DisabledMama

  I am having fits of reorganization in my house.  I spent yesterday cleaning out my laundry room and junk drawer.  It was really, really exciting for me.  

  So, today I got hit with the major desire to re-organize Jason’s closet.  The poor guy has been living in this tiny space and I don’t think he can find anything but whatever is on top.  To really do this efficiently I needed to get some drawers I could put in his closet.  This meant I needed to go to The Container Store. 

  Now, if it was a normal week I’d wait for a day when Kennedy was in school and it would be fine.  But, there’s no school for the next two weeks.  And my awesome sitter is coming tomorrow morning and I’d already decided to spend that time shopping for a bathing suit.  I knew that Kennedy could walk around the store with me wearing her backpack.  But, I also knew that keeping a toddler entertained while Mommy actually looks at things (instead of grabbing and going) was a harder sell.

  So, with her BOB Stroller already loaded into the car I decided to try pushing it (and her) around the store.  Now, a responsible and non-impulsive Mom would try this out at home.  With people who love and support you around.  So that if (when) you fall flat on your face they can help you up (and then laugh).  Me?  I decide to try it out in public with strangers who already think, I’m sooo brave for just getting out with one-leg forget the baby, and who will only pity me (and possibly report me to CPS) when I fall on my face.

  I figured either way it would be a great blog entry.

  I’d figured out the other day that it was a good height for me and that the handle was sturdy enough for me to put my weight on, but could I actually push it?

  Yes, yes I can.  

  The Container Store was the perfect place to try this out.  Not too crowded, not too big, flat and still big enough that I could maneuver.  Also, customer service was great so when Kennedy refused to hold anything for me they would take it up front for me.

  I feel like a new world has opened up for us.  I’m not saying we’re hitting the park or tackling the mall.  But, Target will be easier and I imagine other stores and outings will be do-able now that I can say that I can push a stroller.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DISABLED AND WANT TO PUSH A STROLLER

• Make sure it’s a good height and that you can safely put all of your weight on the handle.  I imagine the more expensive jogging strollers with the full bar handle versus to side handles will be best.  I don’t think a simple umbrella stroller is a good idea (unless of course you only use crutches for stability not all of your weight).
• If you are not an all the time crutches user (if you’re only on them after an accident/surgery) I’m not sure that I’d try this.  I’ve had 20+ years of crutches experience and time to cultivate my balance.
• Take down the grocery net before trying to lift the stroller out of the car.
• Park in the handicapped spot with the wheelchair access on the side your kid is on.  That way there is plenty of room to just plop your kiddo into the stroller.

  Now, I have discovered I need a bag that I can hang off of the back of the stroller to stick stuff in… Anyone have any ideas?