The first 20 years of my life were pretty unstable (in terms of gaining the balance required to walk unaided), due to my cerebral palsy. I would brace myself against the walls of a hallway, grab wheelchairs or grocery carts to push as an aid for walking or shuffle myself to the next chair – all to satisfy my physical therapists who wanted me to learn how to walk independently (without a walker or crutches).
As a sophomore in college, I finally ignored the professionals and bought myself a pair of aluminum Canadian-style crutches, which had just hit the market in 1962.
That first pair of aluminum crutches got me through college. I then wore out six pairs of the same type of crutch during the next 29 years while working in corporate communications.
In 1985, I bought my first mobility scooter, which I used for navigating long distances.
In 2005, I switched my aluminum crutches to lighter, titanium, cut-to-fit crutches
By 2012, my walking pattern changed, and I preferred my walker over my crutches but still relied on my mobility scooter for long hauls.
For the last 60 years, advancing technology for mobility has been my friend – and has sapped my fear of falling.
Due to a recent, and I hope transitory, problem with my legs, I seldom go out without my shiny gold aluminum cane. To think of it more as an enhancement, I’m going to consider it a faithful buddy who’s always got my back. Named it (him) Charlie.
The first 20 years of my life were pretty unstable (in terms of gaining the balance required to walk unaided), due to my cerebral palsy. I would brace myself against the walls of a hallway, grab wheelchairs or grocery carts to push as an aid for walking or shuffle myself to the next chair – all to satisfy my physical therapists who wanted me to learn how to walk independently (without a walker or crutches).
As a sophomore in college, I finally ignored the professionals and bought myself a pair of aluminum Canadian-style crutches, which had just hit the market in 1962.
That first pair of aluminum crutches got me through college. I then wore out six pairs of the same type of crutch during the next 29 years while working in corporate communications.
In 1985, I bought my first mobility scooter, which I used for navigating long distances.
In 2005, I switched my aluminum crutches to lighter, titanium, cut-to-fit crutches
By 2012, my walking pattern changed, and I preferred my walker over my crutches but still relied on my mobility scooter for long hauls.
For the last 60 years, advancing technology for mobility has been my friend – and has sapped my fear of falling.
* When has a new-found peace entered your life?
Due to a recent, and I hope transitory, problem with my legs, I seldom go out without my shiny gold aluminum cane. To think of it more as an enhancement, I’m going to consider it a faithful buddy who’s always got my back. Named it (him) Charlie.
Thanks, Joe. Yes, the "Charlie's" can be rather stylish.