rolling up my sleeves

It's my third week on the job, and I'm finally past the training and reading stage, and getting into the real work. I spent my first day at a rehab centre that I once was a patient at... 35 years ago! Things certainly have changed there, but I have to admit that my first hour there felt emotional in a strange way. I could feel memories of my experiences and the people I was there with, coming back in waves. It's going to be an interesting experience, one that that I'm looking forward to.

sorry

Its been weeks since I added anything to this blog. I told myself it's because I couldn't think of anything worth sharing. Truth be told, I've been going through so many changes and challenges I was scared I would be using the blog as my 'therapist' and just complain about how hard everything has been. That might have some benefit to me, maybe to you, but it just didn't feel right so I haven't blogged.

I've been preparing for one of the biggest changes I've had in years, starting a new job. I mentioned it here previously, and I'm finally starting work tomorrow. On top of that, I've been organizing my switch from a manual chair to power chair, from driving a sports coupe to a minivan, handling another broken leg, but mostly dealing with all the government red tape involved in these and other issues. It's been difficult, and has taken at times every ounce of drive I could muster.

I can see now that I'm at the point where I'll begin to see some of the benefits of everything I've been working on. It's like that sometimes. You have to get though a lot of crap to begin to see the light. It's been a lot of crap all at once for me, but now I hope to have some fun.

next stage

I'm very excited that I'm about to start a new job as an Integration Counselor. I'll be working with an organization that for years has been devoted to promoting a better life for the disabled, particularly those with spinal injuries. My role will be mainly to offer assistance and guidance to the newly disabled as they get their life back on track after the changes they've faced from becoming disabled. I'm very excited about having been given this opportunity!

ongoing lessons

I recently spent a day playing tourist in my home town. It was a great experience, but I was aware of many sets of eyes on me, looking at me with a 'not sure what to make of him' look. Even in this day and age, there are always some who still stare, but it's something I hadn't noticed happening as much as when I was first disabled 35 years ago. I'm not sure if it was because they were tourists from places where they were not used to seeing someone disabled, but there were definitely more stares than usual.

It seems there will always be someone to teach...

go for it

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. (unknown)

movement

I'm used to having to fight for things, and now find myself in a situation where what I'm trying to get might not be too much to expect (nice change). This week I was able to take a step back and let people who have things to offer explain how they can help, and see that I may not have to push as hard this time to get what I need. They were patient in explaining what they could contribute, listened to my concerns, and while not promising anything, I was left feeling with a sense of hope.

I'm entering into this with cautious optimism, and a sense of being supported. This is how it should be.

changes

Life is full of changes, some are big, most are small. Well I'm making a big one. For the last 35 years I've managed with a manual wheelchair, and the last 25 years driving a car. That meant getting in and out of the car in whatever weather there was. It's been getting harder, and my joints and muscles are showing signs of wear.

So I made the decision, it's time for a power chair, and (gulp), a mini-van. Over the past few days, I've been working on seeing the positive sides of this decision. I'm going to be much more mobile outside, and maybe I'll get out more since getting into my vehicle will be simpler and quicker. As for the switch from my BMW coupe to a mini-van, that was harder. I did it by finding a fun little truck that could be converted instead of a mini-van. It's smaller, cuter and cheaper. The only problem is that I found out they aren't available in Canada. Then I found out that government subsidies take up to 6 months to be processed. So my idea of an easier winter seems to be unattainable. Seems to be... so now it's time to figure out how to make this big change happen in a more timely fashion. Stay tuned...