Chapter 1: Life Lessons from the Driver's Seat

During my travels, I've repeatedly pushed the boundaries of life on various highways. Take, for instance, a trip back to 1976 when the Eagles were spinning tunes that would later become my not-yet-born earworms. I pressed on, despite feeling overwhelmed by doubts and deep grief that had our family trapped in sorrow. One of our own had been murdered, marking the first time our world began to crumble.

We danced through sadness, desperately trying to understand our circumstances while giving our all, just once more. In the aftermath, we often found ourselves at dead ends on different paths to despair, learning to persevere through self-care and by being caregivers to our more vulnerable family members.

As someone who has experienced both sides of caregiving while needing mobility assistance, I've gained valuable insights. I’ve been on both sides of life's highway, navigating both bumpy and smooth rides.

At this moment, my tendency to inject humor into tough situations kicks in as we roll down the ramp, practicing the duality of our experiences with wheelchairs.

Parody Lyrics to the Tune of the Eagles' "Take It to the Limit"

So, place me on a shiny silver ramp and point out the handicapped parking sign,

Push me to the limits of staying in my lane, just once more,

A shortcut specialist and my wheelchair chauffeur, we’re embarking on this adventure together,

It’s anyone’s guess whether I or my Cajun Mama will be at the helm, but it promises to be a thrill.

We’re rolling with life’s challenges, contemplating a wheelchair we have yet to embrace,

It has taken us to places beyond our mobility challenges that we’d never thought possible.

Will it lead us to stores with wider aisles, allowing us to leave the disabled world behind?

If we stumble, will the pusher still be a fantastic caregiver, even if we falter?

And in our quest for freedom,

Don’t fret; we have the strength to open elevator doors when obstacles arise,

Just guide me to the handicapped highway, leaving this inaccessible building behind!

There’s still much to believe in, like ramps and automatic doors.

Laughter is the best remedy, even during a tough ride,

In moments when you feel like you can’t move forward, someone comes along to provide support.

Because challenges, aging, and illness don’t have to slow us down,

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, proving that disabilities don’t limit new possibilities.

It’s time to get real about caregiving for our souls and those who depend on us. The day I received my new BFF wheelchair, I learned how unprepared we were for this new reality. My VA driver, a volunteer, couldn’t lift the wheelchair into the van, nor help me navigate the ramp. I was more mobile than he was.

Reflecting on this, I realized that between me and our Cajun Mama, we needed to tackle this mutual wheelchair pushing challenge.

7 Tips for Successful Wheelchair Pushing

1. Establish Communication: Always inquire about the wheelchair user’s preferred speed and direction. “So where are we headed, my trusted navigator? Just point the way, and I’ll follow your lead. Communication is our guiding star.”
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert to potential hazards. Anticipate uneven surfaces and other obstacles. Think, “May the force be with us as we navigate this tricky terrain.”
3. Maintain Proper Form: Use safe body mechanics. Bend your knees and hips while pushing, keeping your back straight. Avoid straining yourself. Channel your inner athlete—knees bent, back straight—let’s tackle the sidewalk!
4. Coordinate Movements: Push smoothly and in sync with the wheelchair user’s movements. Avoid sudden stops or starts. As a team, we aim for smooth sailing through life’s challenges.
5. Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of their comfort zone. Avoid pushing too close or too far away, as much of their life is beyond their control. Their personal space is essential for their independence.
6. Practice Patience: Pushing a wheelchair can be tiring, especially over long distances. Be understanding; both you and the wheelchair user may need breaks. Don’t leave each other stranded on the sidewalk of despair.
7. Cultivate Positivity: Attitude is crucial. Positivity can be contagious and significantly impact the wheelchair user’s experience. Offer encouraging words and be a supportive presence whenever possible.

6 Additional Practical Tips for Wheelchair Pushers

1. Assist with Limited Upper Body Strength: Consider using a wheelchair pusher attachment if needed. It’s apparent that not everyone has the strength of a champion. With modern devices, you can elevate your wheelchair support efforts.
2. Invest in Head and Neck Support: If your loved one struggles with head or neck control, consider acquiring a headrest or neck support for their safety and comfort.
3. Ensure Proper Shock Absorption: A wheelchair with good shock absorption is essential to minimize discomfort from vibrations and jolts. This will help prevent pain in the back and neck.
4. Select the Right Size: Remember, one size doesn’t fit all. A poorly fitting wheelchair can be challenging to push and uncomfortable for the user.
5. Prioritize Comfort: Invest in a quality wheelchair cushion to ensure comfort for your passenger. It’s vital for maintaining a pleasant experience.
6. Utilize Positioning Belts: Depending on the user’s medical needs, a positioning belt may be necessary for safety and comfort.

"Myself, the wheelchair, and my designated driver all understand that we’ll need to push it to the limit on the wheelchair highway—not just once, but every time as long as we can. There’s so much more to learn about navigating this journey with grace, humor, and perseverance. Our motto? Fail nine times, get up ten. Or perhaps, stay comfortably seated and try again with the help of friends." – Jerilee Wei © 2024

The first video, "Disabled Veteran Pulled Over While Riding Motorized Wheelchair," showcases the challenges faced by wheelchair users in everyday situations and the need for greater awareness and understanding.

The second video, "Never Say Can't: The Bruce Cook Story," tells the inspiring tale of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is meant for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.