December 27, 2023
- Listen to the audio version of this message (https://bit.ly/48z9Tvs)
Hello, this is Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL. I wrote this message for the holidays. I hope it helps some. It helped me. My title is “I’m Okay with That!”
It took a while, but I have come to some life conclusions.
Some people will not like me, and I’m okay with that.
I will not win every time.
Some people will say bad things about me.
Some people will not agree with me, and I’m okay with that.
Some people will never believe in me.
Some people will quickly believe the bad things that are said about me, and I’m okay with that
Some people will use me.
Some people will make jokes and poke fun at me.
Some people will never pick me up when I fall, pick up something I dropped, or assist me putting money in a parking meter, and I’m okay with that.
Theo Braddy – A black man with a bald head, a salt and pepper full beard wearing eyeglasses, sitting in a wheelchair. Theo smiles toward the camera during a 2023 speaking event.
Some people will not be there when I need them.
Some people will tell others not to believe in me.
Some people don’t like the way I look, the way I dress, or the way I talk, and I’m okay with that.
Some people will not like my closest friends, my wife, or my children.
Some people will not like how I drive my van or my wheelchair, and I’m okay with that.
Some people don’t like the way I write or the messages I share.
I guess that will leave you and me, my friend. Thank you for not being like some people — and I’m okay with that!
This is Theo Braddy, bringing a little short message hopefully to help someone along the way during the holidays. Be okay with it. Be well. Bye-bye.
About NCIL
NCIL is the longest-running national cross-disability grassroots organization, driven by and dedicated to people with disabilities. Since its founding in 1982, NCIL has represented thousands of organizations and individuals, advocating tirelessly for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across the United States.