Monday, July 04, 2011

4th of July care-cation

In memory we windsurf before Multiple Sclerosis; now I netsurf accuweather, waiting for temperatures to drop to a more MS friendly range.

Non-ambulatory Patti is dependent on others for not only needs but sometimes ‘motivation’. Just getting out of bed to deal with MS symptoms is more of a challenge than any waves or wind of yore.

Saturday (July 2nd) evening I picked Patti up from her care facility for an outing to City Island in the Susquehanna River.

With its abundant accessible parking and whether planning to enjoy the island itself or roll and/or walk across the pedestrian bridge to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, IMHO, it belongs in an accessible hall of fame.

The West side of the island felt probably 10 degrees cooler in its deep shade with a gentle breeze off the river – if Hollywood could make a summer evening moment for MS this was it.

Riding the City Island Railroad, listening to the sounds of oldies filling the air from the Metro Bank Ball Park sound system, just watching sunset in the sky and on the river enjoying a summer breeze - it was an evening in Accessabilityville.
Sunday (July 3rd) while steamy was MS proof. A picnic at Patti’s parents’ home offered the best of both worlds - an outdoor cookout consumed indoors in air conditioning.  

Monday (July 4th) we got an early morning jump on summer heat heading out early to “Anything Floats” in Boiling Springs. Expecting parking to be a challenge because it’s a small town I was stunned when the first officer we encountered got on his radio and talking to other officers found and directed us to a wheelchair van accessible parking place right next to the lake.

Arriving before the crowds the sidewalks and lakeside was easily accessible and the float crews were unbelievably welcoming and happy to move whatever needed to be moved or pulled closer so Patti could easily see all the wild and crazy floats.
It was beyond refreshing to enjoy a weekend in time where “… certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness …” applied to everyone regardless of ability.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer 
web site: caregivinglyyours.com  

2 comments:

  1. did my heart good to read how the people were willing at the Anything Floats festivities to accommodate so readily parking, etc so Patti and you could enjoy what looked like a fun event!! glad too the rest of the weekend was one for the memory books with other such special times together!! Beats sitting home babysitting a dog afraid of fireworks :)

    I'm sure it was an enjoyable time for you both!!! Now on to the rest of the summer and Labor Day which will be here in the blink of an eye!

    betty

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  2. AKA Peace Be With You Judy but this was the only way I could comment on your blog.

    I am so gratified that you found the support and access you needed to create an enjoyable excursion. May that always be the case.

    ReplyDelete

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