Duvet day CANCELLED

For keen followers of my blog, you will know I have been aiming to get to the Para Olympics tomorrow more than anything. Well we are now less than 24 hours off my great adventure and I had a little break through.

For me walking is an effort at this present time, so my crutches are a big must. That is without them I end up bent at 45 degree in the middle. Well today after the worst customer service ever from my telephone banking I had to go into branch today to sort a matter out.By the worse customer service I mean the agent down the phone started every answer with "yea but !" and when I got fed up with that and pulled her up on her use of grammar, she amended it to  "yea". It got so bad she actually said "computer says no" at which point I requested a manager. No manager was available so I requested the manager call me back and was promised this, within the hour. I had also tripped this agent up because she advised me I couldn't do the action in branch which I knew was untrue. Anyway and hour came and went no call so I phoned back, only to be hung up on when I said he was on speaker phone as it concerned another member of my households account and they hung up on me. So off to the branch I went where the transfer was done immediately with grovelling apologies and an investigation promised.

Now this meant I had to get out my bed today totally unplanned and most inconvenient with tomorrows activity planned. Anyway back to the walking as I was doing the first stroll towards the bank from car park I had to lengthen my sticks. It is then mum pointed out every day this week I have gone out I have ended up lengthen my sticks one notch higher, meaning if nothing else whilst on my stick is I am getting straighter by the day. Granted that is only with the sticks but it is a step forward. It also has been noted that after an hour or so on my sticks I manage the stairs a lot easier for the first hour at home. So much as I hate them the sticks are doing some good.

Since we had made an unscheduled visit to the bank in the neighbouring town, we decided we would stop at the supermarket especially as we had nicked their free parking. That was hard work, but even going to the coffee shop first I noticed a distinct change in attitudes from a few weeks back. People were holding doors for me, restraining their offspring from tripping me up, and even helping me get things from shelves, freezers etc. Evwen though I had a very harrased parent with me who could help when she had caught me up as even on sticks I am a nightmare in stores for a 70 year old to keep tabs on. The whole experience today I found uplifting rather than a constant struggle it can be. Mum believes its because everyone has Para Olympic fever, but I would love to believe it is because everyone has become more aware of disabled needs.

The press and media keep on about the legacy of the olympics, being " inspire a generation" towards taking part in sport. I would rather that legacy be slightly changed "inspire a generation to accept everyone equally including sport". I know my long term future is not yet clear, but if the worse comes I am detirmed to return to riding and driving regardless. I am fortunate enough to live less than a mile from a leading riding for the disabled centre so that is strong possiablity. My love of cars and all things contected will never fade, visits to events like Top Gear Live are still possiable but would need more planning and granted muddy fields will need more careful negoiation. But regardless of what level mobilty I am left with I am not going to let it stop me doing what I most love in the world. The olympics will fade in time, but I pray the legacy of acceptance and tolerance will remain, so that people like myself who aren't so robust or mobile can get on with their interests and sports in the same fashion as a more agile or robust person can.

As for tomorrow I can't wait, bag is packed ready. Packed lunch is planned, tickets and money already placed in bag. Even my crutches have been cleaned ready. I have my Team GB sweatshirt ready to protect my arms, mum even has her own Team GB tee shirt ready. Cameras are loaded ready. Greenwich park here we come. As for today the planned duvet day has been cancelled, but at least it has left me in good spirits ready for tomorrow.