I recently read an article at Key ministries by Sandra Peoples Here. In it the author relayed her thoughts about feeling embarrassed over not meeting the expectations of others. This is especially true when she navigates the holidays with her child with autism. It was just what I needed. For me, it's not just the holidays! I get embarrassed all year long when we arrive on "wheelchair time". When you have two extra bodies to dress, including orthotics and invisaligns, fix the hair (forget the make-up...unless we are running on time, then we can add that and get back to being late), help with eating, bundle up, load the van via the lift...twice, and hook the tie downs you have what we call wheelchair time. See what I did there? I felt like I had to explain and justify why we run late. Then I feel embarrassed as I hear myself explaining how it happened. One time I arrived just BEFORE a graduation ceremony was about to begin. That means everyone was dressed fancy-ish, fed, unloaded and in their places. I felt a tap on my shoulder with a whispered "glad you could join us" and Continue Reading
Archives for December 2018
When you think accessible Colorado think YMCA of the Rockies!
That's NOT what I expected to say about our travel to Colorado. Or sleeping in a YMCA! This past summer we decided to use our $2000 in flight vouchers to head to Colorado for the first time. The rocky mountains are not the first place you think of for an accessible vacation, but we sure love to see the National Parks. (plus, we gotta use our free national park passes, am I right??) Our first leg of the trip was to fly into Denver, grab the rental car, eat dinner downtown, and drive to the YMCA of the Rockies. We planned to spend a long weekend before heading on to other parts of the state. I had no idea then that I would long to spend an entire vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies! In fact, I was really hesitant to stay at a YMCA at all. The first time I googled hotels, B&Bs and cabin rentals I was confused by the YMCA listing showing up. I don't know about you, but the Y is where I picture sweaty bodies working out at budget prices. (And then I picture ridiculous wedding reception dancing...you do, too, yes?!) The last thing I want to do is sleep there. However, time and Continue Reading
