Last Sunday we went to the park after a short ride with the sidecar. It was wonderful! Kuzco and Malha ran and play together, and then we went for a drink at our favourite Tearoom. Besides the fact we were somewhat of an attraction to the people sitting on the terrace, the owner of the Tearoom gave us a warm welcome, because she had not seen either of us for such a long time. When we left, she came to say goodbye and make pictures of us sitting in the sidecar, because we were really a sight to see.

 

 

‘I hope to see you both soon again!’ she almost screamed to make her voice being heard over the loud rumbling of the engine.

 

 

It wasn’t until now, I realized just how much I missed going to the park. Ever since I received a new mobility scooter, because my old one broke down, I haven’t been able to drive like I used to. I received one not suitable for my needs, which makes it impossible, and dangerous even, to drive longer than 5 minutes. So for the last 8 weeks, I barely left the house on my own, and the doggy walk only goes as far as the other side of our street. Especially now Ramon has started to increase his time at work, little by little my world is getting smaller.

 

After many calls with the Care company who provided me my new mobility scooter, to please provide me one as similar to my old one, the answer stayed the same. Because of their contract with Velsen Township, they receive a budget. And because everything is about profit, they only offer a product range that suits the many. And since I am not the many, it’s just tough luck.

 

 

Off course Ramon didn’t accept this, so with lots of angry conversations, the Care company finally send an expert over to look at my case.

 

I was pretty stressed out the day the expert was coming over. It felt like my whole freedom was on the balance. What if he would say the exact same thing I got to hear before. It is not possible to provide a scooter that resembles my old one, simply because they have chosen several models that suits the many. And I simply have to make due.

 

It turned out that my needs were indeed not compatible with the models they could offer me. But he would take notes and send them over to a second and third party, to maybe come to a solution that would satisfy my needs. It could take weeks until I got any answers, but be grateful we are working on it.

 

And yes, it is a sad little detail you still can’t go outside, but just be a tad more patient please. We are doing the best we can….. (in our own timeframe, and the willingness of my colleagues to take on a case that isn’t already chewed on…) That last sentence wasn’t said out loud of course .

 

Surprisingly enough, I was called back within a day or two. He had thought of the most wonderful solution. And I should be very thankful for them wanting to offer me this solution. After he explained I would receive a customized mobility scooter with a gas paddle under my right foot, and my left foot should be hovering over an emergency switch, so when I would get a seizure not only would my right feet push down harder, but my left foot as well, and would make it stop immediately. Off course there would be a long trial period to make it work, but in the end it would be the perfect and safest solution for me.

….

 

Why want to reinvent the wheel, when there is something that has worked for over 13 years? Is it not cheaper just to order a mobility scooter that resembles my old one, so they can still re-use it?

 

After a long talk with Ramon, I decided not to go through this agonizing trial, with so many risks involved. The expert was very disappointed I turned down this wonderful offer. It was either that or keep the one I have. They are not going to order a mobility scooter similar to my old one.

 

So this morning I woke up with a deep frown.

 

 

Oh wait, it’s my 3D glasses I got when I went to the Avengers movie with my dad and Ramon.

 

But still, it is the perfect frown I want to wear today. Because I am angry, and I want to smash!

 

Why does so many things have to be a struggle?