Exciting Day!
Met Kent plus Megan his producer and Jeff his photographer at the Des Peres Dierberg's for taping. I won't give away all the details, but Kent used my old wheelchair and seat belt and shopped for groceries.
It gave him a different perspective about how grocery shopping isn't easy for everyone. That is the main purpose of my blog is to show that being in a wheelchair isn't all gloom and doom. There are work arounds for all different situations the disabled face every day of our lives.
Enjoy the world around you, whether it be family, friends, charity work, or animals. So much is out there to embrace. That is what I plan on doing from this day forward.
My list of places to visit in my new light weight wheelchair include the following: St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Butterfly House, St. Louis Zoo, etc. That is just the list of attractions. Still making the list of restaurants and entertainment places to scope out.
Until next time keep rolling.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Great Day St. Louis part One
So Happy! Have my new ultra light weight wheelchair and have already taken it out for a test run. Now tomorrow Monday, November 4th I'm meeting Kent Ehrhardt the weather caster for KMOV Channel 4 and one of the hosts for Great Day St. Louis. On opening day for the St. Louis Cardinals I ran into him (not literally, no weathercaster has been harmed by me, so far) and challenged him to a Can Kent wheelchair challenge.
It has finally arrived. He accepted and we have decided to meet at a supermarket. Bringing my old chair for him to use. This is going to be great because most people just run into the store grab a cart and throw in what they want, check out and put it in their car. No big deal.
What about if you're in a wheelchair? Up until a couple months ago I was able to park in the handicapped spot and walk inside to get one of the special carts so I didn't have to walk around the store and risk falling. Now my right leg is giving me so many problems that I need to use my chair and be selective about what I'm buying.
In college, a long long time ago, my step-father took an auto seat belt and had the ends sewn together so I could use it with my wheelchair. That holds on either a bag or the small plastic totes the grocers have for people who don't want to use a cart.
Now you're probably thinking that once I'm strapped in that the higher shelved items are out of my reach. Well since I'm not even 5 foot tall they were already out of my reach. lol
Details will come later this week on how everything went and when it will air. Until then keep wheeling along.
It has finally arrived. He accepted and we have decided to meet at a supermarket. Bringing my old chair for him to use. This is going to be great because most people just run into the store grab a cart and throw in what they want, check out and put it in their car. No big deal.
What about if you're in a wheelchair? Up until a couple months ago I was able to park in the handicapped spot and walk inside to get one of the special carts so I didn't have to walk around the store and risk falling. Now my right leg is giving me so many problems that I need to use my chair and be selective about what I'm buying.
In college, a long long time ago, my step-father took an auto seat belt and had the ends sewn together so I could use it with my wheelchair. That holds on either a bag or the small plastic totes the grocers have for people who don't want to use a cart.
Now you're probably thinking that once I'm strapped in that the higher shelved items are out of my reach. Well since I'm not even 5 foot tall they were already out of my reach. lol
Details will come later this week on how everything went and when it will air. Until then keep wheeling along.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Decisions, decisions, which way should I let life take me or should I take my life?
It's been awhile since I've written anything. Trying to decide in what direction I should take my life. Have been working for years on writing a romantic suspense, which I do plan on completing. However, I'm feeling drawn toward also doing motivational speaking and travel writing for the disabled.
Any preferences? Would you like to hear about how to travel with your wheelchair or someone to inspire you and talk to you about life in general?
Well I do have something big coming up on November 4th. I challenged Kent Ehrhardt to a Can Kent wheelchair challenge. It will be filmed on the 4th and I'm hoping to have my new ultra-lightweight wheelchair by them.
Until next time keeping rolling through life.
Any preferences? Would you like to hear about how to travel with your wheelchair or someone to inspire you and talk to you about life in general?
Well I do have something big coming up on November 4th. I challenged Kent Ehrhardt to a Can Kent wheelchair challenge. It will be filmed on the 4th and I'm hoping to have my new ultra-lightweight wheelchair by them.
Until next time keeping rolling through life.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
What do you do when life knocks you on your butt?
