Walker

Yes, I really do use a walker. Yes, it really is painted with gold glitter. 

Purchasing a walker is a humbling experience for anyone. You are admitting that your body has reached a point where you need help. Using it for the first time was humiliating. Some people stared. Others did a double-take. I know I don't look like I need a walker from the outside. Those who have seen me at my worst know better. I am a fall risk. I am weak. I get tired and need a place to sit down at a moments notice. Sometimes my blood pressure plummets so fast I fall despite the walker. 

I'm lucky that most days I don't need it. I say most, but I go through long periods of time where I need it every day. On the days I do need it, I am grateful to have it. I still get the stares and the double-takes, but I'm confident with it now. 

My grandma bought a walker just like mine to help her get around. She hasn't painted it with gold glitter yet....but she has seen how wonderful and freeing it is to finally be able to get around a bit easier. Just like me, she really needed it long before she actually bought it.

Why do we do that to ourselves? Why do we wait so long to get help? We stumble along in life, putting ourselves in awful situations, living in risk rather than asking for help. And when we finally do reach out for help we wonder why we waited so long to ask for assistance. The help is amazing. 

Stop waiting!

Who cares if it is embarrassing to ask for help? Who cares if people stare? Who cares if people think you don't really need it?

My walker has taught me that living in pride just isn't worth it. Sometimes a little humility is required to ease the path of life.