The Freedom I Thought I'd Never See Again
Melinda riding the 'Beast', and all-terrain wheelchair, on a wooded trail.
I was never the most active person as a younger version of myself. I believe, like most, that we have all the time in the world to get around to everything we still want to do. Well, take it from me; time is a sneaky devil. In addition, life has a habit of throwing curve balls. In my mid-thirties, I started to get a hint of life’s sneaky side. However, I still had time. Well, my family’s genetics reared its ugly head, and my mobility was on a fast downward slope to not being able to walk.
It has been 15 years since I first started using a power wheelchair to get around the University of Utah’s main campus. I knew there was no way to walk that campus with my books and laptop, especially walking with the use of a cane. I thought I was keeping my independence longer by using a cane instead of a wheelchair, boy was I wrong. Once I started using the wheelchair I realized how much freedom and independence I had given up by continuing to use a cane. Even though I was walking I could only go a few feet before I needed to sit to let the spasms in my back lessen.
Even though I gained back some independence using a wheelchair over using a cane I had lost my ability to hike with my service dog in the foothills, go to a park and play catch with her. Note, power wheelchairs are not overly usable on dirt trails and on grass or wood chips like parks. 
Last fall I borrowed an all-wheel drive power wheelchair. This wheelchair I have lovingly named the ‘Beast'. Someone donated this wheelchair to UATP for their loan library. I was the first person to check it out and will again. This beast has a seating system that will recline slightly, has a spot to hook up my service dog to and can roll without trouble on grass, dirt, snow and ice.
It had been so many years since I had enjoyed the pure pleasure of following a trail. I could let my service dog lead the way up the trail where she was able to catch the scent of deer and possibly mountain lions. We see a few mountain bikes on the trails, and I think I surprised them. It is not every day a wheelchair can take off like this. So, if anyone reading the post would like to borrow the ‘Beast’, contact UATP’s Logan lab by calling 435-797-0699.
Note: You will need either a truck and a ramp, trailer or a wheelchair conversion van to transport it.
Image Caption (right) : Melinda's dog exploring the trail.