Hmm...it's been awhile since I've posted on my blog. This year was supposed to be so upbeat and me doing so many things. Instead it's been a little sad. My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer at the end of 2012 and had a procedure that was suppose to make him better/cure him. He was upbeat and positive that it would be only a few months and he would be living on his own again.
Unfortunately it didn't work out that way and he went from rehab to a nursing home. At the end of May he went into the hospital for the last time and after tests were done to determine what his pain was from it was my decision to place him on hospice. My grandparents, my younger brother, two aunts, and one of my uncles were with me when the doctor talked to us. My Dad was not able to make any decisions on his own at that time and since he had no living will or anything it fell to me.
So everyone should at least have a living will so that all their wishes are known. There was an option of surgery on his broken back to help him be able to sit up in his last weeks/months, but the doctors didn't think he'd survive the surgery. Afterwards seeing him just laying in that hospital bed I doubted my decision. He died on June 10th a little after 8 am. He was buried at Jefferson Barracks with military honors. It's been hard, but I know he would want me to be happy and go back to a productive life.
Have been helping watch my niece and nephews and even had a staycation watching a friends house while she was away. Plans right now are to visit museums in Forest Park and the newly rehabbed St. Louis City Library:)
Well off the check on the hours and events for the museums. Have a great evening everyone.
Unfortunately it didn't work out that way and he went from rehab to a nursing home. At the end of May he went into the hospital for the last time and after tests were done to determine what his pain was from it was my decision to place him on hospice. My grandparents, my younger brother, two aunts, and one of my uncles were with me when the doctor talked to us. My Dad was not able to make any decisions on his own at that time and since he had no living will or anything it fell to me.
So everyone should at least have a living will so that all their wishes are known. There was an option of surgery on his broken back to help him be able to sit up in his last weeks/months, but the doctors didn't think he'd survive the surgery. Afterwards seeing him just laying in that hospital bed I doubted my decision. He died on June 10th a little after 8 am. He was buried at Jefferson Barracks with military honors. It's been hard, but I know he would want me to be happy and go back to a productive life.
Have been helping watch my niece and nephews and even had a staycation watching a friends house while she was away. Plans right now are to visit museums in Forest Park and the newly rehabbed St. Louis City Library:)
Well off the check on the hours and events for the museums. Have a great evening everyone.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mother's Day 2013 at the St. Louis Zoo
Gorgeous day for mom's in St. Louis. I went to the St. Louis Zoo with my mom, 2 brothers, sister-in-law, 3 year old niece, one year old nephew, and seven year old nephew. Weather started off a little cool and warmed up.
We were lucky because after we parked at the North Entrance parking lot it was full and they closed it. Had we been a little later it would have been horrible to find a place to park and walk with the kids. Well I would have wheeled:)
Most of the zoo is easy for me to navigate in my wheelchair, but there are a few areas that have steep grades and some spots that I feel like I'm leaning a little to one side or the other. One of the first places we visited was the Penguin and Puffin Cove. One of the penguins jumped off a rock close to me and I was splashed in the hair and face. Not to bad so I was laughing as I wheeled away to a safe distance to clean my glasses:)
The kids loved it. My niece insisted that she had to ride with Grandma so we got her seat set up and on the way to the zoo talked about the different animals including the prairie dogs, which are her uncle's favorite animal. Only she called them fairy dogs and said she didn't like them until we made it to the prairie dog exhibit for a quick stop and then leave for the new seal exhibit. Daddy had to go back and keep her from climbing in with them. As we started to enter the tunnel she started to freak out so daddy held her and I gave her a jacket because she said she was cold.
Her daddy tried to hit me up for some allergy medicine but it was at home. Mom suggested I check with one of the souvenir kiosks and when I asked if they had one the lady said she did---and got it out of her own purse and handed us one for him. We didn't expect that at all and it came packaged so we knew what it was. That's one of the things I love about St. Louis is how friendly the people are and helpful.
