My fondest memory of my father was when I was about five years old. I was sitting on the kitchen floor playing and he stopped by for a visit. I wasn’t expecting him as my parents were divorced and he didn’t visit our home often. The side door opened and he was standing in the doorway with the sun shining in all around him. I never noticed him duck his head under the doorway to enter before that day. To me, he was the tallest man in the world, a giant even. This memory of him reminds me of those dramatic shots of John Wayne in an old western movie. He was my John Wayne.
My father’s body started failing him when he was in his early fifties. After his first hip replacement surgery, he needed a power lift chair. When I saw the chair help him stand for the first time, the reality of his aging really hit me. My John Wayne wasn’t able to stand in the doorway looking ten feet tall anymore. I was heartbroken and distanced myself anytime he used it.
After he had his second hip replacement surgery came an electric scooter for adults. I did okay with this because he never looked discouraged using it. His greatest struggle was accepting that he needed one in the first place. Really, it has helped him to gain control over his limited mobility more gracefully. He is no longer stationary in his home or at gatherings, his electric scooter helps him mingle, and even take short jaunts around town.
What can you do when your John Wayne needs help?
I. Shop for power lift chair and electric motor scooter with your dad. This will allow you to view his needs with acceptance and understanding right from the start, so you aren’t taken by surprise the first time you witness its use.
II. Avoid displaying shock or worry on your face or demeanor. This will only depress your father who is already fighting his own emotions for your sake.
III. Understand that mobility products are a safe solution for your parent; taking weight and strain off of joints and limbs, preventing further injury.
Please visit Pride Mobility when it is time to help your father shop for the best electric scooter.
