Assumptions

Robb's new wheelchair was delivered on Tuesday, and as I hadn't managed to pack any food that morning, I came home for lunch. He and I walked down the stairs and we took the chair out on the sidewalk for a spin. (How fun! This chair is very nimble.) It doesn't look like much, although it does have a lovely prismatic candy-flake paint job (Robb opted not to get the American flag paint job).

I had the idea that when I got home in the evening, we could take the chair out and go for a walk. But in fact, Robb was totally exhausted because his muscles have been in spasm for days on end. We did get in a very short stroll around the neighborhood, but the hills were almost too much for Robb. Additionally, the foot supports seem to be a bit low, as they kept "bottoming out" on the pavement.

I got frustrated by this, which was bad.

One of the big, big life-lessons I've learned through this entire experience is that I have to keep an open mind, and be prepared to part with my pre-conceived views of "how things should be." I've learned a lot of humility, although I don't always have it when I really need it. I've learned the importance of remaining flexible, and adaptable.

This aborted outing with the wheelchair was another reminder of how I have to let go of my own expectations, and work with the situation at hand.

However.

This is not always a negative lesson. The hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles that I was dreading ended up being nothing more than an seven-minute telephone conversation. They will be sending Robb paper work so he start the process of learning to drive an adapted automobile.

That was a pleasant surprise.