After the seal's we headed for the elephants and was able to see one of the baby's and I think Raja. The zoo is still working on their new habitat and even had pictures of it along the trail. Looks like it's going to be beautiful.
Not the easiest path at times, but I had my brother's to help get me through. I need to get back to the gym and build my arms up more.
The train ride was the last thing we did and it was great. There's a car right behind the engine that holds wheelchairs and scooters that includes a bench that people can sit behind you. So if you have a young child in a wheelchair you can be right there if they get scared or too excited. The engineer seat belted me in and tied down my wheelchair and then closed the canopy over me. There are a couple of tunnels that you go through that kind of look like clean sewer tunnels.
Well heading to bed for a good night sleep because tomorrow I'm having lunch with an amputee support group. Never been to one before. I'm hoping that not only can I contribute, but I can learn some news things to try out and share with others.
Keep rolling with your head held high!
We were lucky because after we parked at the North Entrance parking lot it was full and they closed it. Had we been a little later it would have been horrible to find a place to park and walk with the kids. Well I would have wheeled:)
Most of the zoo is easy for me to navigate in my wheelchair, but there are a few areas that have steep grades and some spots that I feel like I'm leaning a little to one side or the other. One of the first places we visited was the Penguin and Puffin Cove. One of the penguins jumped off a rock close to me and I was splashed in the hair and face. Not to bad so I was laughing as I wheeled away to a safe distance to clean my glasses:)
The kids loved it. My niece insisted that she had to ride with Grandma so we got her seat set up and on the way to the zoo talked about the different animals including the prairie dogs, which are her uncle's favorite animal. Only she called them fairy dogs and said she didn't like them until we made it to the prairie dog exhibit for a quick stop and then leave for the new seal exhibit. Daddy had to go back and keep her from climbing in with them. As we started to enter the tunnel she started to freak out so daddy held her and I gave her a jacket because she said she was cold.
Her daddy tried to hit me up for some allergy medicine but it was at home. Mom suggested I check with one of the souvenir kiosks and when I asked if they had one the lady said she did---and got it out of her own purse and handed us one for him. We didn't expect that at all and it came packaged so we knew what it was. That's one of the things I love about St. Louis is how friendly the people are and helpful.
After the seal's we headed for the elephants and was able to see one of the baby's and I think Raja. The zoo is still working on their new habitat and even had pictures of it along the trail. Looks like it's going to be beautiful.
Not the easiest path at times, but I had my brother's to help get me through. I need to get back to the gym and build my arms up more.
The train ride was the last thing we did and it was great. There's a car right behind the engine that holds wheelchairs and scooters that includes a bench that people can sit behind you. So if you have a young child in a wheelchair you can be right there if they get scared or too excited. The engineer seat belted me in and tied down my wheelchair and then closed the canopy over me. There are a couple of tunnels that you go through that kind of look like clean sewer tunnels.
Well heading to bed for a good night sleep because tomorrow I'm having lunch with an amputee support group. Never been to one before. I'm hoping that not only can I contribute, but I can learn some news things to try out and share with others.
Keep rolling with your head held high!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Disabilities combined with natural and man-made disaters
Since last Wednesday there has been a tornado in my community (Hazelwood, MO), a terrorist bombing in Boston (at the marathon), and a fire and explosion in a fertilizer plant in West, TX.
Some disasters you can prepare for and try to take cover, but others are unexpected and meant to kill and destroy as much as possible. We should be aware of our surroundings; who is there, what are the escape routes, how do you get yourself out, and many other questions. Disabled individuals can't depend on accessible escape routes and may need to depend on those around them.
Start with where you live, are their people who have trouble getting around living next door to you? Do they use wheelchairs or walkers? Even if you can't help them yourselves by knowing where they live you can point them out to the first responders who are trained to aid them in emergency situations. Then when you are out in public, for example at the Boston Marathon, who are the people around you? Friendly or sketchy, law enforcement or civilian, happy go lucky or suspicious, able or disabled? Depending on who they are they can either help you, you need to help them, or you or someone else need to stop them. Don't worry about appearing rude if you stare at someone. It may save your life and the lives of those around you.
