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Throughout their marriage, I think my dad’s favorite thing was taking my mom around town. He loved to drive her to all her parties and outings. The purchase of the van extended their ability to be social (a true gift for them).
I’ll be honest, though. It was a teeth-chatterer. I’m sure the van did not have shocks. Oftentimes (especially when my mom lost mobility in her hands), getting in and out of the van caused significant anxiety as she maneuvered the ins and outs with her chair’s electronic control panel.
Getting out and seeing people was worth every broken tooth, headache, or potential chair tipping. Also, she loved the color red. It didn’t mean STOP to her. It meant PARTY.
–Tricia
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On a journey, it is nice to have wheels, and new wheels are what I have. For many reasons, these wheels would not have been my first choice but I am thankful I have a choice. Not everybody does. My favorite car to own would be a British Racing Green older model Jaguar with a tan leather interior. My favorite car to drive would be my silver grey Ford Explorer that we bought new in November 2010 and had to sell in December 2012. Selling the car was a mixed blessing. Even though we were reluctant sellers we were glad we could replace it with an Inferno Red Town and Country disability van♿.
Having the van makes it easier for both of us. Carting around walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs can get quite cumbersome, for Cliff, but not for me. It is quite fun. All you do is push a couple of buttons, the side door slides open, and the ramp slides out. On the ramp, using my scooter, I can go slow or fast, but I discovered slower down and faster up the ramp is best. I have almost perfected a 360-degree turn on my scooter in the back of the van.
The front passenger seat moves forward and backward, but best of all, it turns around, which enables me to easily transition from the front passenger seat to my scooter in the back. When the time comes, the front passenger seat can be removed, and I will be able to park a power wheelchair right there in the front so I can continue to be a driving consultant. At first, I thought Cliff would just buckle me in a wheelchair in the back of the van, but then he realized I would truly be a backseat driver. Hmmm, a driving consultant or a backseat driver…? I am glad he likes me with him in the front. Don’t you, Cliff?
–Susan
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