My Chair With Wheels

 Please enjoy this old My Odd Sock “instant replay.”  I’m stuck for a new idea!

  

 

The wheelchair.

Long associated with the weak.

The feeble.

And the disabled.

 

 

 

 

The old, shiny-metal designs accentuated a feeling of stale, medically induced flavor.

Scary and intimidating.  No doubt.

 

Maybe that’s why so many MSers I know have a hatred towards wheelchairs.

 

 

 

They feel using a wheelchair means giving in to the disease.

I know of one MSer who defiantly says “I will never use a wheelchair!  Once you’re in a wheelchair, you never get out!”

(I left out his expletives to keep this “G” rated.)

 

 

It’s a shame he thinks that way.  And I know others who feel the same.

In fact years ago, I echoed that thought.  I wasn’t going to let MS beat me.  I was stronger than that.

But as my MS progressed, I moved slower & slower.  I struggled to keep up with my active family.

Finally, my wife said “Look, you can stay home—or you can use the wheelchair and come with us.  It’s your decision.”

That was my cue to sit and roll.

 

 

Yeah,  figured the Funny Meter was about to make an appearance.

 

No, Funny Meter, I didn’t leave my sense of humor in England.

And no, it wasn’t confiscated by a Customs agent.

 

Don’t you have an Adam Sandler movie to interrupt?

 

There now, where was I?

 

 

It’s been years now.  And my chair has carried my behind a lot of places.

I have since realized the shame and guilt I felt previous was a useless waste of energy & thought.

Most of all, I learned that using a wheelchair isn’t giving in.

I am not saying “Uncle” to multiple sclerosis.  I’m actually thumbing my nose at it.  Saying “You can’t keep me down.” 

 And “F.U.”      (OK, so I’m “R” rated.)

 

Using a wheelchair opens doors to the outside world.  You can go places and do & see things that weren’t possible before.

And my chair is an energy-saver.  I suppose I could walk through the big-box retail stores.  But I would be left exhausted at trip’s end.  Using the chair, I can get about in a fraction of the time and still have plenty of energy left to do other things.

 

What are your feelings on the wheelchair?  Do you use one?  How does it help you?  Can you relate to the feelings of hesitation in plopping into a seat?

 

If you are one who thinks the wheelchair is the cursed ending, I hope this has shed some light.

The chair isn’t a final resting place.  It is a vehicle to live life.

Happy rolling.