you would be dead wrong.

I don't do these things because I truly cannot. It's not a choice. Part of me would love to be independent, but it’s just not possible. I rely on others help for nearly everything, and when I am not reliant on people, I am reliant on devices such as my cane or a grabber device to reach things.

Let me give you an example. Did you ever even think about how keeping the vegetables in the bottom drawer could be a problem? No? Me neither. But in fact, everything in the house has had to be rearranged so I can reach it. I have dressers with nothing in the bottom two drawers. I need a chair in every room so I can sit down to catch my breath or get dressed. I have a hospital bed that adjusts so I can get in/out of it. All of these little things, as a person who is not disabled, you do not conceive.

I suppose the best answer to your question is that having to live as a disabled person after living without disability for so long, is one of the hardest challenges I have ever had to face. It’s not just about acceptance from others. It’s about acceptance from me. Part of me forgets I am disabled until I get hurt, or simply cannot do something. I'm still learning every day.

I sat down with a young woman today who absolutely breaks though all stereotypes surrounding disabled people. She is 21, absolutely stunning, intellegent and talented. And yes, she is disabled. Her name is Melody Gardot. She has a voice that nearly breaks your heart and original songs to go with it. And I found her all by accident, bumping into her in a doctor's office where my mother was having a checkup. I interviewed her on the spot.

(audio recorded and later typed with her permission)

Jason: I see you are in pain by the way you are sitting. Tell me what happened to you?

(smiles weakly) "I was hit by a car while on my bike. It was a while ago. But I have to see this doctor once a month so he can monitor my situation and make sure I am progressing with my health. (she picks up her cane) This is 'Citizen Cane'. (we both laugh) I need a cane becuase my pelvis and spinal column are not symmetrical and without it I cannot stand. I get dizzy really easy and fall alot if I move too fast or sit-up too quick. (she points to a senior citizen nearing the door) So he and I are in this together."

Jason: You seem to have a great sense of humor.

"I have to laugh at everything. Life in this world is not as serious or as severe as we all make it. I am guilty of getting caught up in it just like anyone else at times, but as time passes I grow to see it as a humourous thing."