Disabled people need to be aware of the best escape routes for them and always have a list of your medicines on you somewhere. If you are taken to a hospital or Red Cross area you may not have access to your pharmacy or doctor's records and having a list can be life saving for you or a loved one.
Healthy people don't think about things like this so we must be pro-active to help ourselves and others as much as possible. Unfortunately bad things can change people and make them more aware of what is going on in their world.
Be safe and keep on rolling.
Some disasters you can prepare for and try to take cover, but others are unexpected and meant to kill and destroy as much as possible. We should be aware of our surroundings; who is there, what are the escape routes, how do you get yourself out, and many other questions. Disabled individuals can't depend on accessible escape routes and may need to depend on those around them.
Start with where you live, are their people who have trouble getting around living next door to you? Do they use wheelchairs or walkers? Even if you can't help them yourselves by knowing where they live you can point them out to the first responders who are trained to aid them in emergency situations. Then when you are out in public, for example at the Boston Marathon, who are the people around you? Friendly or sketchy, law enforcement or civilian, happy go lucky or suspicious, able or disabled? Depending on who they are they can either help you, you need to help them, or you or someone else need to stop them. Don't worry about appearing rude if you stare at someone. It may save your life and the lives of those around you.
Disabled people need to be aware of the best escape routes for them and always have a list of your medicines on you somewhere. If you are taken to a hospital or Red Cross area you may not have access to your pharmacy or doctor's records and having a list can be life saving for you or a loved one.
Healthy people don't think about things like this so we must be pro-active to help ourselves and others as much as possible. Unfortunately bad things can change people and make them more aware of what is going on in their world.
Be safe and keep on rolling.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Cardinals opening day April 8, 2013
Wow, what a day! This was on my Mom's bucket list and her friend Suzanne went with us. We started the day early and arrived at about 9:30 am. The plan was to go to J. Bucks where Channel 5 was going to be for autographs and hand out Stan Musial harmonica's. Well first we heading in totally the wrong direction and went totally out of the way. Finally we made it to J Bucks and saw a huge line that blocked part of the side walk. We decided to head for someplace else and on the way there we sat down to rest and check my smart phone for a map.
Our second choice was too far, but Talia Kaplan and Stephen Patterson from KSDK Channel 5 walked by and my mom said hi. Talia and Stephen stopped and chatted and invited us down to J Bucks, which is when we told them I couldn't get through. Talia was so nice! She said they'd get us in, which she did. The band was great and so was the crowd. We didn't get the harmonica, but it was a great time anyway.
We left there and decided to go onto the other side of the stadium to another opening day bash, which turned out to be KMOV Channel 4 and KMOX radio. There I met Kent Ehrhardt, Virginia Kerr, and Matt Chambers from Great Day St. Louis and they were so nice. Shared with Kent my idea of a challenge for his Can Kent series of him doing an obstacle course like scavenger hunt at the mall. He asked that I e-mail him about that and the fact I'm a member of the local romance writers chapter.
Haven't sent the e-mail yet because I want to make it perfect. This maybe my only chance to have an impact for the disabled community. Well I'll let you all know how it goes.
Then onto the game. The stadium was very accessible and the section the three of us were in was a special section for wheelchairs and the disabled. Folding chairs were available for my mom and her friend, there were cup holders attached to the wrought iron railing in front of us. Plus it was under the cover of the section above us so no hot sun! The only negative was the standing room only crowd encroaching on our space. You know how it is people don't really "notice" wheelchairs so they have a tendency to get to close.
The bathroom stall had enough room for my wheelchair to turn around in and enough room once I was out to get to a sink and the paper towels. Our seats were on the third level and I explored that area and then went down to the main level using the regular elevator and explored to my hearts content. Didn't have any problem, well except when women stopped in the middle of the huge hallway and it took me about 30 seconds to realize it was just the bathroom line. lol Then went back up using the freight elevator, which was also used by pregnant women and people who had problems with the stairs.
