Like trying to predict the rain

Yesterday I received a phone call telling me my mom had a stroke.  My first inclination, of course, was to run over to the hospital to see her and then I realized, as I've had to realize many times over the past year, that it wasn't an option.  My power chair doesn't fit into anything but accessible vehicles, and there's no bus that goes over there.  I have no available accessible transportation.

My sister went over after getting the message (she had been out all morning) and then called me to say that there is some paralysis, but that my mom was eating. I asked questions, trying to figure out what was going on and when I hung up the phone, I was filled with a feeling I've had often over the past year or so this has been going on: frustration. Sheer frustration that I can not get at what I need to do when I need to do it.

I've learned that trying to imagine what one will need with quadriplegia isn't easy. It's like trying to predict the rain in a way.   And then affording it is yet another issue.

There are many others like myself who live day to day with these restrictions.  How many people would want to visit their mom in the hospital after she had a stroke? Heck, wouldn't everybody? 

I did a poll that included mobility and transportation issues for people with disabilities. It was far less popular than the peeps and bunny poll that Meredith is doing now. But basically it shows these are concerns for many in our community. Just getting around, things that we take for granted, are an issue. Although not as popular as peeps and bunnies.

It could happen to any one of us, is the thing.  

My mom told me that it's okay, she understands I can't get there. I'm trying to decipher from her slurred words exactly what's going on.  I'll know more after the doctor does a consult.

It's like trying to predict the rain.

Peeps - or Bunnies?

A poll over at More Meredith Gould asks: Peeps - or Bunnies? Cast your vote! The bunnies are way ahead at this point and once they start multiplying- wellll - hurry!

Poll Results

The final results of the poll are in. The most important issues readers would like the next President to address, taking into account the results of the online survey form and email responses are, from most important down:

1. increased employment for people with disabilities

2. access to health care

3. mobility equipment issues

4. more accessible housing

5. transportation

6. education issues

7. voting accessibility

Thanks for your responses. The total number of votes was 44.