Everyone has heard the saying "Good things come to those who wait".
Great saying, teaches people to be patient in life, which everyone does need to do. However, the saying leaves so many unanswered questions. Questions such as...1. What qualifies a "good thing?
2. How long do you have to wait?
3. Will it be obvious when the good things are coming, to those who have been waiting?
As some of you may know, I have been waiting to have the financial means to purchase a new wheelchair accessible van. Family, friends and myself have been devoting hours of time to different fundraisers trying to reach our goal of $50,000.00 (huge amount of cash money huh?). So far, we've raised ALMOST $7000...which leaves us with a long road of more fundraising ahead of us. I'm okay with that, because never would I suspect that something of such huge value was easily given to me.
However the desperate need for a new wheelchair accessible van, is increasing as each month goes by, and another trip is completed with my van.
For those of you who are just learning about my situation right now...here's a bit of added details:
Currently, my parents own a full-size 1991 Chevy Van, equipped with a hydraulic wheelchair lift to transport me in my power wheelchair, where I am most comfortable, and which is my only source of transportation. Due to this being the only vehicle I am able to get around in, it has been used VERY well for both work purposes and for any social activities in my everyday life. Although the van is still currently running, it has needed more and more repairs recently and is starting to show its years of wear and tear. For example, there have been several problems lately getting the wheelchair lift down to ground level. The lift is costly to repair because it is not covered by Aids to Daily Living (AADL – a government program that assists individuals with disabilities to cover related expenses) and the hourly charge for a technician is $70.00 in addition to parts. Lastly, with the van being older, it’s not very fuel efficient adding to an already tight budget I experience only being able to work part-time.
Thankfully my job allows me to work from home. It takes a burden off me finding a ride to work each day. However, at times my job requires me to travel which takes great planning. I must find someone (family member & friends) who is available to drive me on these days. This also affects my personal/social life as well. Currently I have an agreement with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) which allows me to offer an hourly wage to those who drive me. This agreement was formed specifically for my work purposes when I have to travel for work. It sometimes requires my driver to take time off from their own job and they may be waiting countless hours for me to finish my work. Although I am grateful MDC has allowed me to work within this arrangement, this money could be better spent providing much needed services to our clients. My hope is that I can be as independent as possible to provide the best services to others living with Muscular Dystrophy, and to live a happy active lifestyle in my spare time.
I have been looking into purchasing a new wheelchair adapted mini-van. Most mini-vans out there today are modified for accessibility by dropping the floor 10”, then installing a ramp between the floor of the van which is operated with just the touch of a button along with the sliding side door. Also an “EZ Lock” tie down system to strap down the power wheelchair can be installed. This system works automatically, so you do not have to have someone else tie down the chair (reducing the risk of human error in securing straps). New mini-vans are also more easily adaptable for someone like myself with limited upper body strength. With the right adaptations, I would be able to drive on my own, which is something I hope to do in the near future. I have already went for pre-driving testing to see what adaptations would be needed, and mine are not going to be the typical hand controls that are most often used. I am going to need an electronic system that allows people like me the freedom and independence of driving on their own.
I also have future plans for this van or van fund. For the van itself, if there is a point in time where I no longer use it and it is still in running condition, I would like to donate it back to the community of High River with the intention that it becomes a wheelchair accessible taxi. As for additional funds that are collected/raised, I would like to continue the momentum and grow this into a charity that would allow me to provide funding to other individuals like me who are also in need of purchasing a new wheelchair accessible van or adaptations.
As you can see, this isn't JUST about me, and needing a new ride. Right now, yes, I am the focus of the fundraising, but I believe that giving back is just as important as getting.
Now - back to the idea of "good things coming to those who wait".
Well so far I have been waiting for the funds to be available to me for this purchase of a new van, for at least 3 years. I must admit, it's frustrating that it has been so many years and we're still so far away from our goal. Yet I am so so thankful for what has been done thus far. It's a starting point that can only grow from here.
In the last few days, I have received and learnt some information that has given me hope that my efforts will soon be rewarded. I am working on learning more and figuring out more of the details to see if it really is going to work out for me, and will be sure to keep everyone posted.
But for now...I'm agree with the saying. Good things DO come to those who wait.
So next time your feeling frustrated with life, and things not going as you had planned. Remember that little saying, take a deep breath, and know that your time will come, then believe it!
Signing off filled with hope
xo
Candisse
p.s. For information about our fundraising efforts, join our Facebook group "The Can Van"
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