I get it. I’ve been there. Yes, I was that guy. I just have one question: “Do you want to be stubborn or do you want to enjoy life?”
If you don’t know my history I’ve had six joints replaced, I swear my arthritis has arthritis and I had a stroke several years ago. I’ve had times when I needed a wheelchair, walker, crutches, a cane and now I even use an electric scooter at times if there’s a lot of walking required. And, no, I haven’t always wanted to or wanted to be seen using these things.
I used to be six feet tall, 190 pounds and an athlete. I played baseball, softball and got down on the floor to give the kids horsey rides on my back. Wow! Sometimes that seems like another lifetime. When I first needed assistance I fought it. “I don’t want people to see me this way!” If I was having my photo taken I would always try to hide my cane behind me. Now? Not so much.
I remember when I first needed a cane after my stroke. While I’m very blessed that my stroke wasn’t more severe, my balance never fully came back so a cane definitely helps.
When we first discovered I needed one, my oldest daughter, Sarah, said, “If we get you a cool one will you use it?” That’s when I got my baseball bat cane. You can find it at baseballbatcane.com. I’ve accepted the fact that I need it and it pretty much goes everywhere with me except for travel. TSA gave me a hard time at the Orlando airport years ago because they said it was a weapon. Obviously any cane could be used as a weapon but they don’t seem to have an issue with any other cane I’ve used.
Recently we purchased an electric scooter. Again, I didn’t want to give in at first but my wife, Priscilla, helped me realize that if I wanted to keep participating in life this was a way to do it. I can walk a mile or so but that’s it.
If your reaction to that is, “No way! I’m not gonna use one of those!” I get it. And yes, the first time I flew with it I felt everyone in the airport was staring at me. However, one thing I’ve learned over the years (And I wish I learned it sooner), most people aren’t thinking of you at all because they are having enough trouble just managing their own lives. And, WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK? You don’t know them and even if they are judging you it says more about them than you.
Last summer my daughter and son-in-law invited us to join them and our grandson at Disney World in Florida. My first reaction was, “Can I do it? Can I keep up with them?” When I mentioned this, Steven said something to the effect of, “Don’t worry about it. We have to take breaks in the day for Liam (my grandson) so you can rest too. And any time you need to go back to the hotel, no problem.”
I am so glad I went! We had such a great time a few days ago.
If you’re wondering about getting around and getting on the rides I can honestly say… they’ve got this down! The Disney buses all have room for two scooters and after a day or two I got pretty good at backing into the spot. And the rides? We just checked with a Disney cast member at each ride and they took me right in. They do ask if you can transfer from your scooter to the ride and I was able to do that but I understand they do make arrangements if you struggle.
There are scooters at each park that you can rent but I was really glad that I had my own. First I didn’t have to worry that they wouldn’t have enough. Secondly my scooter is compact and folds up for the few Lyft rides we took. Plus, since I’ve had this for almost a year I know how to handle it in crowds.
Yeah that’s another thing: You HAVE to pay attention! There were many times that people would walk right in front of me either because they were preoccupied or they figured, “We can beat this guy!” I never minded when kids cut in front of me because kids are kids and they’re usually in their own world. I did shake my head a few times when a 50 or 60-year old would walk right in front of me. “HELLO!”
I’ve learned over the years that no two strokes are alike and I don’t know what your story is or what disability you might have….but I have to ask: Are you taking advantage of all the different things that are out there to help us function? If not, why not? Your insurance might cover some of the cost. What’s your reason for not getting out there? Think of all the things you’re missing out on.
I’ll ask you again: “Do you want to be stubborn or do you want to enjoy life?”
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