New MOVES at Coventry Center

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Driving into a parking lot on a cold winter day, wind whirling and snow blowing, I start looking for the closest parking spot to the door. There are so many unused parking spaces with a handicap symbol and the only other parking spots are way in the back of the lot. At this point, I started thinking "Oh how I wish I could park in one of those spaces that no one is using right now", then I pulled into the available space in the back of the lot and wandered out into the icy frigid air, thankful for the healthy body that I have."

That afternoon as I saw “J” came around the corner at the Coventry Center, he was emitting some sounds which caught my attention. I looked up and there was a big smile on his face and for the first time, he was walking in the work center! Winnie was standing next to him encouraging his every step.

As I approached him it struck me, I never really thought about how tall “J” was. Ever since I have known “J”, he has been seated in a wheelchair. For me, height had always been a topic of conversation and I am used to looking eye to eye with people.

Now “J” was standing and moving on his own power, and in some cases eye to eye with others. I can only imagine his thoughts about the new found freedom he was experiencing. He continued to “MOVE” around the work center gaining the attention and encouragement of those he encountered.

Moving left or right, moving fast or slow, those were all decisions “J” could make. Winnie began to talk to him about what he might be able to do next, perhaps he could deliver the interoffice mail. Winnie and “J” were utilizing the newly purchased adaptive equipment that allows “J” who uses a wheelchair to “stand” and walk upright.

Shortly thereafter, Winnie was not far behind Crystal as she found her way across the work floor. Strapped in for safety, she was aboard her new bike. Crystal’s facial expression was priceless, it reminded me of the daily winner on “The Price is Right”, smiling from ear to ear. She was so happy to be riding that bike.  Now she was able to do what she had seen others do for years.

Now she was like others in her community, she was riding a bike. Although Crystal does not speak with her voice, her eyes and broad smile told us what she had to say. Crystal was free from her wheelchair, free to be like so many other people she had seen. It was something really wonderful to see.

I am glad that I came to work today and thinking about the possibilities for tomorrow. Now out to the back of the parking lot again, but for some reason the walk seems less of a burden to me.


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