Rolling in someone else's shoes

It's too true that we take so much for granted.

After over 4 weeks with out being able to walk I'm getting a small glimpse of what life is like for so many. I find myself looking for the paraplegic signs to know where I can find a ramp to access the sidewalk and steering clear of the places I know I can't squeeze my wheel chair in between the isles. I have probably said "excuse me" more in the last month than I have all year, not that I don't mind my manners but I usually just move myself around the oblivious person in front of me which is not so easy these days. I find myself asking for help from strangers to hold open doors and I'm pleasantly surprised when they do it with out me having to ask... and seriously annoyed when they don't. I have rearranged the floor plan of several shop displays in order to get to the item I'm shopping for, sorry folks, but mama's gotta shop.





It's a new perspective. One I am beyond grateful is only temporary for me.
I have a new found respect for those that have to spend their lives always looking up to people, depending on the kindness of strangers to get out the door, having kids constantly stare (which doesn't bother me much but only because I have a young one that is just as curious,) and miss out on antique stores because they are just way too cramped. I never noticed before that on the short walk to the park in our neighborhood there are no ramps on and off the sidewalks. So I had to wheel in the street and pray the cars saw me.

The plus outside of the fact I should be walking again in 2 weeks is I may end up with some serious forearm muscles when it is all over.