Be A Blessing - Volunteer

Yesterday I used the Medical Assistance Transportation to take me to my dental appointment.  It was an experience I would not want to participate in again. 

Let me just say I am so blessed that I have a choice on whether to use this form of transportation.  So many disabled people do not. 

First, since I live out of the “city” and in the country I can only make my appointments on certain days and certain times in order for me to participate in this program.  Alright, I will give it a try….

I was told I had to make my appointments for 11:00 a.m., my pickup at home would be around 9:30a.m., and the van/bus would be back to pick me up from my appointment at 1:00 p.m. for my return home. 

I set my alarm for 8:15 a.m., and I made sure I was ready for pickup at 9:30 a.m.  By 9:50 a.m. I called the transportation office to ask if they had forgotten to pick me up.  “No, they just are running late.”  Finally, at 10:40 a.m. the bus pulls up to my door.  Now, I already know that there is no way I can get to my appointment on time; after all, it takes us 30 minutes to drive directly there ourselves.  Knowing that this dental office is “walk in” no appointment friendly, I decided to get on the bus anyway.  I get on the bus/van and notice I am the only person riding at this time.  In our campground we have several speed bumps.  The driver did not see the first bump and I literally bounced in the air and came down so hard on my seat that it literally took my breath away!  The pain in my back was so intense.  For the rest of the trip (picked up one more passenger) I was holding onto the handles on the back of the seat in front of me as we bounced up and down and back and forth for the next 45 minutes!

Yes, that’s right, my appointment was for 11:00 a.m., but I arrived at 11:25 a.m.!  Well I have to tell you, I called my daughter and asked if she could come and pick me up from the dentist office.  She was there by the time I was finished.  I am so thankful I have such a loving and thoughtful daughter who could drop what she was doing so she could take care of me! 

First of all let me say I am not complaining that I would have to take the Medical Assistance Transportation.    Not at all – I was thrilled that I was eligible for this program!  My problem is that most of us with disabilities suffer with a great amount of pain.  One would think that they could figure a way to “soften” the bouncing around – make the ride more comfortable.  My heart saddens when I thought of those in wheelchairs and are unable to “hold on” for themselves.  I thought of others who deal with insurmountable pain on a regular basis.  My back is still in pain from my ordeal.  

Now I have alternative options in regards to transportation to my appointments.  I can get up very early in the morning and take Jim to work so I can use the car; my daughter can take me; and even my 87 year old mother can take me to my appointments.  My heart goes out to those who have no other option. 

 If you know someone who is disabled and they need transportation to an appointment or even to the store, try to take some time out of your busy schedule and volunteer to drive them to and from their appointments.  I promise you, you will be greatly blessed.