Last weekend was very exciting for my family, as we purchased a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan completely outfitted to fit my dad's wheelchair. It looks like a "regular" van from the outside but the passenger seat can be removed, there is an electrical ramp that folds down to load and unload my dad's wheelchair, and the inside boasts an intricate locking system that secures his wheelchair when he is in the car.
The new chariot...
A view of the electrical ramp...
The space for his wheelchair...
The heavy duty lock that secures his wheelchair...
The captain in his new ride (with his very manly chocolate milkshake)...
Our first outing included my mom, myself, and Uncle Tip. The three of us loaded my dad pretty easily and took him for a ride past the lake, which is his favorite. Ironically, we passed the spot where he fell and hit his head when we were on our journey. We stopped at Schaller's for ice cream (that's where he got the chocolate milkshake). Overall, it was very exciting to get him (and my mom!) out of the house. It has been very difficult keeping my dad cooped up in the house since my parents were both so active and love to go out to eat, to sporting events, to concerts, to my brother's activities, etc. Having this van allows my mom and dad to get some of their independence back. Though getting him out of the house is not a walk in the park, it is great to have the option to do so and it is great to save money on transportation costs for doctor and therapy visits. During the week, my mom and brother took him to Chili's and he had his favorite appetizer. The van will hopefully allow us to make more memories as a family, as opposed to staring at each other in the living room!Thanks to all who visit and help my mom out (and keep her sane!). The work never ends for her and she can certainly use ALL the help she can get. I will be living in New York City this summer starting May 15th so I will not be around to help on the weekends. I hope that by the time I come back and start school in the fall, my dad will have had his surgery to replace the still-missing piece of his skull and that he will progress both physically and linguistically.
Hope all is well in your lives. Thanks for checking in!
