Independence Day

Since my MS diagnosis which thrust me back into the world of depending on others, I have experienced several Independence Days. About 15 of those days were holidays celebrating the country's autonomy. But I can think of at least 2 more.

As control of my legs began to wither, I had hand controls put in my car. I could still drive -- a requirement for getting around in Texas. Maybe that was not really so much an Independence Day as a Continuing Independence Day. I could still get myself to work, to the grocery store, to the doctor's, to see friends and family. It was a good feeling.

Then there was another day, again because of my wilting leg strength. The day I acquired my Amigo scooter was a Renewing Independence Day.

I thought I wasn't ready for a wheelchair. I had been using a cane for balance and stability for about three years, and had recently graduated to a four-legged cane and then a walker. I could still walk (okay, with assistive devices, but I could still walk) so I didn't need a stupid wheelchair. One day I was making my way to the parking lot, slowly, ever so slowly, but I was making progress. My legs were tired, my arms were tired, but I kept going. A young woman stopped me, said she thought she could help me, and gave me her business card for Amigo Mobility. I made it to the car. I did NOT need a wheelchair.

Then one day I was in Wal-Mart, struggling with the walker, and I actually thought I was not going to make it out of the store. So when I finally did make it home, I called Amigo. When I took my first scooter walk (or roll), I felt the wind in my hair. I did not struggle, I was not exhausted, I was moving and actually getting somewhere.

Why hadn't I done this earlier? I had re-gained my freedom of movement. Independence Day.