What does the word "handicap" really mean?

 My two dearest friends....

  I love these signs. but my question is...what does handicapped mean?   The dictionary definition indicates
a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult.
It is also a race or contest in which an articificual advantage is given or disadvantage is imposed on a conestant to equalize chances of winning. But, if I break up the words, handy and capped; handy means useful and helpful. Capped means to put a limit on something or to put a cover on so whats inside stays inside or what's outside stays outside. So if I transfer those wonderful thoughts into my situation, I hardly feel useful and helpful except if it's a seat and I am keeping it warm. And the word capped- I do have a limit as to what I can do. I can't even scoot with the scooter without hitting the walls. I used to think it was the dog or the kids marking up the corners... now I guess it's my driving.

So truly there is a cap on my being useful and helpful; it's like fully capped, screwed down tight and ain't moving. I have found that I can still do somethings with the same excitement and fervor that I did 2 weeks ago.
1. I can eat. There is no problem with my appetite. I can eat and 14 minutes later, maybe 13 minutes, I am hungry again. However, since I am not working out, I am watching what I eat and desperately lifting weights and doing crunches off the couch since I won't be going to the YMCA and  on my beloved bike and elliptical machine.
2.  I can still make a mess and lose the checkbook. One should have less places to lose things when one can't go anywhere but I still can lose the checkbook. I am so proud of the things in life that I can still do... and make a mess is such a thrill. When you can't get on the floor to clean up the mess, there is just something special about making the mess.  Maybe that's what toddlers feel as they throw food off their highchairs.
3.  I can still look out the window and see all sorts of things that need doing. I am very thankful for my vision however combine my vision with my imagination and I see not snow; nay nay. I see flower gardens, landscaping, buildings needing to be painted, horses needing to be ridden... and I sit in my lazy girl and just dream..
4.  Finally, I can still pray. No more excuses that I am too busy. No more excuses that I have other things to do. I DON'T. I have time to pray- I have a whole pile of Valentines lying on the coffee table waiting to be mailed. I will pray for them before they head for the mailbox  via Jim's feet.  I can read through the Psalms as a prayer to God.  I can pray whenever I think of it.. cuz I won't be doing anything else I am thinking of doing.