Re: Finally used the motorized cart

[Guest guest]

Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful milestone this is. The last time I

spoke of how empowering I found the motorized cart some people here poo

poo-ed it as a sign of how much their lives would have deteriorated if they had

to

resort to that while I saw it as a wonderful gift to me to be able to shop

without pain. I can't change the fact that I have this disease so instead of

griping about having to use special things, I look at each one of them as a

present to help me live the life I have been given to its fullest. Yes, the

first ride is the hardest and the ride you're on is the best. I'm so happy

for you.

Wishing you wellness,

Kathy F.

In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Pfried520@... writes:

Hi all,

I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the basket

and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps keep

me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower me

with more freedom.

The first ride is the hardest.

Thanks for the support

Pat

[Guest guest]

Way to go Pat! I think they are just super too. My first experience was a

little different than yours...lol. No one handed me flowers when the ride

was over, they were counting the minutes until I left the store...lol.

Either way, I'm pretty good at it now, though I still scare my husband and

refuses to walk in front of me. It is so much easier.

I just tried today to go to s of all places and tried to walk. I

had to leave everything with my daughter and limp outside to a bench.

Unfortunately it was in the sun and I was burning up by the time she finally

got checked out. I had several people come up and ask me if I were alright.

That sort of made me feel like I looked even worse than I felt. It was

nice, but there wasn't anything they could do. From now on I use a cart

where ever I can, and take my wheelchair everywhere else. It's just not

worth the pain and I know I'm really going to pay for it tomorrow.

Congratulations for getting up the nerve! Love, Fran

[ ] Finally used the motorized cart

Hi all,

I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the basket

and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps keep

me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower me

with more freedom.

The first ride is the hardest.

Thanks for the support

Pat

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Pfried520@... writes:

The first ride is the hardest.

Thanks for the support

Pat

Good for you, Pat. I also took my first ride a few about two weeks ago in

Walmart. It felt weird but at the same time it was nice to sit down and not

shop in pain.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Kathy, I agree with you 100%. I know that some people think it's a sign of

weakness and they would rather limp through the store in pain, or not go at

all. I used to be like that, but once I got the hang of riding it, I love

it now. It's the easiest way to travel and you actually can enjoy shopping

again for the first time without pain. Not to mention how much fun it is to

make people jump out of your way when you can't slow down...lol...just

kidding on that one of course. I'm much better now though. It's like

anything else, unless you try it, you have no idea what you are missing.

Love, Fran

Re: [ ] Finally used the motorized cart

Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful milestone this is. The last time

I

spoke of how empowering I found the motorized cart some people here poo

poo-ed it as a sign of how much their lives would have deteriorated if

they had to

resort to that while I saw it as a wonderful gift to me to be able to

shop

without pain. I can't change the fact that I have this disease so

instead of

griping about having to use special things, I look at each one of them as

a

present to help me live the life I have been given to its fullest. Yes,

the

first ride is the hardest and the ride you're on is the best. I'm so

happy

for you.

Wishing you wellness,

Kathy F.

In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Pfried520@... writes:

Hi all,

I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the basket

and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps keep

me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower me

with more freedom.

The first ride is the hardest.

Thanks for the support

Pat

[Guest guest]

Congratulations, Pat! It does get easier. I usually take my own power chair

now, but when I had the manual chair I would use the store motorized carts

and save on my arms and shoulders. People looked at me like I was just taking a

joy ride. I guess it was because I was " too young " to be using a cart. I

looked healthy. It made me not want to go out except very late at night when

there were very few people around. I was really stigmatized for some time.

Finally I realized that if I was to get anywhere and lead a somewhat " normal "

lifestyle and would have to give and buck up. I did and now, after about 12

years I don't even give it a second thought.

Good job and keep up taking care of you!

Lynda (from Ohio)

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

Thanks for your post about the carts that I've been fearful of using

for the same reasons you mentioned. By the time we've walked over

Wally-World, I'm hurting too much to go anywhere else to shop or have

to sit in the truck while hubby finishes the errands.

WordWeb defines courage: A quality of spirit that enables you to face

danger of pain without showing fear

My definition: Doing a chore in spite of my fear

Both seem to describe you to a " T " . Bravo!!

patty in the pre-dawn of the Pineywoods of East Texas

[Guest guest]

Thanks kathy,

I was really proud of myself for taking that step. It was this group

that gave me the courage to do it. trying to walk the whole store was

discouraging but riding was definitely empowering.