The game was great until the ninth inning and I could see everything from my wheelchair and I would love to go again sometime. Will be requesting the same seats. Until next time keep rolling with your head held high.
Our second choice was too far, but Talia Kaplan and Stephen Patterson from KSDK Channel 5 walked by and my mom said hi. Talia and Stephen stopped and chatted and invited us down to J Bucks, which is when we told them I couldn't get through. Talia was so nice! She said they'd get us in, which she did. The band was great and so was the crowd. We didn't get the harmonica, but it was a great time anyway.
We left there and decided to go onto the other side of the stadium to another opening day bash, which turned out to be KMOV Channel 4 and KMOX radio. There I met Kent Ehrhardt, Virginia Kerr, and Matt Chambers from Great Day St. Louis and they were so nice. Shared with Kent my idea of a challenge for his Can Kent series of him doing an obstacle course like scavenger hunt at the mall. He asked that I e-mail him about that and the fact I'm a member of the local romance writers chapter.
Haven't sent the e-mail yet because I want to make it perfect. This maybe my only chance to have an impact for the disabled community. Well I'll let you all know how it goes.
Then onto the game. The stadium was very accessible and the section the three of us were in was a special section for wheelchairs and the disabled. Folding chairs were available for my mom and her friend, there were cup holders attached to the wrought iron railing in front of us. Plus it was under the cover of the section above us so no hot sun! The only negative was the standing room only crowd encroaching on our space. You know how it is people don't really "notice" wheelchairs so they have a tendency to get to close.
The bathroom stall had enough room for my wheelchair to turn around in and enough room once I was out to get to a sink and the paper towels. Our seats were on the third level and I explored that area and then went down to the main level using the regular elevator and explored to my hearts content. Didn't have any problem, well except when women stopped in the middle of the huge hallway and it took me about 30 seconds to realize it was just the bathroom line. lol Then went back up using the freight elevator, which was also used by pregnant women and people who had problems with the stairs.
The game was great until the ninth inning and I could see everything from my wheelchair and I would love to go again sometime. Will be requesting the same seats. Until next time keep rolling with your head held high.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Shriners Hosp Ground Breaking Ceremony
Wednesday, March 20th was the first day of Spring, but you wouldn't know it from the temperatures. Not counting the wind chill it was in the low 30's high 20's. Add the wind which was gusting and it was freezing!
Didn't deter me or my Mom though as we headed out to Clayton and Newstead in St. Louis's Central West End for the ground breaking ceremony of the new Shriners Hospital. It will replace the one on Lindbergh that I practically lived at during my teen years. I became a patient with Shriners when I was about four and continued until about age twenty.
It has been 26 years since I've been to Shriners, but I was excited to see Dr. Schoenecker's name on the back of a chair in the front row. He was awesome and so supporting to me and my Mom during a lot of tough times. After my amputation he told my Mom they weren't sure I would walk again, something they never told me, but the physical therapists had me up on my new leg and off I went. Never did anyone tell me directly I couldn't do anything. Shriners always was and always will be a positive experience for me and other kids.
The ceremony took place in a tent and the wind still managed to whip under walls making us all grateful for the quilts and blankets that were provided. The Patient Ambassadors hijacked the podium and took over telling their stories and introducing all the dignitaries. This was followed by the ground breaking ceremony and pictures taken by an aerial photographer.
Finally the cold weather did me in so I headed back to the van, which my Mom had running and heating up for me.
The Patient Ambassadors is a new program that I will be joining. Anything I can do for Shriners Hospital I will do because I wouldn't have the quality of life if it wasn't for them.
Didn't deter me or my Mom though as we headed out to Clayton and Newstead in St. Louis's Central West End for the ground breaking ceremony of the new Shriners Hospital. It will replace the one on Lindbergh that I practically lived at during my teen years. I became a patient with Shriners when I was about four and continued until about age twenty.
It has been 26 years since I've been to Shriners, but I was excited to see Dr. Schoenecker's name on the back of a chair in the front row. He was awesome and so supporting to me and my Mom during a lot of tough times. After my amputation he told my Mom they weren't sure I would walk again, something they never told me, but the physical therapists had me up on my new leg and off I went. Never did anyone tell me directly I couldn't do anything. Shriners always was and always will be a positive experience for me and other kids.
