Below are photos of Rand's maiden voyage today in the minivan, "Opplevelse 2", also using his "hot rod" (electric wheelchair) for the first time. What a challenge it was for him but he rose to the occasion and did a stellar job! With Manny's support and guidance, he learned to back his electric wheelchair up the ramp and into the far corner of the minivan. Then he learned to pull forward, making a sharp left turn into the passenger's seat area, positioning himself precisely until the chair "clanged" into the lock position on the power lock mechanism installed on the floor. The power lock clamps onto a rod on the bottom of his wheelchair and holds him tightly in place. When we arrive at our destination, I push a button and Rand has about 3-4 seconds to back up when the lock releases with another "clang" and then start the process in reverse, backing into the corner and going down the ramp facing forward. I was really worried about Rand making this work, but with some practice, he did beautifully! Positioning himself exactly for the power lock to kick in is the problem right now, but Rand will learn to do it precisely, exactly and every time. After three practice runs this afternoon, Rand and I took off for the mall. He negotiated the aisles at Target, the corridors of the mall which were filled with families, strollers, toddlers, oblivious teenagers, walkers and wheelchairs, like a pro! I thought it would be best if I walked on his right side to deflect his running into/over people and things. After he ran that 300 pound electric wheelchair over my foot once, I changed my mind! Actually, on a busy day like today, it worked best for me to walk ahead of him and clear the way - to cut a swath through the crowd for him. When we got home, he was bushed - mentally exhausted from all the concentration, commotion, learning, independence as well as the effort required to negotiate the aisles, being assaulted by all the products, colors, sights, sounds, smells, people, all the things not contained in his normal cocooned world. I also learned that I need to get a bike flag for his chair so I can spot him - he tends to lose concentration, he stops in the most unlikely places and it is easy to lose him in a store or a crowd. We're learning.
All in all, I can't tell you what a relief it was today to not have to transfer Rand from wheelchair to car and back again, over and over. To not have to sling that wheelchair in and out of the back of the SUV was such a blessing. Actually, I think Rand misses it. With the old method, every time he stood up for a transfer, he gave me lots of hugs and kisses - now that he is sitting down and it doesn't work so well! Oh well, we can fix that, too. Practice, practice, practice!
Rand and Manny getting ready to assault the minivan, "Opplevelse 2", with his new hot rod.
Backing into "Oppie 2" with Manny's guidance. Manny's attempt to push the hot rod is futile as Rand controls it totally. The door opens and the ramp lowers automatically as Oppie 2 "kneels" to make it closer to the ground.
More practice backing up the ramp. It turns out that that was the easy part! I'm going to put red duct tape on the left edge of the ramp to make it easier for Rand to see/use that as a guide. I'll also add red tape to the power lock and to the dashboard to give him some targets to help align the wheelchair exactly.
Rand positioned in the far corner/side of the minivan, ready to negotiate the sharp turn into the passenger's area. His knees are strapped together with a wide velcro strap as his right leg flops to the side and there is nothing on the chair to hold it in place. There is danger of his leg and/or pant leg getting caught in the front wheel. He is wearing the arm sling as the armrests are so short that there is nothing to prop up that arm and it would dangle uselessly, dangerously and heavily at his side.
Success!! Randbo is in place, the lock is holding him securely and he's ready for an opplevelse!!
The minivan floor is lowered ten inches to accommodate the ramp, wheelchair and extra headroom that is needed. The driver's seat is sitting up on a platform so Rand and I are the same height, just as we would be in a regular car.
Whew - this has been a busy and intense two weeks, filled with so many uncertainties, lots of "hurry up and wait," questions upon questions, anxiety, nerves, frustration, financial headaches and finally the reality of Rand making it all work. WHOOPIE!!
Keep Rand close - a few months ago this day would not have been possible. Thanks so much for sticking with us on this amazing journey. The progress continues.
Love,
Connie