This is such a great group

Pat

>

>

> Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful milestone this is. The

last time I

> spoke of how empowering I found the motorized cart some people

here poo

> poo-ed it as a sign of how much their lives would have deteriorated

if they had to

> resort to that while I saw it as a wonderful gift to me to be able

to shop

> without pain. I can't change the fact that I have this disease so

instead of

> griping about having to use special things, I look at each one of

them as a

> present to help me live the life I have been given to its

fullest. Yes, the

> first ride is the hardest and the ride you're on is the best. I'm

so happy

> for you.

>

> Wishing you wellness,

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> Pfried520@a... writes:

>

> Hi all,

>

> I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

> was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the

basket

> and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

> Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

> made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

> and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

> When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

> she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

> brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

> frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps

keep

> me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower

me

> with more freedom.

>

> The first ride is the hardest.

>

> Thanks for the support

>

> Pat

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy F.,

What a positive outlook you have!

We need more people in this world like you.

I personally don't find any glory in suffering through all that pain

when no one benefits. Sounds more like vanity. And vanity has

definitely taken a backseat in my life in favor of comfort. High-

heeled shoes went out the door in favor of low-heeled, lace-up shoes

a long time ago. Now I'm ready for those carts that make shopping so

much easier.

Wally-World values its customers enough to make them comfortable. Why

should we shun their offer in favor of vanity that's so painfilled?

May you be able to maintain your positive outlook in spite of the nay-

sayers!

patty in the pre-dawn Pineywoods of East Texas where the moon early

last evening was a beautiful golden globe.

> Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful milestone this is. The

last time I

> spoke of how empowering I found the motorized cart some people

here poo

> poo-ed it as a sign of how much their lives would have deteriorated

if they had to

> resort to that while I saw it as a wonderful gift to me to be able

to shop

> without pain. I can't change the fact that I have this disease so

instead of

> griping about having to use special things, I look at each one of

them as a

> present to help me live the life I have been given to its

fullest. Yes, the

> first ride is the hardest and the ride you're on is the best. I'm

so happy

> for you.

>

> Wishing you wellness,

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> Pfried520@a... writes:

>

> Hi all,

>

> I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

> was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the

basket

> and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

> Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

> made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

> and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

> When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

> she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

> brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

> frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps

keep

> me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower

me

> with more freedom.

>

> The first ride is the hardest.

>

> Thanks for the support

>

> Pat

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/29/2004 6:08:44 AM Eastern Standard Time,

fran@... writes:

It was

nice, but there wasn't anything they could do. From now on I use a cart

where ever I can, and take my wheelchair everywhere else. It's just not

worth the pain and I know I'm really going to pay for it tomorrow.

Hi Fran,

Have you or anyone else here on the board looked into getting one of the

Rascal or Jazzy scooters to have for you own. Will your insurance cover it. I

am serious thinking of looking into this. I need it for shopping, for

traveling, or just about any type of walking that is not from the house to the

car.

I do have some good days when I can walk a little but then there are the

terrible days as well when I would love to have my own.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Patty. My vanity went out the window years ago. I don't get upset

when people don't understand this disease because I don't expect them to

understand. I don't get upset if people aren't helping me because it is my

problem, not theirs. I have been given the gift of a disease so that it helps

me understand others. I am different so that I can relate to others who are

different...and we are ALL different. I don't define myself by the way others

think of me so I do not feel that I have disappointed them. I have altered my

expectations of others. I realized long ago that I cannot control much of what

happens to me but I am in total control of how I deal with it. Every day I

give thanks for five things in my life. I own the disease. It is mine. It

doesn't own me. It doesn't own my soul. It doesn't define me. Other people

don't define me. I do.

Wishing you more beautiful moons and sunsets in Pineywoods.

Kathy F.

In a message dated 11/29/2004 6:17:50 AM Eastern Standard Time,

pattybacon@... writes:

Kathy F.,

What a positive outlook you have!

We need more people in this world like you.