The ceremony took place in a tent and the wind still managed to whip under walls making us all grateful for the quilts and blankets that were provided. The Patient Ambassadors hijacked the podium and took over telling their stories and introducing all the dignitaries. This was followed by the ground breaking ceremony and pictures taken by an aerial photographer.
Finally the cold weather did me in so I headed back to the van, which my Mom had running and heating up for me.
The Patient Ambassadors is a new program that I will be joining. Anything I can do for Shriners Hospital I will do because I wouldn't have the quality of life if it wasn't for them.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Cabin Fever leads to the Mall!
Sunday March 17, 2013 Happy St. Patrick's Day! It was dreary today and made me think about my outing last Wednesday due to cabin fever after being in the house for over a week.
My First stop was Mid-River's Mall and I parked by my go-to location-JC Penney's. Why JCP? Well besides the fact I love their clothes and Sephora their doors are handicapped friendly. All I need to do is push the button and Viola! the doors open and me and my wheelchair enter. At Mid-Rivers it is the only big name store that does that, not Dillard's or Macys or even Sears. If I can't find a parking spot at JCP then I try to find one by a mall entrance. Oh and I always try to make time to eat at Max and Erma's there. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff is so nice and I don't even have to ask to have the chair moved.
My second stop was at Best Buy in the Mid-Rivers Mall complex located on the outer ring. Used my wheelchair in here also. I only needed to pick up toner so it was a quick in and out. While they do have stands with merchandise in the aisles I have never had any trouble getting around. Plus the new displays for the music and movies is convenient for me to reach.
The final stop was Wal-Mart and here I walked in and used one of their riding carts. They are easy to maneuver and only just a little wider than a regular cart. Aisle's are a good size space wise, but when you get in the clothes there can be problems. Also every once in awhile you may go down an aisle that has a post in the middle of it that a regular cart could fit around but the riding ones won't. Then I just back up or try to turn around.
Felt wonderful getting out and about. Have a few things planned for the future, but I'm going to let them be a surprise for now. Until next time keep your head up and moving forward to your world!
My First stop was Mid-River's Mall and I parked by my go-to location-JC Penney's. Why JCP? Well besides the fact I love their clothes and Sephora their doors are handicapped friendly. All I need to do is push the button and Viola! the doors open and me and my wheelchair enter. At Mid-Rivers it is the only big name store that does that, not Dillard's or Macys or even Sears. If I can't find a parking spot at JCP then I try to find one by a mall entrance. Oh and I always try to make time to eat at Max and Erma's there. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff is so nice and I don't even have to ask to have the chair moved.
My second stop was at Best Buy in the Mid-Rivers Mall complex located on the outer ring. Used my wheelchair in here also. I only needed to pick up toner so it was a quick in and out. While they do have stands with merchandise in the aisles I have never had any trouble getting around. Plus the new displays for the music and movies is convenient for me to reach.
The final stop was Wal-Mart and here I walked in and used one of their riding carts. They are easy to maneuver and only just a little wider than a regular cart. Aisle's are a good size space wise, but when you get in the clothes there can be problems. Also every once in awhile you may go down an aisle that has a post in the middle of it that a regular cart could fit around but the riding ones won't. Then I just back up or try to turn around.
Felt wonderful getting out and about. Have a few things planned for the future, but I'm going to let them be a surprise for now. Until next time keep your head up and moving forward to your world!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013; Polar Plunge weekend is over!
No I didn't jump in Creve Coeur Lake on Saturday. My youngest brother did in my honor for the Special Olympics. His whole team dressed up in footed pajamas and he was one of the two sock monkeys. The big snowstorm had come through the area at the end of the week, but the sun was out so that helped. Plus there were fire pits placed around the park.
