The Hawk can soar

Physical struggle

Physical

struggle

At first she thinks its nothing. Then progressivly it worsens. She can no longer walk up stairs, her spine siffens, and the author states " overcome with profound fatigue". Then the braces are supporting her and keeping her from falling. She eventually moves to a walker, still hoping to never advance to a wheelchair.

Emotional impact of disability

Emotional

impact of disability

The author describes the disability has "pushed forward and dragged her behind it". It seems to her like she no longer has control over her own body. Having to give up her job at the university, she slowly disappears from everybodys radar. The author states, "the things I have earned seem ever further away."

The mental war of losing everything you thought you were or could be is one not many of us can relate too. Feeling like you can't control the one thing that you used to is terrifying.

Acceptance and Adaption

Acceptance and Adaption

The disease at first was only a setback to her. She couldn't see how this helped her achieve her dreams or desires. It was like her body was just giving up on her. After all the braces, and the tests, she finally came to accept it. It was apart of her wether she liked it or not.

Identity and self-perception

Identity and self-perception

To her this is the sum of her entire existence. She weeps when it is to exhausting to even make dinner. This disability is who she is now. Her old desires and dreams do not matter, it is everything. Her whole world, even when she tries to refuse believing it.

Resilience and fighting spirit

Resilience and fighting spirit

The author states, "It doesn't matter that I said I would fight to stay upright. It doesn't matter that I have resisted the wheelchair. My body has other plans and it doesn't consult me."

" Thus subordinated*, I live. And I keep on living."

*= She feels less than the average human

The unpredictable nature of life

The unpredictable nature of life

The author states, "Soon I leave my university career. I slowly began to dissappear from view. The things I have earned seem ever further away."

"It is my own and yet it is blind to my dreams. My desires."

Imagine losing your whole life in a few months. And imagine that is your life and it could be yours any moment

Societal perceptions of disability

Societal perceptions of disability

The author states, " What are you looking at? I think. As I so often think."

Humans view disabled as inferior. Giving them curious stares and extra attention because they do not match up with the worlds standards.

Hope and symbolism

Hope and symbolism

The author states, " as if to answer me, the hawk rises and spreads its wings

and then flaps back into place. Gives itself a shake as it strains against

its bindings and then looks at me again, the expressionless light of its eyes seeming to say, What’re you going to do?"

The hawk symbolizes desire. Desire to continue her life even with a disability. The path ahead is unclear but it is also well known, learning how to live with the disability instead of doubting your every move.