I personally don't find any glory in suffering through all that pain

when no one benefits. Sounds more like vanity. And vanity has

definitely taken a backseat in my life in favor of comfort. High-

heeled shoes went out the door in favor of low-heeled, lace-up shoes

a long time ago. Now I'm ready for those carts that make shopping so

much easier.

Wally-World values its customers enough to make them comfortable. Why

should we shun their offer in favor of vanity that's so painfilled?

May you be able to maintain your positive outlook in spite of the nay-

sayers!

patty in the pre-dawn Pineywoods of East Texas where the moon early

last evening was a beautiful golden globe.

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

what a heartwarming and lovely story... i've always said there are

many more nice and thoughtful people in the world than the media

makes out there are... the thought of someone understand your

feelings and your pain, and doing something so special is like

getting a hug, or wrapping yourself in a cuddly fleece blanket in

front of a fire on a frosty day... how lovely.

when i was in G.F. Strong rehab hospital last year we had to go long

distances to get to and from physio, occupational therapy,

hydrotherapy, and the like. all of us in the arthritis department

were given motorized wheel chairs. at first i felt funny using it -

after all i could walk, albeit slowly - the tin-man variety - but

after awhile some of us would put the chair on high speed and have

contests going up and down the halls. because my hands were so bad,

and the lever to turn the wheel chair was so small, they fitted it

with a green tennis ball which made it much easier on my hand and

wrist. every week a lovely lady would come to visit the patients

with her dog. the first time i saw this dog, well she saw my tennis

ball, and you guessed it - she thought it was something to play with

and actually tried to get my ball - lol.... after that i always had

to put my hand over it to hide it if the dog was around... if i

needed to go out of the hospital and across the street and down the

lane to the strip mall i would go in my motorized wheel chair - it

was fun and i soon got over the feeling that everyone was looking at

me, and pitying me. i'm telling this story because there is always

a silver lining in every black cloud, and quite often something

quite comical, or touching will come out of it.

i'm so thankful using the cart made shopping asier for you pat. and

then to get roses from a kind soul, it is such a lovely and

hearwarming story - it just doesn't get much better than that.

thanks for making my day.

xx karen

>

>

> Hi all,

>

> I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart. It

> was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the

basket

> and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one display.

> Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

> made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

> and then the other side of the store to get a couple of groceries.

> When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses, and

> she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. " It

> brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

> frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps

keep

> me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower

me

> with more freedom.

>

> The first ride is the hardest.

>

> Thanks for the support

>

> Pat

[Guest guest]

kathy - how wonderfully put - you are a wise woman! thank you,

karen

>

>

> Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful milestone this is. The

last time I

> spoke of how empowering I found the motorized cart some people

here poo

> poo-ed it as a sign of how much their lives would have

deteriorated if they had to

> resort to that while I saw it as a wonderful gift to me to be

able to shop

> without pain. I can't change the fact that I have this disease

so instead of

> griping about having to use special things, I look at each one of

them as a

> present to help me live the life I have been given to its

fullest. Yes, the

> first ride is the hardest and the ride you're on is the best.

I'm so happy

> for you.

>

> Wishing you wellness,

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/28/2004 6:43:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> Pfried520@a... writes:

>

> Hi all,

>

> I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart.

It

> was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the

basket

> and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one

display.

> Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

> made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat food

> and then the other side of the store to get a couple of

groceries.

> When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses,

and

> she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. "

It

> brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

> frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps

keep

> me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower

me

> with more freedom.

>

> The first ride is the hardest.

>

> Thanks for the support

>

> Pat

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Fran honey,

please send me abit of your pain, ok? it's not fair what you are

going through.

gentle hugs, dear friend,

love, karen

>

> Way to go Pat! I think they are just super too. My first

experience was a

> little different than yours...lol. No one handed me flowers when

the ride

> was over, they were counting the minutes until I left the

store...lol.

> Either way, I'm pretty good at it now, though I still scare my

husband and

> refuses to walk in front of me. It is so much easier.

>

> I just tried today to go to s of all places and tried to

walk. I

> had to leave everything with my daughter and limp outside to a

bench.

> Unfortunately it was in the sun and I was burning up by the time

she finally

> got checked out. I had several people come up and ask me if I

were alright.

> That sort of made me feel like I looked even worse than I felt.

