An awfully big adventure

I had an adventure on Sunday! I’d contacted the Quakers in Durham about attending a meeting, and a nice chap called Jeffrey had come out to see me about accessibility and so on. I’d asked Paul to drop me off, but his diverticulitis flared up on Friday, so he was still flat on his back in bed on Sunday. At first I thought, ‘Well, that’s it, then, I can’t go on my own. Too scary.’

Then I decided to be brave. I booked the nice taxi driver I’ve used before, who knows my problems and can accommodate my wheelchair, and got him to take me in to Durham. Jeffrey saw me arrive, and helped the taxi man put up my chair and get me inside. (The hall we meet in is down a set of steps, but there’s a lift.) I had a super time, although I spent the hour mentally squeaking and thinking, ‘I’m here!! On my own!!’ instead of anything vaguely holy ....

Everyone was very friendly, and I had some great conversations, plus there was coffee available, which someone brought me. I had to get a different taxi home, but several people got me into the car and my chair into the boot, and the driver was very patient when we got to my house, making sure the chair was inside and that I was OK before he left! Amazing service!

You can’t imagine how much this all boosted my confidence. Mum couldn’t believe I’d done it! This means I will no longer need to rely on Paul, but can now think about doing things like meeting my knitting friend Vicki in Durham, and stuff. The only limits are my energy and my money...

People can be very kind when you give them the chance :)