Some of the sponsors were Hazelwood Police Department, Maryland Heights Police Department, and the Pattonville Fire Department. It wasn't hard for me to get around in my wheelchair until it came for my brother and his team to jump in. So my brother tilted my chair back and took me toward the area he was to line up, then someone said they thought I was supposed to be on the other side of the plastic fencing, and then someone else said no bring her closer to the water. Lol, my poor brother I'm sure was getting frustrated, but he made sure I was in a good spot.
The good spot? Up by the judges on the edge of the pavilion. There were some cadets by the water as we tried to figure how to get me up the hill to my spot so I asked them if they wanted to earn extra credit. Three or four of them helped my brother lift me up and carry me and my chair up the hill to my spot next to my brothers chief.
It was the perfect spot to watch the craziness! Then I figured out if I would have just gone straight to the pavilion and worked my way through I could have made it to the same spot. lol Oh well live and learn.
I definately will go again next year. What is one thing that you think may be difficult for you to do on your own? Could you achieve it with a lift or a helping hand from others? It doesn't have to involve snow and cold weather. It could be as simple as going to the library and the book you want is on a shelf too high for you to reach on your own. Ask someone to get it down for you. Doesn't have to be the librarian it can be a stranger looking for their own book.
So go forward and conquer your world!
No I didn't jump in Creve Coeur Lake on Saturday. My youngest brother did in my honor for the Special Olympics. His whole team dressed up in footed pajamas and he was one of the two sock monkeys. The big snowstorm had come through the area at the end of the week, but the sun was out so that helped. Plus there were fire pits placed around the park.
Some of the sponsors were Hazelwood Police Department, Maryland Heights Police Department, and the Pattonville Fire Department. It wasn't hard for me to get around in my wheelchair until it came for my brother and his team to jump in. So my brother tilted my chair back and took me toward the area he was to line up, then someone said they thought I was supposed to be on the other side of the plastic fencing, and then someone else said no bring her closer to the water. Lol, my poor brother I'm sure was getting frustrated, but he made sure I was in a good spot.
The good spot? Up by the judges on the edge of the pavilion. There were some cadets by the water as we tried to figure how to get me up the hill to my spot so I asked them if they wanted to earn extra credit. Three or four of them helped my brother lift me up and carry me and my chair up the hill to my spot next to my brothers chief.
It was the perfect spot to watch the craziness! Then I figured out if I would have just gone straight to the pavilion and worked my way through I could have made it to the same spot. lol Oh well live and learn.
I definately will go again next year. What is one thing that you think may be difficult for you to do on your own? Could you achieve it with a lift or a helping hand from others? It doesn't have to involve snow and cold weather. It could be as simple as going to the library and the book you want is on a shelf too high for you to reach on your own. Ask someone to get it down for you. Doesn't have to be the librarian it can be a stranger looking for their own book.
So go forward and conquer your world!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
One of my goals with this blog is to find handicapped accessible entertainment options for people in the disabled communtiy. Especially those like me in a wheelchair. Last week I went to Wild Country in Collinsville, Illinois, for my first visit ever.
Now I didn't do a whole tour of the place. Was at my friend Shannon's for a get-together and from there we went to visit our friend Charles at Wild Country. Now Charles is not only a friend, but was my personal trainer until he moved to Belleville over the fall/winter. When it warms up hope to be able to let him push me until I drop again.
First there is a separate entrance for wheelchairs. The doorman came over and checked our ID's, took money for the door fee, and gave us wrist bands before we could enter the door. We came in at one of the bars so it was a little crowded, but everyone was nice and made room to get through. When we saw Charles he was in a section that was up about 3 steps and he just tilted my wheelchair back and delivered me up to his table. It overlooked the dance floor and there was energy that just took over. I loved being part of the crowd. Now I could see tables on the lower, but they were the high tables. Didn't get to check out the bathrooms.
There were 2 areas wheelchairs won't be able to visit. The foosball and darts are upstairs on the left side of the stage and the food area with more things to do is on the right side. Pool tables are on the lower level.
Guess this means I get to go back again and do a much better job on recon. Until next time hope you all have a great day and please keep exploring the world. It's ours too!
