I feel like praising God.

Two Wheel Chairs

Today is a beautiful day to reminisce. The sun is shining brightly through the kitchen window on Easter Sunday afternoon. My mind remembered the time of two wheelchairs in our home. We did not always have two wheelchairs. Everyone walked, and there were regular chairs for everyone plus guests.

My mother was starting to lose her balance as she would walk from her bedroom to the kitchen to make her food.

I noticed her trying to hide it from me as she would walk around the yard. She complained for years about her backache. Of course, she was ignored and given NSAIDs to deal with the discomfort. She repeatedly stated that it was due to the birth of her ten children. I thought it was due to hard labor on the farm. It wasn't until she relocated to New York to live with my late husband and me that I started to notice. She was in pain daily and was beginning to suffer from Degenerative Disc Disease. Mom began to sense her independence leaving slowly. I noticed when we shopped with the grocery cart; walking was more comfortable for her. I made an appointment with the primary care physician and explained to her my observations. She examined her again and agreed that more exams were needed. The physician prescribed a three-pronged walking cane. Mom reluctantly agreed to use the walking cane. I encouraged her to think about safety first. As time passed, the Wheelchair became the best assistive device to use for Mom.

Another Wheelchair

In 2008 after a business trip to Oklahoma, we knew things were getting worst with my late husband Ben and his Kidney Failure condition in conjunction with Peripheral Artery Disease. This condition prohibits vascular circulation. We first used the walker until it was no longer sustainable. Until we could get two wheelchairs, it was a sharing of the one. Mom would remain in her recliner chair while Ben would use the Wheelchair, and I'm praying, Lord gives me strength.

I decided not to wait on Medicare and Medicaid any longer for Wheelchair approval for Ben. I searched the local community for used manual Wheelchairs and found what we needed. 

The Household Chairs must go.

Once you have two adults in Wheelchairs in the same house, there are necessary changes to be made. Lifespan made adjustments to walls with handgrips, etc. 

They were removing chairs and furniture so the Wheelchairs can have free access to the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It started a new way of life. We managed to live as healthy as we possibly could with the latest set of circumstances. Many years have passed since 2011, moved to an apartment in a different neighborhood. My mentality is moving forward at a slower pace. I have only purchased the necessary living items.

I am looking forward to the future and all that is in store. 

Written by Queen C. Pinkston

4/20/20

I feel like praising God.