One month to the day of my accident I sit in the snowy airport in Atlantic City, NJ excitedly awaiting my performance for a corporate gig at Caesars Palace for an old friend. I'm nervous. It's my first time away from home since I broke my ankle and I'm alone.
The airlines were great! Nice people helped me through the groping- I mean security process, along with an attendant who assisted me in a wheelchair. My first guy accompanied me while I did some shopping. As I have been on my back for so long... I was dying to spend my husband's hard earned money on... anything! After a big thank you and tip, he left me with another attendant to escort me on the plane.
When I handed the new guy a tip he yelled: " I don't want a tip! I'm just the "wheelchair guy"! I'm nobody!" I'm embarrassed as I realize he's embarrassed to be seen with me!
Miraculously, I make my connection. Entering last on the plane, winded and exhausted, I'm greeted by a mob of angry faces when they see my crutches. I weakly offer an apology but to no avail. I heard someone whisper: "We waited for this one with the crutches!"
En route to the casino I call and remind my friend to have a wheelchair.
"WHEELCHAIR!" She screeches. "Can't you walk if I carry your bag? I'm wearing heels!" It hits me. She's embarrassed!
Next night in Boca, it's the "Raging Jews of Comedy!" Thank you to all VJ fans that came. Great show ONSTAGE, and another show BACKSTAGE... as some fellow comedians think it's bad for the audience to see me with crutches. They claimed to feel sorry for me but... they were embarrassed! If I'm not insecure why should THEY be?
I love this show so who cares about them! ...until the oddest thing happens. A comic approaches me backstage laughing and says "I have to have a picture of you in that wheelchair!" Always up for a pose, I smile for the photo to be informed later that it's been posted on Facebook.
I'll have the last laugh. I have new respect for the disabled! My hell is temporary compared to their challenges. My fancy high-rise in LA doesn't have a handicap ramp anywhere in the lobby!
When I pointed this out, I was informed: "As this building was built in the 60's, we are "grandfathered" and we have no obligation to have a handicap ramp." I'm told I can go through the "handicap entrance".
When I see THIS set up....I am speechless! The disabled are forced to go through the garage; past car fumes into "service elevators" like dogs. A shonda!
I opt to hop ....to my elevator... like a PERSON! That embarrasses the building but too bad. The disabled can depend on me to open my big mouth because I get it, now. People shouldn't be uncomfortable with the disabled; they should be uncomfortable ignoring their needs!
Thank you to my New Jersey VJ fans that I met in Florida! See you in Miami in March with the Raging Jews! VJ is the real deal! We tell you like it is.... and like it was!
Next night in Boca, it's the "Raging Jews of Comedy!" Thank you to all VJ fans that came. Great show ONSTAGE, and another show BACKSTAGE... as some fellow comedians think it's bad for the audience to see me with crutches. They claimed to feel sorry for me but... they were embarrassed! If I'm not insecure why should THEY be? 
