When I had to stop working some years ago, I accepted this huge change quite easily and surprisingly filled the days, keeping myself occupied, and as far as my health was concerned, it was definitely the right decision. However, having to give up driving recently is completely different and far harder to come to terms with. The feeling of isolation and no longer being independent is immense. The ramifications of not being able to drive go far deeper and are more upsetting than I would ever have imagined. I joke at having our daughter as my own private chauffeur, and put on a brave face, but underneath my smile I am truly devastated. I have to think carefully about what groceries we need, and write a detailed list in advance, and buying presents for people is now a difficult task. Should I happen to forget something, I can’t simply pop out and get it. I would love to go and leisurely window shop and simply look around a shopping mall, to refresh my eyes. But hardly anyone has the time or the patience to take me. I'm sure that this is a common problem that disabled people have to deal with, but to tell you the truth; I'm having a hard time with this one.
Elaine is one of the pluckiest people I have met. She puts her friends at ease when she so much as senses that they aren't sure what they should or should not say. I have never heard a complaint from her even though she has much more than most of us to complain about. I am honored to be her friend and have the greatest deal of admiration for her, her husband, Brian, as well as their lovely daughter. I find that I am learning a lot of things from Elaine – and due to my advanced age, I thought I had learned quite a lot to date. I look forward to reading her blogs for a long time to come.
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