We all join clubs and groups for different reasons throughout life. Usually, we get to decide which ones to join, but sometimes there’s little or no choice. That’s how I was able to join a new vehicle group more than a year ago. It’s a 4-wheeler club, but it doesn’t involve any motoring fun you’re probably thinking of.
My 4-wheeler is a walker, designed to give “aging” people more comfort and support as we all roll through life. Because of my three-quarters-of-a-century age, plus normal nerve deterioration in my right foot thanks to bladder cancer chemotherapy a decade ago, it’s now time to use a walker to continue as much mobility as possible.
Choosing to use a walker isn’t a vanity thing, trust me. I doubt most of my fellow walker users are happy or proud of our required vehicles. But a walker enhances independence, since I can barely feel the changes in the ground underneath my feet as I walk on soccer or football fields watching grandkids play games. Holding onto those two handles increases stability and balance, and we get more endurance to walk longer distances. The best thing a walker does is reduce the possibility of falling. I vividly remember when my grandmother’s accidental fall resulted in a broken hip. It completely changed — and shortened — her life.
Most people have no idea how many “environmental obstacles” exist as we all walk through life.
Most people have no idea how many “environmental obstacles” exist as we all walk through life. It’s difficult navigating sidewalks, curbs, and stairs, and pushing a walker can tire out even the fittest user. Picture a person using a walker, and 99% of us immediately imagine someone old or frail, don’t we? It’s embarrassing to be lumped into the category of different, not-quite-capable fellow citizens.
It’s also humiliating when people literally jump out of the way as we meet in a restaurant doorway. Well-meaning folks usually take a step back to open a door or clear a path for the “less mobile” among us. They all mean well, and I get that. They’re thinking about their own aging family members as they hold that door open. And I understand, because I’ve done that all my life, too.
I gave up my driver’s license last fall, since I wasn’t comfortable with reduced reaction times. Along with all my classmates, 15-year-old me was so proud in 1965 when we each earned our Michigan driver’s licenses. Yes, no longer driving after doing so for literally 60 years is another sobering reality. Adding driving assist controls to our car is possible after a six-month-long group of lessons and tests, plus about $2,000 of modifications. Then either Sally or I could drive that car, but not car rentals or loaners. Still, I reserve the right to pursue driving again in the future.
I must admit, I personally always looked at people using walkers or wheelchairs as being somewhat diminished. “They must have done something to get this way,” I usually thought, deep down in my brain. But all we 4-wheel walker users did was continue the cycle of life… and get older. It’s nothing to be proud of, and yet I’m not ashamed, either. Similar to getting broken teeth or bones fixed or needing to wear glasses—when it’s time, it’s time.
I’m grateful I can still see, hear, and think for myself. I can still type, make social media posts, and have a brain that can create coherent thoughts. This is just the next phase in this game of life, and I’m content to do my best by wheeling through it.
Mark W. Rummel is a lifelong news guy who has worked in communications since 1972. Along the way, the Fenton, Michigan, resident and his wife Sally even worked for the Walt Disney Company. They opened and operated the Mancino’s of Fenton restaurant in 1998 and now enjoy traveling and spoiling their grandkids. Mark always appreciates your comments at MarkWRummel@gmail.com
