"Being Auntie" is a 100-word drabble highlighting some of the nuances of being a disabled aunt. This short story was written based on experiences of the author. "Being Auntie" was written in honor of Disability Pride Month.
Image Description: A photo of a maual wheelchair artfully positioned on a beach. Foamy waves roll across the sand beneath the wheels. Fluffy, white clouds float in a blue sky overhead.
Credit: Hans Moerman / Unsplash via Webador
My neices and nephew are still little. When they see me using my wheelchair they are disappointed. But not because they are sad I am feeling sick. They are disappointed that they don't get to play with the wheels or use it to race each other across the kitchen.
When I take the wheelchair on family outings, my neices hold my hand anyway. Sometimes they try to hitch a ride on my lap even though they are getting heavy. It's nice that they are young enough not to be afraid of doing that.
I never expected these things to make me more interesting to little ones, but I'm glad they do.
About the Author:
Laura Browne-Lambert is a queer, neurodivergent, and chronically ill writer whose writing emphasizes the characters, identities, and experiences she missed out on in her youth. She lives in Boston, MA and enjoys gardening, painting, and finding new science fiction or fantasy stories to enjoy. She is also the creator of the Underground Bookshelf. This project provides free short stories and literary resources with the intention of making diverse stories more accessible to everyone. Visit Underground Bookshelf at https://www.underground-bookshelf.com/.
Image Description: Laura Browne-Lambert, a disabled, White woman sits in front of a concrete wall on a sandy beach. She is wearing a blue, plaid shirt, black leather jacket, and black dress pants. Her hair is windswept. Her black cane leans against the concrete wall.
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