Hey Buddy! Can I ask you a question? Why do you wear those things on your legs? What happened to you? What is wrong with you?

It takes a lot to shock me. But those words shocked me.

Time stood still for what seemed like an hour. The thoughts in my mind would not come out of my mouth. I was literally speechless.

For me the start of school comes with a palette of emotions: excitement, anticipation, hope, fear, worry, anxiety, and dread.

I feel my shoulders closer to my ears than they were a few days ago. My cortisol levels are higher. It feels harder to breathe. I’m gearing up.

To be honest, it feels like I’m preparing for battle. This battle isn’t physical; it’s a 180 day battle for advocacy, equity, and disability awareness.