I talked Lisa into taking a day off of work on Monday (and I didn't have to twist her arm too hard) and we took Michael to Thanksgiving Point-- 13 acres of beautiful gardens.
Before I share pictures of that, I'm going to digress for a moment and talk about the one of the greatest travesties of having a disabled adult: Transportation! We have only been able to find one company that will transport him and they only run Monday through Friday 8-5...which is pretty much NONE of the time either of us are available to take Mike anywhere. Apparently, disabled people don't need/want to go anywhere on the weekends or evenings. That means most of our outings are of necessity someplace we can walk to. The few times we've taken Mike on a real outing, the transportation costs between $50-$100. I've had a social worker look for other companies and she located one but he would have to go to Salt Lake to be "interviewed" to see if he is eligible for the service. Unfortunately, Salt Lake is too far for him to go...he just can't handle that far of a ride and they won't come to Provo. Unbelievable!
Anyway, enough of my ranting. We did manage to arrange for an outing and off we went.
Here we are at the rose gardens
Taking a break.
Actually, it was Lisa and I who were taking a break, Michael has it pretty easy just sitting there while we push him around.
the happy couple
(pretend his eyes are open. I snapped at the wrong moment)
In case you're wondering, yes, Michael does have is jacket on backwards. Once he is in his wheelchair it is impossible to put it on the right way. This works!
beautiful waterfalls
one of the views we were looking at
Pushing a wheelchair is no easy feat. Imagine a 200 lb man in a 60 pound wheelchair going over a cobblestone path up hill and down hill.
It's Autumn Time!
A wonderful time was had by all although all of us were worn out when we were finished.
One more digression. Look at these two pictures taken 4 weeks apart::
The change is subtle but look at the difference in his facial expression. Each minor change is really major progress and we are grateful for any and all progress
10 comments:
What a beautiful place!!! I am so glad you got to get out of the heat and enjoy some true Fall weather. Michael looks good. And there is a marked difference between those last two photos! How great!
Hugs,
Kris
Looks like a fun outing for all of you. I really had no idea it was so difficult to get transportation for Michael or others in his situation. Sounds like there is an opportunity for some enterprising entrepeneur to provide 24/7 affordable transportation to the disabled. Hope you are enjoying fall break.
Gorgeous scenery here!! Love it and Michael looks so happy to be there too!
Actually, I noticed a difference in his facial expression when I saw the first photo of your post. It's got to be amazing for you to see all the changes and progress, big or small. I've never been to Thanksgiving Point. Looks beautiful.
These pictures are wonderful ~ Thanksgiving Point is beautiful, isn't it. I love going there when we're in Utah - it's so peaceful.
Sending loving thoughts your way ~ and gratitude for your example of courage and faith. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
My first thought when I saw that picture of you and him was "WOW! He looks awesome!" I'm so glad you were able to all get out an enjoy the fall leaves. I love that time of year up there!
What a beautiful outing you had. You are so wise to use your travel time to memorize. Way to go! Thanks for sharing the improvements that Michael is making. He is looking good.
frulyiI, too can see the difference in Michael's expression. I'm sure it feels really good. i tried to send a birthday card to Liz Carlson last week and it was returned to me. Trudy W said you might know how I can forward this card so it can reach her. Can you help me out? thanks, Donna
What gorgeous scenery to enjoy!!
You look so cute in your scarf and black sweater.
And you can see the difference in Michael between those last two pictures. That's great!
I totally started singing... but only till I read the first line and started laughing.
Thanksgiving point is so beautiful. I always hear of friends going there but have never been. Thanks for all the pics I will be visiting there next time we go through Utah.
Mike looks good and I am glad he is improving even if it is little by little. I am so glad you keep blogging. Your positive attitude and witty humor is refreshing and I enjoy your stories.
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