Annie named her new three wheeled Invacare walker “Junior”.
It isn’t a complete replacement for “Velvet”, her larger walking support
device, but an addition for short hauls. I had looked at these lighter weight
devices over the years but had concerns about providing enough support if she
lost her balance. Velvet is too heavy and large for most Uber vehicles and
certainly too heavy for frailer companions to pick up. Enter Junior.
We decided in a “what the heck” moment to pick up one of
these. They’re about 1/10 the cost of a Velvet and 1/3 the weight. Three wheels
versus four was the decision as Annie has to control everything with just one
hand. You get the picture…
We always like a “so what?” moment. In the last couple weeks
of getting used to this Annie has broadened her horizons three fold. She is
taking Uber (please don’t leave Houston) to shop, to get nails done, to pick up
small items at the store, to meet with friends and is able to actually walk on
her own to restaurants in the area. This is a huge boost to confidence,
independence, ease to hang out with her friends (who might “postpone” due to
the challenges of supporting Annie) and in one additional word FREEDOM! It’s
freedom for both of us. Annie can do what she wants.
Of course I still cringe at the thought of her crossing a
busy street or plowing forth on the train or bus. But we’ll get there. Annie
wants her independence as much as I want it for her. Personal pride and a less
grumpy pal (who me? Yeah, Houston traffic…) make for powerful medicine. Now
Annie is just a text or phone call away from a meet up.
So the “so what” is a wider range of activity. It’s fewer
responses of “no’ when she says “Can I come?” It’s a sense of owning her own
space and commanding her own time. That's progress. I suggested we might call
Junior “Hope”. It seems to be sticking.
