Giving up driving
soon after my diagnosis in 2010 was the first step to a smaller world. After
hearing that my reaction time was compromised I didn't dare argue as there had
been several incidents by that time. I was forced to switch to an automatic car
the year before because I couldn't control the clutch. I had also lost the
proprioception in my feet, as well as spatial perception, which caused me to
misjudge distances. In one case I hit the handle bars of a cyclist with my side
mirror. Fortunately for both of us it only caused him to wobble wildly. The
renewal of my driver's license is now due, but it will be best for other road
users that I finally give up on that dream.
I’m still hanging onto my car though!
As time went by I
stopped buying magazines. I had lost interest because I could no
longer try new recipes, changes in the garden would be impossible, and fashion
was dictated by a drastically different lifestyle.
Reading the
newspaper with my coffee in the morning had been a part of my daily routine for
decades. This too had to be given up recently as I had a frustrating battled with the big floppy
pages. Yes, I can read it on the internet, but it's not quite the same relaxing
intimate experience.
Technology has
come to my rescue and I read a lot more books on the kindle, which is easy to
handle and light to handle, and where I can change to what my son
calls; ‘old-people-font’.
We used to be enthusiastic
movie goers, but now have to wait for movies to appear on Box Office or dvd so I can watch from the comfort of my 'lazy-girl'.
In the lazy-girl with Milo, Maggie, and friend Ermanno Aiello 21 Aug 13 |
I am therefore
thankful for facebook, email, and internet which makes the world a smaller
place in a better way. It has brought me contact with groups and friends from
all corners of the globe.
The only problem
is that I have slowed down to a snail's pace. Typing is slow and full of
mistakes, which I feel obligated to correct. I have forgotten how to spell, words
are written incomplete. My thoughts start on one trail to jump to another
mid-sentence, and consequently sentences end up making little sense. Keeping up
with all the groups, posts, and blogs has become an impossible task. I more often just click like, without leaving
a comment.
Emails are red
flagged but seldom answered. My to-do list ,full of fabulous ideas, grows
endless, but not much gets done.
I am currently in
a state of panic as I'll soon have to cut down on some of the groups I follow
and posts I read.
2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore,
since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
You've put a lot of effort in your larger connections: I do see that you have three lovely friends with you and I am happy for you for your smaller, closer world. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment anonymous. Yes my smaller world is filled with faithful friends, furry and others!
ReplyDeleteEk lees en leer by jou. Skryf maar. Ons kan nie sien hoe stadig jy is nie. Jy skryf goed en lekker leeslik ! Jou Smaller world is groot genoeg vir my , met my ook ou klein wereld... ander redes ! Skryf nog ! Liefde 1000 X Gesina
ReplyDeleteGesina, lekker om van jou te hoor! Dankie dat jy lees. Liefde, Sonja
ReplyDeleteSonja, Your article about your world shrinking is something a fellow patient or those who care for one in our circumstances would understand best. I feel for you-- empathize really, as one who gave up driving for MSA years ago. I want you to know that it is not taken for granted, though I am sure you know that is true. :) I find myself fantasizing that I will live in a small town or village where I can get on a mobility scooter and roam about without accompaniment to do as I please. Not being able to get in the car and go when the mood strikes is a hard thing to adjust to, as you are indicating. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us so eloquently.
ReplyDeleteDan, Thank you for your comment and complement. As I'm writing this, my husband Johnny is reminding me that his world has become smaller too through MSA. I have been blessed with 2 mobility scooters. What fun we could have had if you lived here...scootering to the beach on a beautiful morning! Never stop dreaming friend.
DeleteWe would never guess what effort there is in writing your comments and we learn from every blog you write.. and just by liking what your friends write we all feel connected... doe so voort..
ReplyDeleteAnchen, as you as a close friend know, I'm a master in keeping up appearances. ;)
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