Moving Forward, Facing Uncertainty

[ What is Wardrobe Reflections? As I’ve discovered my personal identity, what I choose to wear has become an important part of reminding myself of who I am. If I wear clothes that remind me of my values, interests, or goals, I am more likely to feel confident, secure, and motivated in my day to day life. “Wardrobe Reflections” is a way to examine and share why specific clothing items are important to me and how they make me feel.] The winter holiday season is more difficult for me than any other time of year. There are many reasons for this, though I won’t get into them today. Even when I was a young child, the “magic of Christmas” didn’t seem to penetrate the cloud of darkness I felt around me. Each year, I would struggle to sum up the enthusiasm and gratitude I knew was expected. I have always been relieved when the festivities are over and I can go home to my bed and just be alone. Although family gatherings tended to be emotionally exhausting, there were always positive moment...

This year, as a special treat during my birthday month, I made the trip to Steinbach and visited the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum . I had only been there one other time, as a young child on a school field trip. I imagine I am not alone in mostly only remembering the sod house and little shop full of candies. These were definitely highlights of my more recent visit, but I also had a few unexpected experiences, some of which I’d like to share. To set the scene, I’ll need to fill you in on some details about my life. I live with a few chronic illnesses and for a day trip such as this I needed to use my wheelchair and have a support person accompany me. I also wear a mask at indoor or crowded events such as these, and my support person that day was a First Nations man. Despite my dressing modestly including a full length skirt, buttoned collar, hair in a bun, and no make-up, the two of us stuck out in the crowd of locals and traditional Mennonite visitors. One of the more innocent...