Topic: Consideration

Dear Friends,

I have many disabilities, not connected to having had breast cancer, which make it very difficult and risky for me to travel. I know that people with more serious disabilities than I have travel but I am not willing to make the effort and don't feel like taking the risks associated with such travel. Many times chatters have invited me to gatherings at long distances from where I live. I usually say something like "I wish I could but it is not possible for me to travel there". If the chatter drops the subject then I have no problem. I am hurt when the other chatter persists, usually by wanting to know why it is not possible, and providing suggested solutions. I really don't like to describe in detail my disabilities and find it hurtful to do so. I know more about my disabilities than anyone who has not met me could possibly know. Also someone who is not disabled has no idea how many barriers there are for handicapped people's access even though the American With Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990. I bought a book a while ago which presented many situations where disabled people have found themselves. As an example of situations which happen: what am I going to do if the only elevator from a train platform or airline terminal is broken and I am in transit? I have come to accept the fact that I can no longer travel and am content with it. Please respect my decision not to attempt to travel long distances and don't press the issue.