Zoomer Chronicles: Her Voice

     Zoomer is tired this evening, after an inspiring day.  Zoomer was fitted with a small camera on her armrest--on Lily the Lefty.  I was dressed with a small microphone.  Off we went.  Strange as it may sound, we encountered no incidents of being cut in front of, or the like.  Odd to wish for that to happen, yet, I wanted to provide the visual evidence to reinforce my point.
     The KSTP-TV producer, and cameraman did not doubt what I was saying was true.  However, all of us wanted to get some tangible evidence.  Perverse.  Truly perverse.
     Zoomer and I worried that I would be so nervous that I would forget what I wanted to say--what perspective we wanted to share.  We worried that information essential to wheelchair safety in traffic would be lost to nerves--that my information would be the victim of my jangled nerves.  As the sleepless hours dragged on, my worries intensified. [Intimate frieinds though we are, Zoomer sleeps in the living room, not in my bed.] Fixation on the route to follow finally succumb to unconsciousness shortly after 3:18 A.M.
      Zoomer and I took a last minute tour this morning.
     What route were we going to follow?  Would it work?
     Would there be some--enough--examples of me being cut in front of to reinforce my concerns?  Would I provide material worthy of their time and effort to tour downtown?
     What if nothing happens?  Are they going to be upset that I wasted their time?  Would they think that I blew the incidents out of proportion?
     Those were my early morning questions--my obsessions.

     Well...nothing happened--no incidents occurred during our tour. 

      So, nothing happened--no incidents.  Now what?
     Will they say, "Well, I am sorry.  We can't devote any more of our resources to this story.  Maybe if something had happened that we could photograph, we would be able to do a story.  Good to have met you.  Have a nice day."
     But...such was not the case.
     "Mike, I have run out of film.  What would you like to do?  Should we come back another day?....Do you want to do an interview?" the cameraman asked.
     "...What does your schedule look like?...I've got your email and number.  Mine is on my emails," the producer said.
      So, my questions were answered.  I guess we did OK.
     Zoomer and I conducted the tour, and narrated it splendidly.  Maybe there was too much narration on my part.  I am a novice to television interviews.
    Splendid.  Just splendid.

Zoomer Chronicles: Much Too Close

To all drivers, stop and think.  Before cutting off wheelchairs in crosswalks, please think of the consequences--the potential consequences.  The people. The injuries. The lives.  All that might be affected--yours, mine, and others.  I am a careful wheelchair user.  I live in downtown St. Paul.  This morning, while crossing an intersection, I was cut off by a van.  The driver decided that my fastest pace was too slow.  The driver took my life in his/her hands.  I stopped.  Though stunned, I stopped.  My wheelchair stopped.  Thankfully, my wheelchair stopped.  I shudder to think what might have happened.  Did the driver ever shudder?  I will never know.  Long gone before any license number was in my view. With no hostile intent I ask, "How much time do you save by cutting in?  What consequences might befall you--befall others--if you do not honor the lights, and override the crosswalks."  I, for one, want to share the road with you for many intersections to come.

Zoomer Chronicles: Rules of the Road

     Zoomer has asked that I share with you some basic rules of the road.  Zoomer has been very impressed with how cooperative everyone has been.  So, these rules of the road are short, and sweet.
     Pedestrians.
     First, do not block the curb cut, when you are stepping off the sidewalk onto the street.  Second, do not block the curb cut, when you are stepping on the sidewalk from the street.  Third, do not leave Zoomer lingering in the street behind you, because you are dilly dallying in the street.
     Drivers.
     Zoomer would love you if you did not park in front of curb cuts.  Zoomer won't report you to the park police should you choose to park elsewhere, and engage in other activities:)
     Automatic door openers.
     Zoomer means no offense if she declines offers of help.  She doesn't want to injure you.  If you are feeling offended, please look at the cuts and abrasions she has incurred, when she was trying to be gracious to you.  She is appreciative of your offers of help.  Righteous indignation messes with Zoomer's nervous system, so, she does not get riled up about anything.
    Elevators.
    Sometimes, Zoomer may need to refuse your invitation to join you in the elevator.  Sometimes, the elevator is too small for her to maneuver within the elevator.  She enjoys riding with you, when it is possible.