Wheelchair Awareness
Well it’s been a long winter and February is the month we normally go to our timeshare in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen to enjoy the ocean and sunshine. It’s always nice to break up the long Minnesota winter but this year we won’t be going because I’m still home mending from my broken ankle and two surgeries. I’m still non-weight bearing so hopping along with my walker or if I’m out and about I use a wheelchair for safety. I’m tired of sitting, tired of television, tired of working on the computer and I long to stand up, stretch and walk normally. Who would have thought I’d be grateful for standing or walking? My muscles ache and it feels like my body is out of alignment for leaning to one side and balancing on one leg or trying to distribute my weight because of a cast, splint or boot.
I’ve tried getting out of the house more but then I need to use a wheelchair and I’ve noticed or rather I’ve been surprised at what “is” and what “is not” handicap accessible. Most buildings do NOT have a handicap entrance or automatic door opener so I sometimes wait for the kindness of strangers. My sister in law pointed out when we were in the rest room that while I could reach the sink and hand dryer from the wheel chair the soap was up too high for me to reach.
I notice that using a wheelchair in the snow and ice is safer but really messy; snow gets caught in the wheelchair and transfers onto my coat sleeve and clothes. It’s clumsy and messy to fold up the chair and load and unload it into the car each time we make a stop. You tend to leave puddles when you get inside of buildings or homes and walkers get slippery if the rubber tips or wheels get wet.
I’m glad I have the tools I have to get about but I’m more aware that I have to be the one to look out for other people so they don’t run into me or trip over my feet. My dear sister in law wanted to take me out to lunch and shopping and we laughed at her clumsiness trying to drive me around in a wheelchair, course that was when she wasn’t banging my feet into elevator walls or tipping the wheelchair when we hit cement bumps in the sidewalk. Anyway I made it safely there and back, we both enjoyed the day away and my husband got a chance to take a break and go Ice Fishing with his nephew which is important for those that have Caregiver duties.
I’m still bored but I am truly grateful that I am loved and I have options that keep me going and keep me positive. Next time you are out shopping be aware of those in wheel chairs they might need your help to open a door or to reach something, they just might be out trying to get rid of some Cabin Fever.
Mary
February 20, 2010
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Mary Chapa is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing management, sales and marketing in both healthcare and private industry. Mary is also a writer, storyteller and holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
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