Trundling through life

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,

but everything that I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered;

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

Source: unknown.

I spent a week recovering from the journey before I was fit enough for surgery.  My left patella (knee cap) was totally shattered and was completely removed.  I was frightened that I would never walk properly again.

My right leg had been badly ripped in the accident and gangrene set in so the affected flesh was sloughed away and I was scheduled for a skin graft a week later.  Unfortunately I had brought an unwanted gift home with me - malaria!  I had to wait until that had gone before I was able to have the second session of surgery which involved collecting skin from my thigh and grafting it to my shin to cover the sloughed area.  

Then it was bed rest.  Total bed rest for a further month.  Eventually the plaster casts were removed and I was allowed to go to the hydrotherapy pool.  I was so excited.  A week or so of water supported exercise and other physiotherapy and I was allowed to walk for the first time in two months!  I was so excited.  I was shuffling along supported by two nurses and my Mother arrived to visit me.  She burst into tears at the sight of me.

I stayed in hospital for a while longer, learning to walk with sticks.  I had nearly three months hospitalisation all told.  Then home and working hard to build up my strength.  

For the next thirty five years I was able to walk and run fairly normally.  But as time passed my legs complained and I had to use first walking sticks, then mobility scooter and walker.  My left knee joint has been replaced.  I have an adapted bathroom and ramped access to my home.

However I am profoundly grateful for what I can do, thanks to the skill of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and so many more.

 Elizabeth in Cornwall asked, "With your 'truck', do you find that people are less or more helpful nowadays? And what about accessibility in general?" 

I love my truck!  Most people call them mobility scooters but that sounds so dreary that mine is my trundle truck.

I'm on truck number three.  They last about six years before their reliability becomes doubtful.  I replace the batteries after about three years.  My "Rascal" was paid for largely by a grant from a charity for decrepit Anglican clergy and I was very grateful as scooters are nearly £2000 each time I need one.  I have a car with a ramp so together the TT and I can go places.  

It's a freedom which I really value.  Maybe you can walk anywhere you want.  Maybe you don't have to plan your activities as a disabled person living in an able-bodied world.  I don't want much help and I value my independence and TT means I can do so much more.

I'd like to be able to do even more.  I'd like to travel by rail but Network Rail allows only very small scooters.  They are more accommodating for wheelchairs.  Most public transport is the same which means that only accompanied people can use it and I usually travel alone.  

I use a Blue Badge, not because I need to park very close to stores etc, but because I need to open my car dor fully.  Occasionally I hear people sounding off about this privilege but I have been known to tell someone, "Yes I agree it's very unfair.  I would give you my disabiity if I could but I can't so I am very sorry."

For the most part people are very good about offering assistance.  In shops they will offer to get things from high shelves.  Friends and strangers alike will carry hot drinks or trays for me in cafes.  Doors will be opened so I can ride through. 

My biggest problem can be fending off inappropriate help.  People grab hold of me without asking what sort of help I need.  I find that annoying and, to be honest, disrespectful.  We don't grab people without their permission except in an emergency and I resent being treated as an inevitable emergency.  If you grab my right arm when I am walking you run the risk of both of us tripping as you will be depriving me of the ability to control my stick and it will become a trip hazard.  If you ask me if I need help I will explain what I need or I will thank you for the offer if I decline it.  "No thank you" is a reasonable response so please don't assume you know my needs better than I do.  

Front drive -complete with Portaloo!

I think I have had the best builders in the world working on the alterations.  They have been so kind and courteous, anxious to make the whole process as easy for me as possible.  I haven't been able to use the drive for several weeks but each time I have parked my car on the street they have been there to carry stuff into the house for me.  It has been difficult for me to get to the wheely bins but they have taken rubbish out for me.  They have appreciated the copious supplies of tea and coffee (and have even remarked on the fact that I always use proper coffee amd posh mugs!) but they have well deserved every mug. 

Back gardeb skate board run!

And my neighbours have been great too.  The drive and front path haven't been available to me so my neighbour asked the builders to take a panel out of her fence so I could step through and use her drive.  Whenever I have apologised to any neighbour for the noise, dust and inconvenience they have all said they are delighted that things are being made easier for me.

And now I need to butter up Jack.  There will be a lot to do and I will have a large deficit of Brownie points as I won't be able to cook lunch for him today (I've been invited out so he will moan) but no doubt he too will avail himself of the unlimited tea.

And he too will do his bit to make my garden wonderful.  After he's cleaned the windows so I can see it!

 I haven't gone down the plughole but I have had major alterations to the house including converting the bathroom into a wet room. I wrote a little about this in February.

There have also been major alterations outside to improve accessibility for me.  

Just two photos for the moment.  One of the view from my front door on Monday and the same view yesterday.  

The back door and garden access has also been altered but I'm not showing you that as I am teasing Jack who hasn't seen it any of it yet.

I've always been a busy sort of gal.  My jobs have always been in public service and I have done quite a bit of voluntary work.  I can remember wishing I had been more ready to say "No" when asked to help out!  

Then came retirement and, even more devastating, a walking stick, rollator and trundle truck (mobility scooter).  Suddenly I was in a new group, "The Disabled".  Suddenly I was viewed as always needing help and having no ability to offer help.  

A section of Brownie blanket

So it's win:win:win  Annie's children can wear their badges with pride, Annie can put her feet up and I feel useful and grateful to have been able to help.

The only problem is that the Scout leader sent a message asking if I would like to be badge sewer for the whole Group.

That would be being rather too useful, I feel.