It was

> nice, but there wasn't anything they could do. From now on I use

a cart

> where ever I can, and take my wheelchair everywhere else. It's

just not

> worth the pain and I know I'm really going to pay for it tomorrow.

>

> Congratulations for getting up the nerve! Love, Fran

> [ ] Finally used the motorized cart

>

>

>

>

> Hi all,

>

> I finally got the courage to use the motorized cart in Walmart.

It

> was early enough so it wasn't crowded. I stuck my cane in the

basket

> and off I went. I didn't hit one person or knock over one

display.

> Came close a couple of times though. Anyway, what a difference it

> made. I was able to go to one end of the store and get my cat

food

> and then the other side of the store to get a couple of

groceries.

> When I finally returned it to the lady she gave me some roses,

and

> she said " This is for your courage to make your life easier. "

It

> brought tears to my eyes because my fear of using one and my

> frustration about having to use one must of showed. But it helps

keep

> me mobile, it saved me a lot of pain and ultimately will empower

me

> with more freedom.

>

> The first ride is the hardest.

>

> Thanks for the support

>

> Pat

[Guest guest]

Dear Janet, I really have never looked into the Jazzy scooters. Mainly

because you have to be able to transport them to where you want to go. We

live a long way from the mall, and there are a lot of crazy citizens here in

Florida, but I'm not about to drive a Jazzy down the middle of the road.

LOL. I know if I buy one I have to get a new car or van and I hate the

thought of having to transport it. I can get by around the house because I

can sit down when ever I need too. I doubt very much my insurance company

would pay for it, since they are using enough red tape to cover Washington

DC 10 times, to just keep from paying for my wheelchair. Right now I really

am not strong enough to travel, but I hope the day comes when I do feel good

enough. When that happens maybe it will be worth it to me. I think they

run anywhere from $2000 to $4500 depending on the model. Let me know if you

get one. I'd love to hear if you think it's worth it and if you use it as

much as they say you do on the TV ads.

Take care. Love, Fran

.. Re: [ ] Finally used the motorized cart

In a message dated 11/29/2004 6:08:44 AM Eastern Standard Time,

fran@... writes:

It was

nice, but there wasn't anything they could do. From now on I use a cart

where ever I can, and take my wheelchair everywhere else. It's just not

worth the pain and I know I'm really going to pay for it tomorrow.

Hi Fran,

Have you or anyone else here on the board looked into getting one of the

Rascal or Jazzy scooters to have for you own. Will your insurance cover

it. I

am serious thinking of looking into this. I need it for shopping, for

traveling, or just about any type of walking that is not from the house

to the car.

I do have some good days when I can walk a little but then there are

the

terrible days as well when I would love to have my own.

Janet

[Guest guest]

,

Of course! It's an honor to know that something I've said has helped someone

even in a small way. My " five things " range from the grandiose (the sun) to

the trivial (a comfy pillow, a new toothbrush) and of course include people

(including folks on this list), pets, gadgets, feeling better today than

yesterday, my meds, a bad haircut that's finally growing in - well, you get the

idea

- it includes absolutely anything. There is much to be grateful for.

Blessings,

Kathy F.

In a message dated 11/30/2004 5:50:10 AM Eastern Standard Time,

missionblondie@... writes:

> kathy,

>

> one further thing i thought of after 'posting' my response. would

> you mind if i post your five daily 'thank you's' on my fridge? it

> would serve as a reminder when it is needed on those difficult

> days....

>

> love, karen

>

[Guest guest]

Janet,

We have a beach house on an island where no cars are allowed and while that

is wonderful and rustic, it also makes getting around very difficult since you

have to walk everywhere (bikes are not allowed between Memorial and Labor

Day). So, about 5 years ago when I was in a cast for 9 months and on crutches

for

another 4-5 months, I bought a USED E-Mobility scooter for about $450. It

can be driven on the ferry and can be dissembled and put in our car's trunk if

we want to take it off the island. I recently tried out a few of the newer

ones at a store when I was buying new batteries for my used scooter. They range

from about $1100 on up. I thought the bottom end of the line was pretty

uncomfortable, but for about $1650, you can get one that is very transportable

by

car, easy to assemble, yet still feels pretty solid underneath you. Many

insurance plans will pay all or a portion of the cost. Medicare might cover

some

of it, too. While expensive, if you figure that a person who smokes a pack a

day spends about $2500 a year on blowing smoke, if you can set aside just $4 a

day, in a year you can buy a comfortable scooter.

