As I trundled down the road earlier on my mobility scooter to pick up my grandson from playschool I began to contemplate how my perspective on the world has changed over the past months.
My growth spurt started when I was 12 and my mum often joked that I slept in a bag of compost. By the time I was 15 I was already over 6ft tall. Genetically I get it from my granddad, mum is quite tiny - I could easily rest my elbow on her head! Having a generous height has always served me well, I have lost count of the occasions I was asked to change a lightbulb or to help a little old lady reach something from the top shelves in the supermarket. It can also feel good towering over crowds at a concert for example and no matter how much weight I put on it's spread along my height so it doesn't show quite so much.
As mentioned previously I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) - which came on around 20 years ago. During the past few years I have increasingly struggled to walk through pain, fatigue and general clumsiness. My legs feel like I have lead weights permanently around my ankles and I walk with a stick as I struggle with my balance. I have allowed it to dictate my life, often refusing to go out as a 20 minute walk - or I should say shuffle - would feel like I had run a marathon and I would be bed bound for the next few days. This isn't good when you have a young family: I have a son aged 10 and a 5 year old daughter who quite rightly want to spent some quality time with their dad.
A few months ago my partner @msgrey suggested we take the children to our local zoo. My heart sank as the zoo surrounds a castle and castles are generally built at the top of a hill. Kim saw my face and before I could complain she suggested we hire one of their mobility scooters. I was hesitant at first - I am 47 and thought it would be embarrassing not only to myself but my children too. Then I thought of the kids and agreed, they both love animals and it would be great to share their joy at visiting the zoo.
It turned out to be the best afternoon I had had for a while, my daughter and grandson loved being able to sit between my legs on the scooter as the paths are quite steep for their little legs. I kept an eye out for any funny looks or sideways glances from strangers, I am quite self conscious. None came, in fact people were incredibly accommodating, often making way for me to drive past them. It was this day that convinced me I had to get my own set of wheels. We scrimped and saved, managing to eventually scrape £200 together. My mother graciously loaned me the remaining £300 and a few months ago I became the proud owner of my very own scooter.
My head height is now at that of a young child as I drive around and I see the world through a completely new perspective. It's me asking perfect strangers to pass me things from the top shelf of the supermarket. It's me people look down on as I drive on by. People don't stare or give me funny looks and doors are held open for me as I scoot around town. It gives me a new found freedom to enjoy my life and the time I spend with my family and for that I am eternally grateful.
Dad is no longer a hermit.
