Wheels With a View

On a first date, simply walking down the street with me is often a challenge for the man I’m with. That’s because he doesn’t know what to do. Should he push me? Or just walk beside me? Should he ask which I prefer? And what about holding hands? That’s pretty much out. What happens when I’m pushing myself up a hill? Should he help me then?

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to questions like these. I wish there was a rulebook. I’d read it! The best I can offer is that the answers depend on the situation and on the rapport I have with the guy in question.

Lately though, I’ve noticed something interesting. When I’m with my closest friends, regardless of whether they’re male or female, our movements are in sync. We have no trouble matching each other’s pace. There are no questions. They know just when to give me a hand or ask if I need one. And Y even walks along next to me with her hand on one of my wheelchair handlebars. I’ve always seen this as the equivalent of linking arms, and it made me smile the first time I noticed her doing it.

This “pacing” happens effortlessly now. Is it because of a heightened awareness on all of our parts? Or does it stem from spending a lot of time together? Probably a little bit of both. It’s just nice to know it’s possible.