Minna – How did family members respond to the news?

My family really had a difficult time especially my parents. Me being an immigrant personally and my parents being an immigrant to this country, I think their understanding of disability was very different than the reality of disability. You know, because everybody brings what they know of what disability is into the fold, you know, when they think about their family member being one. And so, I think even 19-years-post injury, my parents still have a very difficult time. So, when I’m on the phone with them, you know, my dad is still very emotional. But, my children, I think, them being young, and me asserting myself most of the time, I probably faked it in the beginning. I needed to let them know that there’s security and comfort with me. But, I think for my brothers and sisters, I think it was very difficult for them to see someone as active as I was in the state that I was especially at the, you know, forefront of the injury. Again, because they haven’t had any dealings with people with spinal cord injury or people with disabilities personally, you know. So, and I think, again, it was the fear of the unknown for everyone.