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Another First for me - Yahooooooooo


dstraugh

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I had another first today!!!! I was told that I best blog about it, so here goes - another entry in the same week.

 

I left home and went to the local convenience store with my power chair!! First run on my own since I got it.

 

When I first got the chair and relocated it to the basement (that's where ramps are to get out as I can't utilize the front of the house easily) I experienced difficulty getting it up the ramps and into the house as my ramps were not "professionally" installed. I was advised by family that I'd not be able to get out and back in on my own. That one and only time, Kristi had to lean into the back of it to give me the added umph to get the chair up the ramps.

 

Today, I was home alone as Kristi was working. I was going stir crazy being cooped up and not totally independent. As our back yard was finally mowed (after all the rain we've had it had been a jungle and I would definitely not have been able to negotiate the yard) I figured, it was sunny but chilly - good time to venture out. I even put on a bit of makeup too LOL.

 

Initially I was going to go out with my hemi-walker but thought to self, "Donna, why not try the power chair and see if you can do it"

 

Not only did I get the chair out the door but locked up the house after and went on my merry way. I did need some assistance from a neighbor (kid that Kristi knows from school) to help me adjust the seat belt so I didn't slide off the chair going downhill. One handed I could not get the darn thing adjusted. He helped willingly (nice kid :) ) and off I went down through the yard to the alley way that runs behind our house to the main street and the sidewalks.

 

Now, that main street in a hill and I had to go down it. Going downhill the first time was mighty scary as I was fearful the darn chair would take off on me. When I came to a stop, with the steepness, I could feel the back of the chair lifting up on me a little. As I was unsure how far it would go (it does have the added stopper in the front though - honest so not to tip over forward) I put my good foot on the ground to be an added brake LOL.

 

After I got off the hill, it was clear sailing for the remainder of my journey. Coming back was even easier. I know as I get more used to it, I'll be a pro in no time.

 

My first independent cruise and power chair 101 was exhilarating to say the least. Kristi was on break from work and called me on my cell while I was out and to say the least was surprised and happy for me. She wants me to meet her after work, when she gets off the bus from work and we'll come home together. Yep gonna go - 2nd outing and a bit farther of a cruise :happydance: . The chair is on charge right now to ensure I don't run out of "juice".

A song comes to mind..."On the road again....."

 

Later gators!!

16 Comments


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Donna, you are on the adventure of a lifetime. This is only the beginning of your new independence. Enjoy your second outing later today. Isn't it amazing what getting out and being in sunshine can do for one's soul? Not only that, but your independence.

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donna,

too totally cool! cruisin is the song that came to my mind. watch out pittsburgh....donna has got wheels! yeah for you girlfriend! kathy

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hey Donna

 

that's so great, you finally took the plunge now I am sure you will be cruising to lot of places, 2nd outing in one day you are on roll. I am sure soo you will be walking cats every day too.

 

so happy for you.

 

Asha

 

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"Totally cool" to echo Kahy. We live in a large coastal area full of retired people so scooters are used everywhere. You just get used to dodging them in the shopping centres and waiting on them to cross on the pedestrian crossings. It is just good to see so many folk who might have been housebound now able to get out and about.

 

Keep the road rules though, we don't want to see your name in the newspaper headlines!

 

Sue.

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Donna: I will have to sign you up for the Stroke Power Chair Olympics... you would win for sure especially with that special added feature just for "show" the foot down feature... you cease to amaze me girlfriend.... Good for you. I am so happy and proud of you.

There's nothing to it BUT to do it and you did it twice ..... way to go.

Maybe Willie will use you in his next video. "On the road again ... in my power chair, can't wait to get on the road again." No holding you back now. WORLD, LOOK OUT, DONNA IS OUT AND ABOUT.

 

Love n Hugs,

Jan

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Donna:

 

I share in Jan's sentiments. . .LOOK OUT WORLD, THE DONNA'S ON THE LOOSE, AND THIS TIME,

SHE'S ON A MISSION!!! LOL.

 

Very, very cool Donna. I am both happy for you, and proud of you. . .way to go!

 

 

Brian

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Oh Donna I dont know how you made it without a power chair. I have had one since the beginning. My son got it for me knowing Id need it and I have even negotiated Las Vegas The world is your Oyster and your Power Chair is your Pearl now Love Karen

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Good for you Donna, you'll be a pro chair operator with one more trip out the house. I been riding for five years now and don't see any change coming soon except I am able to walk without my quad cane these days.

 

I hope you really get to enjoy using your chair, after all that's what you got it for...to ride and see plus get out the house! I'm happy for you dear lady rider.

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Thank you all for your support and well wishes. BTW - 3rd trip out today to the beauty salon as my Bro couldn't ride me too and from as originally planned. He was going to send one of his workers, then I suggested going in my chair. I assured him I'd be careful on that hill down to the main street and off I went.

 

Only glitch was sidewalk repair where I had to turn around and proceed on the opposite side of the street. Wasn't far to the next block to cross thankfully.

 

The chair is charged and ready to go for next venture :happydance:

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:D Donna,

 

Its great that you actually got out with your power chair!! totally cool.. You'll be amazed at what you can do now. I'm very proud of you and all that you accomplished (sp) Where will you go next??? :D

 

Bruce

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The latest trip was last Friday (prior to Memorial Day) of going on a round trip to the library (4 miles total) plus cruisin inside the library. No problems encountered out of the ordinary. Weather since has deterred me as forecast has been rain and the forecasters were right so good thing I paid attention.

 

When I spoke to my brother the other night, he let me know that he's heard reports of Donna sitings in the area :)

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Donna,

 

How nice for you to get out in the world again. I pray you put many miles on your ride, and have fun along the way.

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Donna sightings :lol: That is great!! That took a lot of courage to make that first trip. Now it sounds like there is no stopping you. :scooter:

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