I have a few minutes to spare between my TV shows.I catch myself sitting here smiling. You should see me. I walk to the mirror to check things out and yep, there it is! A grin from ear to ear!
My life is drastically different, but I’m trying to dig deep and make it work. Some days suck. Some days are at best tolerable. Then, some are good. I think today, I’m excited about the new mountain-bike wheels I ordered for my wheelchair. Funny huh? Wait. I also got a $70 gel cushion for the seat too! I need both to tackle the rugged roads of Magazine Street so we can “shop, wine, dine and relax in the heart of New Orleans”. Then, navigating through the French Quarters is strenuous for any driver and tricky for my bottom. I’m pimping my ride!
As I think back over the years, I’ve come such a mighty long way. I can vividly remember Maryland 2009. Tommy and I leaving the apartment to purchase my very first wheelchair. The chair that I didn’t think I needed. Tommy literally carrying me up/down 3 flights of stairs wasn’t proof enough! It would be my first overt consequence of MS.
Minutes away, we drive to the D.C. medical supply store; Tommy piggybacked me to the entrance. If you haven’t seen me for a while, picture a grown woman being toted down a busy street in our nation’s capital. This was humbling to say the least. I hated that. Grateful, but I hated it. My denial is going to throw my husband’s back out.
We got to the street in D.C. Parked. Paid the meter. Tom carried me half a block and we entered the store. I got down embarrassed and disheveled while Tom was tired and sweaty. I hesitantly browsed several options. It was getting late. We didn’t have much time or energy to bargain shop. So the salesmen and I begin to discuss ordering the chair I really had my eyes on. Perfect.
The shop owner and I turned to face an aggravated Tommy. He calmly gritted his teeth, patted his forehead and nearly grunted, “No, we are getting something T-O-D-A-Y.”
Well, back to the moment at hand, hopefully my wheels will be
here tomorrow.
I just have a question for you. I am a 64 year old widow and I just bought a 2005 gray Buick Custom Le Saber and all the car’s I see around here just look to much like mine and I am asking you for some help in finding some accessories for the out side of my car to make it look alittle different from all the rest.
Blessings>>> Ms. Amelia Ayala
Amelia, I’m ouside on my balcony laughing. I probably look crazy. Oh well!
Nicole
Sorry took so long to comment. Had the technical issues – my new internet, phone, and television cable needs pimping LOL! Not to mention the installers cut the power line downstairs 🙁
Cool looking tires – I mean anything that looks mountain bike-ish had gotta be good. Did you get them yet?
So Tommy is a keeper!
Jan
Jan,
No worries! I’ll even pimp it for ya!
Yeah, they came in and work great.
Tommy…he’s alright.
Nicole;)
We are gonna all have pimped rides! One of these days you and Sherri are gonna have to come to CA – if I ever get to visit my friends in Miss. again LOL I will have to look you all up.
I will look for the defender of handicapped stalls with gnarly tires on her ride 🙂
That would be “PIMP”. LOL
Nicole
I love reading your posts!
Thanks Thomas!
Nicole
Very cool wheels! Happy riding to you. BTW, I adore New Orleans…
Ann,
Thanks I just found out my wheels have arrived!
I read you came here in your book. I know you did your own tour of the 9th ward. I wonder if you passed by my family’s house. 🙂
Nicole
That Tommy guy sounds like a great person.
This is my hubby folks!
Nicole
I didn’t know you could put wheels like that on a chair! That should make for a better ride on the bumps.
Karen,
I hope so!
Nicole
You have described a moment which I have so far not experienced but which I know is well within the realm of possibility for me. The story has its poignant moments. The image of Tommy carrying you on his back is priceless and touching. Heroism personified. I hope your new wheelchair turns out to be everything you hope for it to be.
Judy, Yes, I can only imagine your poem for this one. At the end of the day I have my soul mate!
Nicole
Yes, God knew exactly who to have at your side to spend your life with!!! Tommy is WONDERFUL to you!!!
Leigha,
He really is.
Nicole