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On my mom’s 60th birthday, we sat in her garden, enjoying the day. She said, “Quick! Take a picture of me! This is what 60 looks like!” It’s one of my favorite pictures of her still.
I think she didn’t mind aging because she loved learning. She continued “becoming,” and I loved watching the scene unfold. In a way, my mom was a late bloomer. She didn’t really start thinking about favorite colors, decor, entertaining, or clothing until she was an adult. I remember when she landed on primary colors as her palette of choice and boom! Her garden became all of the colors all at once.
As she matured, she embraced broaches, wraps, and shoes to identify her clothing style. Even in her wheelchair, she wanted to feel pretty, and not look like she’d given up on life—-on joy.
—Tricia
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This past month I moved from a walker to a scooter. This next month I will move from a scooter to a wheelchair. To set this process in motion, I was “fitted” for the power wheelchair this week. What comes to my mind when I think about being “fitted” is the woman who says to her husband, “Do I look fat in this?”
This morning I went shopping, and I chuckled to myself: what does a woman on the move wear when wheeling around in a wheelchair? I thought some fashion rules should be followed, but I was in a quandary about what the fashion police would say. I have learned that long skirts can get caught on wheels. Even on my scooter, this has been a problem to the point I needed help freeing my tangled skirt. To be comfortable, since a person in a wheelchair usually isn’t jumping up and down, loose-fitting, non-binding, free-flowing garments work best, as long as they don’t get in the way of the wheels. However, this could lead to a philosophical problem if you are of the “dress for success” or “dress for the job you want” mindset. The pursuit of loose-fitting, non-binding, free-flowing fashions tends to lead a person to the aisle in Target with polyester tracksuits or all cotton sweats in many subdued colors. Which isn’t such a bad thing. I am just not there yet and hopefully won’t be for a long while.
I am tempted to stay inside and spend my days in the familiar comfort wear of pajamas and ancient sweats. However, for my emotional wellness, I am still shopping in my favorite stores. I am not ready to give up the bling, and I am looking for a little more clothing comfort. Also, since I tend to get a little colder because of sitting and not running or walking, layers are the best bet.
I haven’t figured out if my outfits have to match the Chair or if the Chair is considered neutral, and I can wear whatever color I choose. I think I will go for lots of color and lots of bling. It makes life a little more fun.
The “Chair” will be here in a couple of weeks. I’ll post pictures.
–Susan
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