7 Quick Takes – My World for a Wheelchair and Other Observations

I don’t usually blog on Fridays, but when I saw the “7 Quick Takes” format on Filling My Prayer Closet, I thought I’d give it a try!

1 – My World for a Wheelchair

Twice this week, I have had the responsibility for taking my father-in-law to the hospital for diagnostics followed by a neurosurgeon appointment. Our hospital has an awesome (and affordable!) valet service, but the “valet service unit” and the “wheelchair unit” are completely disconnected from one another. Wednesday, after the valet said it usually takes 30 minutes to get a wheelchair, I was trying to walk my father in law in when it became clear that he could not continue; fortunately another patient got me a wheelchair. Today, the valet staff said they would call one for me. It “only” took 14 minutes this time but, honestly why is it so difficult?

2 – I Am The Parent of an Adult

My daughter, Tenley, turned 18 yesterday. EIGHTEEN! With all the emotion that brings up, I have to admit I kind of love it that one of the touches she liked the most about the day was the “Frozen” balloon I had put in her car to surprise her when she left for work.

3 – SUP Boarding Rocks

I read in Jennifer’s post that she is going to have an opportunity to do SUP Boarding soon. I had an opportunity to do it while I was at the beach last week and it was so much fun (and, surprisingly, quite the upper body and stability workout!).

All in the family … staying afloat (mostly!)

4 – Cycling Sure Would Be Fun

Even though my bicycle on vacation was a basic non-descript getting-around-the-beach bicycle, I was reminded of how much fun cycling is. I have always said I’ll wait and add on another sport once I reach my running goal of breaking 30:00 in a 5K but that’s taking quite a while, so I may need to sneak some cycling into my life pretty soon, not just when on vacation.

5 – My Heart Had Left My Job Long Before My Body Did

I left my job on May 2, 2014. When I had to return to the office earlier this week to drop off some paperwork, it was difficult to walk into the building. But not difficult in a sentimental way. Difficult in a “how did I simultaneously separate my mind and heart from this place while I kept coming day after day?” Now on to pursue that legacy I want to leave my kids.

6 – What Else Can I Do For Silvia and Christopher?

After my Unbound Blogger Trip to El Salvador in early June, I was asked to share details about Silvia, an adult with special needs including epilepsy, and Christopher, an adorable 3 year old, two individuals who would benefit from sponsorship through Unbound. I am searching for ways to expand the reach of my blog post. Does anyone have feedback about other methods I could employ to get the word out? (And even if you don’t have feedback, prayers would be mighty appreciated!)

Silvia, Age 21

Christopher, Age 4

***UPDATE*** Silvia has been sponsored (as of 7/2/14). I am so happy to hear this and grateful to whoever sponsored her!  ******

7 – Give As Much Praise As Complaint

After reading Laura Petrolino’s blog post about customer service the other day, I shared it on Facebook along with the suggestion that people should make sure and commend the good at least as often as they condemn the bad. Even in the midst of the wheelchair-challenged day (see #1), I encountered moments of professionalism and compassion, such as the other patient who found a wheelchair for me and the staff member (Delvin) who stayed with my father in law until I could bring the car around. Literally, each one was a godsend!

St. George Island, FL
June 2014

Paula Kiger

Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.