This week I’ve chosen transport as my word of the week for several reasons.
On Monday we went to Hatton Adventure World, we’ve been there many times before and I usually drive there. It takes about half an hour to get there by car (unless you miss the turn off on the motorway and end up in Oxford instead, but that’s another story!)
As I’m not currently driving we had to take an alternative route. Bus, train and taxi.
The first journey I planned had to be abandoned because Hatton Station has no wheelchair access, so we had to go to the next station and then get a taxi back. The whole journey took 2 1/2 hours. A little longer than the usual 1/2 hour don’t you think. We’ve decided that as much as we like Hatton we are not travelling there like this again.
Then on Thursday I had a hospital appointment for physio and we decided to take the kids to stay with their nanny. To get to nanny’s house we had to travel on three buses. The first two were fine but while waiting for the third bus we had to watch three go past because they did not have room for my wheelchair. It was getting late so when we finally got on bus number four, which went directly past nanny’s house and the hospital, I came up with a plan. We called nanny to meet us at the bus stop and then my other half saw the kids off the bus and we stayed on to go straight to the hospital. We just didn’t have the time to wait for another bus.
So our transport options this week have not been good and it does get depressing sometimes. It makes you not want to leave the house because everywhere we go takes much longer. And if I’m really honest, it’s not fun being in a wheelchair on the bus. Why do I have to face the whole of the bus while they face me. It would be so much more comfortable if I could sit sideways in my chair. Most people don’t look at me, but those that do look at me with pity. I don’t want to be pitied.
Today is a new day though, and although we have to face more bus journeys it may end very nice. We are going to view some cars and I’m going to try out some hand controls. I have no idea how it’s going to go yet but I do feel optimistic and excited. My other half is worried that I’ll find I can’t drive with hand controls and I’ll be even more disappointed, but I have to try. If all turns out well we can put in an order for a new car with hand controls. Now that is exciting!
My other half is currently learning to drive and hopes to have his licence this year. If that goes well he can drive my car too because hand controls can be turned off and the car driven normally. The only drawback is that the car needs to be automatic which won’t be good for my other half having just passed his test, so I’m saving up so that we can buy a second cheap car for him to run around in…and keep practicing those gear and clutch controls.
Wish me luck!
It does sound exhausting, especially as you're so used to driving and are used to getting places so much faster. You're right, you do have to try the hand controls – hope you get on with them and all goes well x Thanks for sharing with #WotW
Neither my fella and I drive so we rely on public transport. Everything seems to take 3 times as long than traveling by car adding a wheelchair to the mix and it must be so frustrating.
I really hope it's good news about a car with hand controls. You're right. You have to try. Good luck x
It is exhausting, and at a time when I suffer from fatigue a lot, I'm so hoping this will change. I will get my car in September 🙂
I didn't have a car for years and it didn't bother me so much, I think it's the wheelchair that makes it worse, plus the fact that my daughter can't walk very far without pain.
I wish everything will be okay! Hope your husband will learn soon! Having to ride your own car is just so liberating in so many ways =( #wotw
It is, especially when it takes so long to do something as a simple hospital appointment. Thanks x
It sounds so frustrating for you but good on you for doing it anyway despite the frustrations it would be too easy to not try and just stay at home like you said, I hope you find a car that suits and that you can put trips on public transport behind you. #WotW
That sounds frustrating but loving your perseverance and cunning plans. Looking forward to seeing the new car #wotw
Really it sounds frustrating. But i hope you husband will lear soon andeverything will be ok.