Kathy F.

[Guest guest]

dear kathy f.,

thank you so much for such an inspiring message. you said:

" Every day I

give thanks for five things in my life. I own the disease. It is

mine. It

doesn't own me. It doesn't own my soul. It doesn't define me. Other

people

don't define me. I do. "

i feel exactly the same way. if i don't own the disease, it will own

me and i refuse to allow that.

with everything there are many silver linings. i believe we are

never dealt more than we can handle. i also believe we are better

people for having suffered because we become much more compassionate

and caring as human beings. so yes, i guess we can say thank you

for this disease that we all have.

god bless kathy,

love, karen

>

>

> Thanks, Patty. My vanity went out the window years ago. I don't

get upset

> when people don't understand this disease because I don't expect

them to

> understand. I don't get upset if people aren't helping me because

it is my

> problem, not theirs. I have been given the gift of a disease so

that it helps me understand others. I am different so that I can

relate to others who are

> different...and we are ALL different. I don't define myself by

the way others

> think of me so I do not feel that I have disappointed them. I

have altered my expectations of others. I realized long ago that I

cannot control much of what happens to me but I am in total control

of how I deal with it. Every day I give thanks for five things in

my life. I own the disease. It is mine. It doesn't own me. It

doesn't own my soul. It doesn't define me. Other people don't

define me. I do.

>

> Wishing you more beautiful moons and sunsets in Pineywoods.

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/29/2004 6:17:50 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> pattybacon@n... writes:

>

> Kathy F.,

>

> What a positive outlook you have!

> We need more people in this world like you.

>

> I personally don't find any glory in suffering through all that

pain

> when no one benefits. Sounds more like vanity. And vanity has

> definitely taken a backseat in my life in favor of comfort. High-

> heeled shoes went out the door in favor of low-heeled, lace-up

shoes

> a long time ago. Now I'm ready for those carts that make shopping

so

> much easier.

>

> Wally-World values its customers enough to make them comfortable.

Why

> should we shun their offer in favor of vanity that's so

painfilled?

>

> May you be able to maintain your positive outlook in spite of the

nay-

> sayers!

>

> patty in the pre-dawn Pineywoods of East Texas where the moon

early

> last evening was a beautiful golden globe.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

kathy,

one further thing i thought of after 'posting' my response. would

you mind if i post your five daily 'thank you's' on my fridge? it

would serve as a reminder when it is needed on those difficult

days....

love, karen

>

>

> Thanks, Patty. My vanity went out the window years ago. I don't

get upset

> when people don't understand this disease because I don't expect

them to

> understand. I don't get upset if people aren't helping me because

it is my

> problem, not theirs. I have been given the gift of a disease so

that it helps me understand others. I am different so that I can

relate to others who are

> different...and we are ALL different. I don't define myself by

the way others

> think of me so I do not feel that I have disappointed them. I

have altered my expectations of others. I realized long ago that I

cannot control much of what happens to me but I am in total control

of how I deal with it. Every day I give thanks for five things in

my life. I own the disease. It is mine. It doesn't own me. It

doesn't own my soul. It doesn't define me. Other people don't

define me. I do.

>

> Wishing you more beautiful moons and sunsets in Pineywoods.

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/29/2004 6:17:50 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> pattybacon@n... writes:

>

> Kathy F.,

>

> What a positive outlook you have!

> We need more people in this world like you.

>

> I personally don't find any glory in suffering through all that

pain

> when no one benefits. Sounds more like vanity. And vanity has

> definitely taken a backseat in my life in favor of comfort. High-

> heeled shoes went out the door in favor of low-heeled, lace-up

shoes

> a long time ago. Now I'm ready for those carts that make shopping

so

> much easier.

>

> Wally-World values its customers enough to make them comfortable.

Why

> should we shun their offer in favor of vanity that's so

painfilled?

>

> May you be able to maintain your positive outlook in spite of the

nay-

> sayers!

>

> patty in the pre-dawn Pineywoods of East Texas where the moon

early

> last evening was a beautiful golden globe.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/30/2004 5:43:24 AM Eastern Standard Time,

fran@... writes:

Dear Janet, I really have never looked into the Jazzy scooters. Mainly

because you have to be able to transport them to where you want to go. We

live a long way from the mall, and there are a lot of crazy citizens here in

Florida, but I'm not about to drive a Jazzy down the middle of the road.

