So most of you know about the rare overgrowth disease I have. Here is a random memory that just came back to me, illustrating the power of what it does (a ) #DisabilityTwitter

When I was in my late teens/early 20s, I received a beautiful pair of tall rain boots. They stopped just below my knees. What is important in this part of the story is that these boots FIT and were NOT any special size. That's why I loved them.

Fast forward to only a few years later. I'm 25. One rainy day, I go to put my boots on. THEY DON'T FIT. My shoe size has not changed since I was a teenager. I also haven't grown an inch in almost 18 years. I can't get them past my ankles.

Why? Because my LEGS ACTUALLY EXPANDED. Yes. Really. I haven't been able to find tall boots for myself again since. And I have looked. For half a decade.

I also haven't been the same since. That was the first time it actually caught up with me that I am physically different. You would never know until I'm in shorts and a t-shirt.

FYI: I'm not ashamed or anything. It just happens that for most of the year, until it's fucking hot, I spend a lot of time in jeans & a hoodie. That's just what I prefer. So STOP if you feel the need to send pity my way.

But yes. I know I talk a lot about shoes and how I wish for what I'll probably never have. This thread is another look into why it's such a big deal for me.

I know there's a lot of disabled people who have footwear issues. I'm not discounting that. But... It's a real struggle to get people to take me seriously when I talk about how even most wide shoes don't fit. It's so vexing.

Sometimes it just isn't the same. A lot of disabled people can still wear regular shoes. If someone is talking about an issue like this, just let them talk. Not everything is always fixable. Yes. REALLY. Don't be a hero. Just let people have their moment.

Rare disease are rare. Unless you really get it personally, just let the person have their moment. It is NOT that hard.

PS: this is a friendly reminder to send ZERO pity or the like. 100% not interested. Will ignore it if you send it my way. (end)

@threader_app, please compile