Mobility

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

So, I went out for a bicycle ride Saturday. Hot, humid and windy so perfect conditions.

I took my usual break for a PBJ bagel and water at the local shop when another boomer took the opportunity to "suggest" that maybe riding in such conditions isn't the smartest choice.

Rather than spitting in his eye I chose to try and explain "why" I do like I do.

Fast forward to what I did after getting home. I sat w

SNIP

The gift of mobility is one the things we take for granted. I know I did. Why not? It’s not something we think about. We learn to do it by the time we’re one year old
and really there is no reason to think about it afterwards. Right? That’s natural. Until you’re blessed with an incident that makes you think about it. What if you couldn’t walk? Just imagine all of the things you couldn’t do. And what if your arms are impaired as well? What then?

I’ve had the rare privilege and, perhaps, what might be considered an unfair advantage over many people. I’ve had the experience of losing my mobility for a significant time and then was gifted by regaining it. So, I know what it feels like to be bed ridden. I still can’t run or ski, skate, surf or even walk steadily.

Whenever someone tells me that my continuing struggle against my handicap has inspired them in some way, I am fueled even more so to keep on truckin.’

IF I may quote the distinguished Mr Butt

Mobility...
A year ago I was on the floor wearing diapers... I was trying to kill myself and failed miserably!
So my friends and family scraped me together and moved me into assisted living.
Long story short I had forgotten how to walk
Longer story shorter fortunate thing was I have Medical insurance so I have physical therapy and Dr's/Nurses hovering over me... But I digress...
Needless to say I was mobility challenged... First there was to the walker, now a cane, can walk freely but wobble like a toddler 😋 (I spill food on myself too... But I did that before 'the incident')

Two things I takeaway from my days being challenged.
A. Don't whine about them making things handicapped compatible, someday you may need it.
B. People in Lost Angeles are not so bad!
My first clue was when little old ladies were opening the door to the liquor store for me.
That set off the alarm(s) in my head.
1. Why am I at the liquor store at 7 AM and
2. Do I really look that bad that grandma had to hold the door for me?
Yes, yes I did.

Anyway my takeaway from having to use a cane and walker is that every high school student should have to use a walker for one day to experience the physical and psychological ramifications.

[Zeke]

Glad you're back Scott. I've mentioned that before. Yeah, things are changing rapidly for many of us.

[masraum]

Holy moly! I'm glad that you're still with us and so much better!

[LWJ]

Scott,

I recall that you were struggling. I noticed you were not here. I noticed that you came back.

Congratulations on the recovery!

We all struggle in some way or form at times. I am pleased that you are with us!

[pwd72s]

Yep...life can be a nasty bastid at times. But...it's still life.

Welcome back...

[oldE]

You have proven that busting your arse gets better results than sitting on it.
Well done making so much progress.

Best
Les

[herr_oberst]

Keep the good fight going, Scott. Welcome back. Share your story as you feel the need; we seem to be very sympathetic to our pelican brethren.

Plus, we're as gossipy as Mrs Kravitz and you seem to be ready to provide fresh and juicy for our hearty appetites!

[john70t]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

So my friends and family scraped me together and moved me into assisted living.
Long story short I had forgotten how to walk
Longer story shorter fortunate thing was I have Medical insurance so I have physical therapy and Dr's/Nurses hovering over me... But I digress...
Needless to say I was mobility challenged... First there was to the walker, now a cane, can walk freely but wobble like a toddler �� (I spill food on myself too... But I did that before 'the incident')

F'k.
Thank you for still being here...and sharing your experience...which everyone will experience.

First things:
1). Cut down on the alcohol.
Sip a beer instead of a full glass of whisky.
Take a day off. Ask for some quality tea or soda as a substitute. Something you like.
Alcohol doesn't work well as a pain reliever.

Get your brain clear so you can get stronger...


2). Be honest and gentle with the people around trying to help.
Say thank you. Most are trying their best. Some are just not very smart.


3). Talk with your relatives. They have already spent a lot of time helping you.
Tell them what you need.
What you really want.
Get things in order.


4). Stay positive. Do good things. Talk with others. Make friends.
If there is a therapy pool or garden walk, ask if you can go there. Something fun. Smell the roses.

Play computer games. Puzzles. Research medicine. Do whatever you love.
Stay active and positive.

We are all rooting for you !!!!!

[flatbutt]

Hey Scott, welcome to the Society For Those Who Rise Above. We're not just survivors, we're Thrivers!

[Baz]

Yo Scott.....

Good to have you back and thanks for sharing your story and philosophies!

To your mobility comments.....some of us have been very fortunate to be involved with assisting an elderly parent. I remember the many posts here on just such a situation.

Trust me, in that circumstance you really come to appreciate the gift of mobility and how it's never guaranteed to last.

Today at Mom's assisted living facility.....



Stay strong my friend.....

[Superman]

Keep fighting, Scott. We like you here, and want you to stick around. We expect reports.

[Willem Fick]

Welcome back Scott! Sometimes life's curve-balls really suck, but I am very happy to see you powering forward through it all! Godspeed dude!

[aigel]

Welcome back Scott! We missed you!

When I had a broken leg and in a long cast I really appreciated all the ADA modifications to sidewalks, entry, doors, bathrooms, etc. It was an eye-opener!

I hope you’re back for good Scott, see you on the board!

George