Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Accessibility

  • Home Again: Finding My Way Back to Church! Alleluia!

    I am a self proclaimed “Cradle Catholic”, meaning I was raised in the faith and through discovery and reflection continue to practice the faith. I have had my share of “battles” with the Church, but I always find my way home. I love the traditions, sights, smells, and sounds. I love that no matter where you are, the Mass is familiar. All of this to say, after over three or four years, I found my way back to a physical Church for Mass this morning.

    Through the gift of volunteers, I have been able to receive Communion each week and join in prayers, but the actual physical act of attending Mass in a Catholic Church was not possible due to many different reasons including my health and its stability, as well as transportation needs. Again, with the help of volunteers, I found two women ready to help me with the transportation issue and I am so grateful for that.

    I was able to join in the recitation of the Rosary prior to Mass and it was the first time that I said the Rosary in a group setting since studying the Rosary using Ascension’s Rosary in a Year program. My level of understanding and devotion was much deeper than before the study. I spent this time focused on Our Lady and the gifts she has bestowed on me in the last few years.

    Then came the actual Mass, while not my favorite “flavor” of the Mass, it was amazing to be in a church with statues and art work to focus my attention on while participating in the familarness of the Mass. I was impressed by how much rote memory took over and I participated fully in the prayers. Of course the highest point was being able to receive Jesus with praise and thanksgiving.

    On a side note, I have to comment on the accessibility of the Church. Handicap entrances without any ramps or similar plus a purposeful planned handicap seating area made the experience pleasant and welcoming for sure. I hope that as my health improves, I will be able to stand more, but for the first time back, I didn’t want to cause any problems. Our churches have come a long way in the area of accessibility.

    Returning “home” is a big step in my quest for my “new normal.” I was missing visiting Jesus in His house. I didn’t realize how much I missed the rest of what comes with attending Mass in a church. The sights, smells, and bells, as it is said are comforting and give me fond memories of everywhere I have worshiped over my life. As for now, I have found my new home and can happily say I was pleasantly welcomed there!

    A large stained glass window at the front of St. Andrew's Church

  • When an Uber Ride is More Than Just Transportation!

    Sometimes an Uber ride is more than transportation. Yesterday, I ordered an Uber to go get my Actemra infusion at the rheumatologist’s office, which is only a few miles away. I waited with my rollator and did what I always do when the driver says hello- “Are you able to help me with my rollator?” I asked. She quickly pointed to her handicap parking hangtag and said, “Sure, we handicappers need to stick together!” I knew this was going to be a good ride.

    I got in and quickly exchanged niceties which quickly turned into a full blown conversation about being disabled. We didn’t share diagnosis’s or specifics but both felt like members of a secret club that only those on the inside could understand. We talked about family support, strangers asking questions they had no business asking, and the loneliness of being disabled.

    We shared heartbreaking times that we missed out, or worse, pushed ourselves so hard we ended up in bed for three days afterwards. I think it was the first time I talked with someone who understood my life in person and not online. It was so refreshing.

    She shared and showed me that she, like me, had a fistula and sometimes people think her fistula is a scar from drug use. I told her I never had that problem, but stored that piece of information in my head for later. I offered some advice about mobility devices, especially about my Zeen.

    Unfortunately, the ride was quick and we were saying our goodbyes before we knew it. I thanked her for the conversation and told her it was a breath of fresh air! She seemed to totally agree!

    I no longer drive and depend completely on others to get around, except where my wheelchair brings me. I use buses, Uber, and private transportation companies. I find most of my interactions with drivers to be positive or at least neutral. This trip was positively amazing! You never know who you will meet! I hope I offered as much to this driver as she offered to me!

  • Wet Noses In My Apartment: A Visit From PAALS- We are Getting Closer!

    Today was a BIG day! I moved forward two steps in my process to attain/befriend a service dog through PAALS. I continue to be SO impressed with PAALS and all they seek to accomplish. I waited a long time for this day to come and I am so excited to share my wonderful experience. My day didn’t start out that great, as I really struggled this morning to get going. My body is dragging and I know that is because of my recent GI issues but boy, did it take a lot to get going.

    Once I got myself ready, dressed, and took another nap, I headed over to the Food Lion grocery store that I usually shop at and met up with 2 great ladies from PAALS and a beautiful, kind, and sweet dog named Monahota. She was AMAZING! We traveled around the store where she (and I) were able to learn about using my power wheelchair, hands free leash, and giving cues. She was a quick learner and made me look good despite fumbling with the right words, or forgetting to pass her treats on the side and not in front of me. She seemed proud of her abilities and confident, which I loved! It’s important to note that Monahota was brought today for her skills, and while she could potentially be my eventual dog, a process exists to select the best dog for my needs.

    I shared some of my concerns/ troubles at the grocery store (mainly the stupid refrigerator doors that make my trips extra hard) and we brainstormed some ideas to make have a dog support my goals. Monahota was also eager to show me how she likes to pick up objects and be helpful. From the grocery store we walked back to my community and even crossed the major street, she continued to shine!

    Once we were all back in the community, we walked past the dining room full of residents who were eager to see Monahota and she was very aware that everyone was “checking her out!” We then went to my apartment where she was amazingly well behaved and stay in a “down” position for the most part of the visit. My little apartment fared well, but I need to find some space for a large crate. Good thing I have help coming!

    Pictures were taken of my apartment to help with training and to give the committee a better idea of where a dog would be living. The entire time we were moving about the apartment, dear Monahota, stayed in her down position and didn’t make a peep. That is going to take some time to get used to.

    After some time, the delegation from PAALS left and began their travels back to Columbia! The next steps include the committee meeting, fundraising, speed dating to find the best pairing, and then some intensive training. Patience is going to continue to be the name of the game as this process is going to continue to take time. I recently made a bracelet that simply reads, “God’s Timing” and that is exactly what it is all about!

    I am confident that things will work out as they are supposed to and when they are supposed to, but in the meantime, please feel free to say a few prayers that I can keep the faith in this time of waiting. I also know that Monahota is going to live an amazing life transforming a person’s whole being!

    Stay tuned for the next chapter!