Over the last 14 years my multiple sclerosis has changed course from relapsing/remitting to secondary progressive. This makes it hard to say how it has changed day to day, but I can look back over the last year and see how things have progressed. Last year I was able to walk the half a mile to the grocery store and home again with forty pounds of groceries on my back. Now I cannot imagine walking all the way down the block.
This does not bother me as much as some might think. I just see it as the way things are. I accepted long ago that this was my lot and that’s just how it is.
This leads me to why the scooter I recently received is such an unexpectedly awesome gift. While I had accepted that I was less moblie, I had no clue just how much it had negatively impacted my little family. It turns out that if Mama’s not walking, nobody’s walking. My children have missed out on those exciting walks to the store filled with adventure. We had stopped going ANYWHERE at all, in fact. When we did go out, I would put an end to all the fun about thirty minutes in because I needed to sit.
Since receiving this scooter, our lives have changed dramatically for the better. We now take nightly strolls as a family again. I can make it to the store and back with no problem and I even have a cute basket to put my groceries in. Eric and I used to love to go window shopping and this activity has been returned. I would wager that I have put at least 5 miles on this thing in the first week alone. The kids are so happy to be back to walking and getting to enjoy the dedicated alone time with Eric and I.
An unexpected side effect of having the scooter is that I have more energy at home than before. Would you believe that I cleaned out my closet AND my refrigerator in the SAME day? I feel as though I have been given a whole new way to function and there are no words I can find to express my undying gratitude.
Last Friday Sarah called and asked me if the kids and I would like to join her for play group at the park. She calls me almost every Friday and invites me and my knee jerk reaction almost every Friday is “No”. This time my answer was, “No… wait…would you mind if I took my scooter?” This particular play group boasts a few members who own their own photography business. One thing led to another and I can now offer, for your entertainment and especially that of my scooter gifter, some pictures of me enjoying the day.
All pictures are courtesy of Nicole at with Cutie Pie Photography.
The mink was a Christmas gift from my dear mother-in-law. I feel like the scooter neutralizes the mink and lessens the odds that I’ll be doused in paint by a Peta member. Who’s going to dump paint on a lady on a scooter? That’s just poor taste.
To whomever it was that listened to the Spirit telling them to send a scooter my way: Thank you from me, my family, and all my friends who enjoy my company. May God bless you richly as He has me.
Deb says:
I send my blessings to the donor also – we are all blessed in being a witness to this story. I expect you might get a “Scooter Sponsor Contract” if you send these picture to the manufacturer. Seriously – I’d forward them right away.
Now scoot -
February 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Andrea says:
Yay!! That is so awesome! I am so happy that you are able to get around more and even have more energy to go with your inspiring attitude. You rock that scooter, girl!!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Lori says:
Yes, who indeed would dump fake blood on a woman with a mink on a scooter? Excellent thought. Must think of more of these neutralizers. Love the pics! Love your new life!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Kathryn Estrada says:
God Bless the “giver” of your scooter, Amy. God bless you and your family.
And, YOU are the perfect ‘Cutie-Pie’!!! I’m telling you the truth. (!!!!!)
Kathy
‘
February 6th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Anonymous says:
Amy,
I am so glad you are enjoying the scooter and that it is fitting your needs. LOVE the pictures by the way. You really should get an advertising campaign out of this!
February 6th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Theresa says:
You look great!!! I love the Mink and the Scooter. It is wonderful to see you smiling and having fun!!
Enjoy my friend!!
Thank you Anonymous for this wonderful gift!! You are a blessing!!
February 6th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Darla says:
I am so happy for you, Amy, in the freedom that this scooter has given you! Your pictures are so fun and cute, too!
Enjoy your wonderful gift!
February 9th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Deleise says:
Everything about this just makes me so happy.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Sonia DeFoor says:
Amy,
I have been reading your blogs and first off just want to say THANK YOU for being so candid and transparent. You have a gift and it is clear to see that God is using you in ways that you may not even be aware of. You have certainly touched my heart, just reading your words! I am so happy for your new scooter and how it has impacted you and your family’s lives so far. Thank you so much for sharing!
February 11th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Laura H... says:
Amy, you are just toooo cute!
Laura H…
February 18th, 2009 at 5:28 pm