Getting around can be a hassle!

So when was the last time you had a craving for ice cream and jumped in your car and went to the store to grab a half gallon? Or even better drive through Arctic Circle and grab a cone or shake or something? It is great to be able to just go where you want when your available to do so isn't it? Do we really appreciate the independence that driving affords us? Or are some people able to ride their bike around town or walk? It is great exercise to be able to do those things. I am happy that people are able to live their lives independently. Well, individuals who don't have vision or are unable to drive don't have that luxury. Don't get me wrong, I do nto begrudge those who can, I think it is great. We manage pretty well actually. We live close to a store and we walk there normally, once in a while someon ein the church will run me over to do some shopping. We live close to an Arctic Circle so we can simply walk there, even in blizzards (yes, we have done this), and we are close to the bus and take it many places. The problem arises when you are on a time crunch or the bus does not go where you need to go or it is a new place so you are not familiar enough with the surroundings to navigate safely.
Let's give a better example than ice cream. Though not sure what is better than ice cream, but we'll try. haha.
Christmas shopping. SO I arranged to take the local paratransit to the local outdoor mall Jordan's Landing here in West Jordan, Utah. It dropped me off at Wal-mart and one of my sons went with me and we walked around the giant outdoor mall. i Ttakes up about a mile in length and about as much in width. It is an open air mall. So, we did our thing and we had to watch the time to make sure to make it all teh way back to walmart for my half hour window of time when the bus was supposed to pick me and my son up. It worked out, though it was very cold and having to walk up and down the mall outside is hand numbing in winter. But what other choice did I have? I wanted to be able to buy presents for the son I was with but, yeah he was with me. So I had to arrange to come back with someone else, who decided it was their job to tell me that I was spending to much money. Now this person is not my spuse, or parent, just a lady who was wililng to take me to get what I wanted at the store. Let me tell you, noone likes to be told by people who have nothing to do with your finances that you are spending to much, or that you shouldn't buy this or that. It is very aggrivating. Although I don't ever say anything due to their generosity in taking me where I need to go. I was grateful and got my Christmas shopping done, yeah!
OK doctors visits. OH boy, don't we all love to go to the doctors? I don't mind so much, except the extreme effort it takes to get there. There has been many times when my children or I or all have been so sick that it is all I can do to call the doc and make an appointment much less call an entire list of people just to fine one person willing to drive us there, and pick us up. Before I go further I will say that some people are very willing to help, the problem arises when people are not available. This is noone's fault and I am nevery mad at the people if they have other plans. That is just the nature of life. We have had to cancel or postpone mroe than one appointment for lack of transportation.
Or, when I call somone after calling a list of people, no exageration on list either 8 or 9 people is not uncommon, and the person say's to me."Have you tried anyone else?" "if you can't find someone let me know and I'll take you" Are you serious? I tell them I have tried many people and they ask for names. It is probably just a pet peeve I have but I do not appreciate when someone says that to me. hah, there are wonderful caring giving people in the world that are willing to give of their time to help us out.
It is amazing that people are willing to put themselves out there for anyone much less drive them places, but there are people like that. It truly has helped us many, many times. We try our best to be as independant as possible, it just is difficult when you can not see what you are doing and have to do what is needed for your family without some kind of help.
I love my children and my home, and I love to be able to just go out and do things with them or by myself. This however is a huge challenge in our lives and I accept it and normally stay pretty positive abou tit, I never get upset at people for saying they can't help us. (ok except when they ask that horrid question haha) I give gas money as I can and/or we exchange services so that they are not out too much. I do love when I can take a cab (when I have the money) to the movie theatre, watch a movie with the kids have ice cream and Stone Cold Ice cream and take a cab home. It feels great, noone snooping in my business, and noone who has to hurrry so they can get home to their own families. I can take however much time I need to ro can. That is the beauty of indpendent living. I appreciate all those who heve helped us and I pray that the Lord will bless them for ther kindness.
I would love to drive some day, but it won't happen unless the Lord helas my eyes. It is His will that guides me.
My youngest son, Charles is turning 15 this spring and I am not sure about his ability to drive. HE has high functioning autism, but his eyes are fine. We shall see! We also will see about finding someone who will teach him to drive. Interesting dilema. :) Oh well, it will come soon enough. Life is good and thanks for reading!