Now I didn't do a whole tour of the place. Was at my friend Shannon's for a get-together and from there we went to visit our friend Charles at Wild Country. Now Charles is not only a friend, but was my personal trainer until he moved to Belleville over the fall/winter. When it warms up hope to be able to let him push me until I drop again.
First there is a separate entrance for wheelchairs. The doorman came over and checked our ID's, took money for the door fee, and gave us wrist bands before we could enter the door. We came in at one of the bars so it was a little crowded, but everyone was nice and made room to get through. When we saw Charles he was in a section that was up about 3 steps and he just tilted my wheelchair back and delivered me up to his table. It overlooked the dance floor and there was energy that just took over. I loved being part of the crowd. Now I could see tables on the lower, but they were the high tables. Didn't get to check out the bathrooms.
There were 2 areas wheelchairs won't be able to visit. The foosball and darts are upstairs on the left side of the stage and the food area with more things to do is on the right side. Pool tables are on the lower level.
Guess this means I get to go back again and do a much better job on recon. Until next time hope you all have a great day and please keep exploring the world. It's ours too!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Hello everyone! This is my first blog so please hang in there with visual changes I may make to it.
First the reason for my blog is that February 3rd was the 30th Anniversary of my leg amputation at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. It was done the day after my 16th Birthday so for you all keeping check that makes me 46.
My entire life I tried to do what I thought I was suppose to do to be 'normal'. Graduated high school on time by going to summer school, went to college to get a degree, found a job after graduation, then found a better job, obtained my MBA and then it all went to Hell in a handbasket.
Let me back up a little. I was born with Spina Bifida, surgery at about 8 months to remove a tumor, numerous hospital visits that resulted in 3 volumes of medical records, and then infections that resulted in a below the knee amputation below my left knee. I had already dealt with partial paralysis below the knee of my right leg.
Except for one revision of my amputation there were no major medical problems from the time I was 16 until 39. My urologist said my bladder had shrunk to the size of an acorn. At the time I didn't realize he was telling me I was going to die. Fortunately for me there was an option besides dialysis.
A bladder augmentation saved my life, but ended my working. Since then I have worked on my writing and spent time with my family and friends.
I want more out of my life though. My trips to Washington DC and Orlando for writing conferences fired up my travel desire. To show that people in wheelchairs can explore and see everything that able body do.
So my plan is to first explore St. Louis and give tips on how I made it work. If there are anyplaces that you would like me to check out for you and see if they are accessible please let me know. I can walk short distances; however, even with that ability restaurants and attractions can make it difficult.
It is up to us to show them the way. Please join me on my journey.
First the reason for my blog is that February 3rd was the 30th Anniversary of my leg amputation at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. It was done the day after my 16th Birthday so for you all keeping check that makes me 46.
My entire life I tried to do what I thought I was suppose to do to be 'normal'. Graduated high school on time by going to summer school, went to college to get a degree, found a job after graduation, then found a better job, obtained my MBA and then it all went to Hell in a handbasket.
Let me back up a little. I was born with Spina Bifida, surgery at about 8 months to remove a tumor, numerous hospital visits that resulted in 3 volumes of medical records, and then infections that resulted in a below the knee amputation below my left knee. I had already dealt with partial paralysis below the knee of my right leg.
Except for one revision of my amputation there were no major medical problems from the time I was 16 until 39. My urologist said my bladder had shrunk to the size of an acorn. At the time I didn't realize he was telling me I was going to die. Fortunately for me there was an option besides dialysis.
A bladder augmentation saved my life, but ended my working. Since then I have worked on my writing and spent time with my family and friends.
I want more out of my life though. My trips to Washington DC and Orlando for writing conferences fired up my travel desire. To show that people in wheelchairs can explore and see everything that able body do.
So my plan is to first explore St. Louis and give tips on how I made it work. If there are anyplaces that you would like me to check out for you and see if they are accessible please let me know. I can walk short distances; however, even with that ability restaurants and attractions can make it difficult.
It is up to us to show them the way. Please join me on my journey.
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