LOL. I know if I buy one I have to get a new car or van and I hate the

thought of having to transport it.

HI Fran,

I was looking online at the portable scooter that folds up right into the

size of a regular car trunk. I don't think my insurance will pay either but

it is nice to dream.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy, I don't smoke, but that idea of $4 a day is a great one. I

also didn't know that some insurance companies will help out on these. I've

just been so frustrated with mine over my wheelchair. I also didn't know

they could be taken apart and put in the trunk. Now you've got me

interested...lol. I'll let you know if I get one. Thanks for setting me

straight. Love, Fran

Re: [ ] Re: Finally used the motorized cart

Janet,

We have a beach house on an island where no cars are allowed and while

that

is wonderful and rustic, it also makes getting around very difficult since

you

have to walk everywhere (bikes are not allowed between Memorial and Labor

Day). So, about 5 years ago when I was in a cast for 9 months and on

crutches for

another 4-5 months, I bought a USED E-Mobility scooter for about $450. It

can be driven on the ferry and can be dissembled and put in our car's

trunk if

we want to take it off the island. I recently tried out a few of the

newer

ones at a store when I was buying new batteries for my used scooter. They

range

from about $1100 on up. I thought the bottom end of the line was pretty

uncomfortable, but for about $1650, you can get one that is very

transportable by

car, easy to assemble, yet still feels pretty solid underneath you. Many

insurance plans will pay all or a portion of the cost. Medicare might

cover some

of it, too. While expensive, if you figure that a person who smokes a

pack a

day spends about $2500 a year on blowing smoke, if you can set aside just

$4 a

day, in a year you can buy a comfortable scooter.

Kathy F.

[Guest guest]

hi kathy,

i think the scariest thing for me is the fear i will lose my

spirit! i too look for those little things - the mist over the lake

at the break of dawn, a hummingbird hovering over one of my flowers,

seeing the baby barn swallows and house sparrows in my nesting boxes

poking their heads out in the spring waiting for mom and dad to feed

them, the canada geese taking off from the lake and forming their

wonderful V... listening to the ducks outside 'laugh'.... the next

time you hear a bunch of them 'talking' listen to the sounds of

laughter they make... it always makes me smile - being alive to

witness all these miracles... and knowing tomorrow is a new day and

hopefully a better one....

by the by, your thanksgiving story was such a warming one - it

brought back memories of my own one christmas morning about 15 years

ago... my oven would not come on and i had to rush the bird over to

my mom's to cook it.... it turned out the blasted control for the

oven regulator had been turned off - rather an embarrassing and

expensive lesson a few days later when the repairman told me what

was wrong! your story was the perfect analogy of how friends stick

together and help each other - and why we have so much to be

thankful for.

thanks for all you do for us kathy.

love, karen xx

>

> ,

> Of course! It's an honor to know that something I've said has

helped someone

> even in a small way. My " five things " range from the grandiose

(the sun) to

> the trivial (a comfy pillow, a new toothbrush) and of course

include people

> (including folks on this list), pets, gadgets, feeling better

today than

> yesterday, my meds, a bad haircut that's finally growing in -

well, you get the idea

> - it includes absolutely anything. There is much to be grateful

for.

>

> Blessings,

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/30/2004 5:50:10 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> missionblondie@y... writes:

>

> > kathy,

> >

> > one further thing i thought of after 'posting' my response.

would

> > you mind if i post your five daily 'thank you's' on my fridge?

it

> > would serve as a reminder when it is needed on those difficult

> > days....

> >

> > love, karen

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Fran,

You know how it goes - the only insurance company that will pay for ANYTHING is

somebody else's, LOL, - however - it is worth pursuing with yours. Many

electric mobility manufacturers and retailers will work with you to get through

the insurance paperwork. You will, of course, need supporting statements from

your doctors, but with solid documentation, some insurers will shell out some of

the cost.

I used to smoke but thank goodness gave it up several years ago. Our health

issues are difficult enough without adding nicotine poison to our bodies - all

self-inflicted!

