Disability and new perspectives. Ive beenparticipating in a stroke study at USC, riding the Metrolink train to LA union station, then the metro to USC. Its fun actually. And I probably wouldve never done it if this had not happened to me. Would Ive done this if I were able to drive? No. My assumption was that our public transportation is very poor compared to the Bay Area, NY, Taiwan, and obviously Europe. I did not know about it and because of my current state, Ive had to experience the world in different ways. Its hard to force yourself to see and do things different ways, but this has been one of the secret blessings of my experience: stepping out of my routine out of necessity. Reimagine, repurpose, exploring the possibilities. And on the train, you sit, relax. Think, and in my case, write insignificant thoughts on my current experience. Another discovery for me is the beauty of social programs. OCTA access is a subsidized transportation program for the disabled and elderly.in this case, taxpayers money goes to a great public service. Very helpful and affordable for those with low incomes and limited mobility. I am humbled to be one of the special people riding the short special bus that as a kid and teenager we made jokes about at each other. Life is strange isnt it?! The moment I step on or off the bus, Im immediately self conscious of what people think of me, but yet at the same time so grateful I was able to have a wonderful conversation with the bus driver and have the ability to exit the bus unaided without the need of a ramp or helping hand down, in contrast to those who are confined to a wheel chair and/or communication is reduced to grunts. The brain is fragile. Life is fragile.so you ask, my progress? Updates? Im able to catch a bus to the train station, get off the bus and catch the metro to USC. Tiring? Yes. Very! Theres been some scary moments of nearly falling. A couple anxiety/ panic attacks, and nearly missed trains and buses because my walking is still too slow, but Im confident I can make many more trips safely, so I think that is a vast improvement from first being discharged from the hospital. No cane, no wheelchair, and being able to get out of the house on my own. Some of the biggest obstacles we face are psychological. In my case, and most, they are connected,Public places and anywhere outside of the house that was out of my control was scary territory, and best of all, giving stephanie breathing room and not making her my security blanket/chauffeur/ nurse-wife/ caretaker...etc, etc is a huge step forward to regaining functional independence. So thank you my friends and family that have offered to help with rides many times, but I like my special bus and train very much;) I hope yall feel sufficiently updated. Ill try harder to keep up. Typing one handed gets pretty annoying. Lefty needs to get with the program!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 23:35:00 +0000