A NEW STEP

It's been interesting to see how someone that has been so independent, taking care of her family now has her family taking care of her.

Going from her wheelchair to the minivan has become quite a chore lately.  Dad made a wooden step for her to get up in to the bed, and he carries that cumbersome step outside to the van every time they need to go places.  It is quite heavy and with Dad's arthritis in his hands, it becomes a chore even for him to do.

My wheels were turning once again, how can we make this simpler on both of them?

I had scheduled an afternoon to spend with my daughter, Rachelle.  We went out shopping for some food for the house so that I could cook dinners and such for Mom and Dad.  Then we went out to lunch and had a wonderful visit.

Part of the visit, I had mentioned to Rachelle that I wanted to go to a thrift store and find an aerobic step for Grandma. I knew what I had in mind as long as the dimensions and weight would fit my idea.

After we finished lunch, we went to Goodwill.  No luck finding what we were after.  Then off to Play It Again Sports.  Again, no luck.  So, then to Big-5.  They had one left in stock.  I looked at it carefully and determined that it would be perfect.  It was lightweight, measured 4 inches in height and about 18 inches long.  The surface had a simple non-skid top to it.  I loved it, so I bought it.

When we got back to the house, Mom and Dad were in the lower dining room watching TV.

"Hey Mom," I said.

I held up the box to show off the newest addition.

"You get to do aerobics now," I laughed.  Mom smiled a little wondering what I was up to.

I pulled the step out and explained what it was for.  Both Mom and Dad were excited to use the new step.

Later that afternoon when it was time for Mom's radiation again, we were able to put the new step to use.

Another rave review on the new ramp, then total excitement at the ease of the new step.  Dad was super happy that it was so light.  Mom said that it was a perfect height and we all noticed how perfectly it fit under the wheelchair. 

What another awesome day it has been.