Yes, many things can be purchased a year or two from now if you get into the

habit of saving a little bit every single day. Many of us can manage to set

aside just a few dollars every day which after 2 or 3 years adds up to being

able to purchase something we really want such as a hot tub or an electric

scooter. It can really hurt the wallet to buy it all at once, but by saving

dollars a day, it becomes something that is within reach to many folks over

time. Go to a store and try one out - at least you'll have a fun story to tell

us about how many people you ran off the sidewalk!

Best,

Kathy F.

Dear Kathy, I don't smoke, but that idea of $4 a day is a great one. I

also didn't know that some insurance companies will help out on these. I've

just been so frustrated with mine over my wheelchair. I also didn't know

they could be taken apart and put in the trunk. Now you've got me

interested...lol. I'll let you know if I get one. Thanks for setting me

straight. Love, Fran

[Guest guest]

,

People who find joy in the little things and who look for the light rather

than the darkness won't lose their spirit. You are in NO danger of that!

Even optimists have bad spells - we wouldn't be human if we didn't. Crap

happens and feeling bad about it is a natural response, but while you can't

help

the baggage you've been handed, you seem determined not to drag it around with

you. I am so happy to see you back here. You are a joy to spend time with.

Best,

Kathy F.

In a message dated 11/30/2004 7:17:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

missionblondie@... writes:

hi kathy,

i think the scariest thing for me is the fear i will lose my

spirit! i too look for those little things - the mist over the lake

at the break of dawn, a hummingbird hovering over one of my flowers,

seeing the baby barn swallows and house sparrows in my nesting boxes

poking their heads out in the spring waiting for mom and dad to feed

them, the canada geese taking off from the lake and forming their

wonderful V... listening to the ducks outside 'laugh'.... the next

time you hear a bunch of them 'talking' listen to the sounds of

laughter they make... it always makes me smile - being alive to

witness all these miracles... and knowing tomorrow is a new day and

hopefully a better one....

by the by, your thanksgiving story was such a warming one - it

brought back memories of my own one christmas morning about 15 years

ago... my oven would not come on and i had to rush the bird over to

my mom's to cook it.... it turned out the blasted control for the

oven regulator had been turned off - rather an embarrassing and

expensive lesson a few days later when the repairman told me what

was wrong! your story was the perfect analogy of how friends stick

together and help each other - and why we have so much to be

thankful for.

thanks for all you do for us kathy.

love, karen xx

[Guest guest]

kathy,

i felt that cyber hug all the way up here in canada - one very big

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. you can't know how much your

message has meant to me.

gentle hugs back, dear friend,

love, karen

>

>

> ,

> People who find joy in the little things and who look for the

light rather

> than the darkness won't lose their spirit. You are in NO danger

of that!

> Even optimists have bad spells - we wouldn't be human if we

didn't. Crap

> happens and feeling bad about it is a natural response, but while

you can't help

> the baggage you've been handed, you seem determined not to drag

it around with

> you. I am so happy to see you back here. You are a joy to spend

time with.

> Best,

> Kathy F.

>

> In a message dated 11/30/2004 7:17:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> missionblondie@y... writes:

>

> hi kathy,

>

> i think the scariest thing for me is the fear i will lose my

> spirit! i too look for those little things - the mist over the

lake

> at the break of dawn, a hummingbird hovering over one of my

flowers,

> seeing the baby barn swallows and house sparrows in my nesting

boxes

> poking their heads out in the spring waiting for mom and dad to

feed

> them, the canada geese taking off from the lake and forming their

> wonderful V... listening to the ducks outside 'laugh'.... the

next

> time you hear a bunch of them 'talking' listen to the sounds of

> laughter they make... it always makes me smile - being alive to

> witness all these miracles... and knowing tomorrow is a new day

and

> hopefully a better one....

>

> by the by, your thanksgiving story was such a warming one - it

> brought back memories of my own one christmas morning about 15

years

> ago... my oven would not come on and i had to rush the bird over

to

> my mom's to cook it.... it turned out the blasted control for the

> oven regulator had been turned off - rather an embarrassing and

> expensive lesson a few days later when the repairman told me what

> was wrong! your story was the perfect analogy of how friends

stick

> together and help each other - and why we have so much to be

> thankful for.

>

> thanks for all you do for us kathy.

>

> love, karen xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>