Why did the author consider himself a cripple?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

For more than 3 decades, I achieved great success as a lawyer, till a stroke left my right side totally paralysed. Despite the doctor’s encouragement, I was consumed by rage and self-pity. I yearned to be active again. But what could a middle - aged cripple like me do? One day, glancing at some paintings I owned, I thought suddenly, “What about painting”? In fact, I had always wanted to paint, but had never had the time. Now, I had plenty of time. In the last 25 years, I have completed 300 paintings — one of them appeared on the cover of the Reader’s Digest. The stroke, I realise, has helped me develop a latent talent and enjoy life.