Retrospective Lily

Have you seen the Disney movie Zootopia?

The story is set in a fantasy world where every type of animal lives together in a human-like society. The plot centers around a small rabbit who wants to be a cop, though normally, only intimidating animals like gorillas and tigers work that job. This entertaining, heart-warming film encourages kids to chase their dreams and be themselves authentically.

I recently rewatched the first one because Zootopia 2 premiered in theaters a few weeks ago. I’ll probably see it when it hits streaming services.

One of the funniest scenes is when the main character and her sidekick go to the DMV. Every employee is a sloth who moves about as slowly as molasses dripping uphill (lol).

I relate to those sloths. With Friedreich’s Ataxia, my movements are clumsy and in slow motion. The smallest tasks – like getting dressed, washing my face, or going to the bathroom – take forever. Thankfully, I have help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. (I can do a few things, but I’m pretty limited.) If I didn’t have help, I would spend every minute of every day finishing chores.

I get frustrated because I feel like I’m wasting time. I could write, read, and accomplish more if ten to thirty minutes didn’t evaporate whenever I completed a small task. All that time adds up daily and disappears into the vortex called “Life with Ataxia.”

Like all of us, I feel sorry for myself sometimes, which clouds my vision. But if I wipe my eyes and look again, I see the truth:

No matter how hard things are or how long they take, I’m still lucky. The ability to have any independence is a privilege. Nothing is guaranteed in life. Some people would trade their circumstances for mine in a heartbeat.

So, I choose to keep on the sunny side. Lord, help me slow down and stay humble and grateful.

Really, life as a sloth isn’t all bad. I’m not fast or graceful, but at least I make people smile.

(I grew up listening to this immaculate film soundtrack. I love this song. And all the other ones. Lol.)