I didn't know quite where to post this, so figured a blog would work.

You all know I purchased a scooter for Bruce last November to help him with his Car Shows. This is one of the few things he continues to show interest in and I can not push him in the WC over grass. I searched and test drove until I found the right scooter for him. It was a suggestion from a caregiver here that I try out the Elite Go-Go. We test drove it at the Scooter Store here in CT and then purchased it. Obviously over the winter, it was not used and then the Car Show 6 weeks ago when it quit in the middle of the road. You have all read that saga.

Well we went off today. This is the Car Show that Bruce found in the paper. Now I packed the four pieces of the Scooter and brought his WC just in case. We were lucky in that we were in a parking lot that had been recently paved and small slopes. The scooter worked fine. I was amazed at the control Bruce had with it. Funny, he was conscious of the cars but not the people. Well, he did not hit anyone-lol and is trying so hard to balance the location and what is in his path. That is when it dawned on me how far he has come and how far he still has to go. After a bit, I backed off knowing he was safe and in control of the scooter. So I sat with a cold water in shade and just watched him. Area was small enough I could see him wherever he went.

What I saw and did not realize was his interaction with people. Now Bruce and I are pretty much attached by the fact that he needs-by his choice, mind you-someone with him to push the WC. We are pretty much attached at the hip, as most of us are. I did not realize how much of the conversation I took over, in the face of his aphasia. His Speech Therapist asked a long time ago how much time he interacted on his own with strangers. Well he was never with strangers on his own. I was always there.

You should have seen him today. Off to the Bake Sale Booth-talking to all the women, charming them as he does. Talking to the Car Owners. He is more than well aware of his aphasia, had no trouble today. It was amazing. Smiling, happy. Came over to get some money, but mostly while he always knew where I was, took matters onto himself.

This is not something I even thought of. But of course it makes sense. He was so his own person. Wants to know I am there-his safety net, but so confident in himself and his abilities. I blog this only as a discovery of my own. So many of us only have ourselves to depend on. We are the primary caregivers, they depend on us for everything, have little confidence in their recovery and abilities. We will do this again and hopefully often. The scooter gives him the independence and I am confident in his control, so can just lay back and let him find his way. Good day. Weather was perfect-no sun, warm. Best to all, Debbie