Day 124 - 76° - Sunny - Lerew Road
Today I spent time with a friend of mine who was recovering from foot surgery. She has been in a cast for several weeks and has been getting around with a walker and a wheelchair. Minka is a very busy and independent individual, but during this time she had to depend on people and limit many activities. It hasn't been easy, but she has a great support system with her family and friends.
I picked up Minka (wheelchair, walker and all ) for lunch and to see the progress on our kitchen. Minka was the one who had recommended our contractor, so I wanted her to see the transformation. She was delighted. We ate in the sunny eating area, while looking out over the fields through the spacious bay window.
Afterwards, I took her in the wheelchair for a walk along Lerew Road. It was a lovely walk and I found out that the road is flat, so it was an easy walk as well.
Coincidentally, my niece who has a master’s in Occupational Therapy posted an article on Facebook about “Wheelchair for a Day” campaign running throughout the month of May. It challenges healthy individuals to spend a day in a wheelchair and learn to appreciate the day to day difficulties it presents.
When I spent the time with Minka, it gave me time to observe the challenges of a person in a wheelchair as well as the people who are the caretakers. It changes the daily operations for everyone involved. It takes patience because it takes extra time to do everything.
Fortunately, Minka will be up and about in a few more weeks, but there are many individuals who will not. Our friends, Lance and Doris, who I talk of often, have a son in a wheelchair. These individuals and families need our support and encouragement.
Along the same lines, on May 10th the “Warrior Ride” comes to Carlisle . This program uses adaptive hand cycles, trikes, and bicycles to accommodate returning soldiers with various injuries and disabilities. The public is invited to come out and show support for our military heroes who have made this sacrifice for us. For more information check out: http://www.lovecarlisle.com/
As Minka pointed out, it is difficult for the person in the wheelchair to ask for help because he/she wants to feel independent and not be a burden. So if they don’t ask, it doesn’t mean that they can't use some help. It takes some time on our part to be observant and reach out without being asked.
I must say, there is always something that goes on at the Red Cardinal B&B to get me thinking.
We have a lovely room on the first floor for guests who have difficulty with stairs. So if you are in the area, we would love to have you as our guests.
No comments:
Post a Comment