Yesterday we went for a walk to the elementary school. Emylie drove her power chair and upon arriving we needed to visit the restroom for one of the other kids. At first Emylie and I waited in the hallway because I could tell the entrance to the restroom was crowded with 2 garbage cans. Within a few minutes she wanted to go in and wash her hands. I figured we might as well give it a try. She maneuvered well getting into the bathroom and to my surprise there was not an accessible sink. We managed and made it work but looking to the future I see where my little girl is going to run into obstacles.
It is okay that the world is not made for wheels because most have legs but it still tugs at my heart.
On the way home we stopped by a good friends house...to get close to the front door Emylie had to drive on their lawn. As we were walking and I was trying to foresee how to get her to the door and realized the home had stairs approaching the front door and stairs up to the door. My thoughts went to the majority of homes she will not be able to access.
When we took her trick-or-treating last year there were homes she couldn't even get close to the front door or be scene by the person answering the door because of stairs. What is life like for adults in wheelchairs, or even older children who are unable to be carried. I think of the day when Emylie is older and we go to family events at other family members homes. How will she participate if she cannot get into the home with her wheelchair. It is a huge blessing she has enough mobility to crawl around when she is off the vent. And for now she can be carried. For that I am incredibly grateful because I know that gives her a little more freedom.
I was so naive before Emylie was born. The more she desires her independence and uses her power chair, the more I see how many obstacles the world will present her. A couple examples:
* walking to the neighbors chicken coop... there are large irrigation pipes along the route. Legs can step over them, a barricade for wheels.
* going for a walk in the winter months... the neighbor who doesn't shovel the walk or the sidewalk outlet that is blocked by snow. Legs can walk in the snow. Wheels spin and get stuck or if the snow is too tall it is a barricade.
* a part B to the walk in the winter... you are going along the sidewalk and there is dog poop on the sidewalk. Legs can step over them. Depending on the size and placement the wheels may have to turn around and go a different route. Or if you didn't see it and roll right through it then you have to clean the wheels before going back into your house.
* there is a toy in your way... if your in a chair with wheels and cannot reach the floor you have to depend on others to clear the way for you. Legs can bend to pick it up the toy or legs can go around it.
Be grateful for your legs and all the things you are able to do without a second thought. Life is still joyful living with wheels but it can be challenging.
