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DaC driver David "Kupkake" Kupler (Y74) gave his life a new
meaning in August - a rather lower one - when he broke his ankle! To avert
excessive boredom, David has written his story for Call Sign, but he then
came to an amazing conclusion...
Never been much of an action man, Sunday sports star or health nut, not
as a youth and neither in later life. When at grammar school and we were
coached to Edmonton for games, I would change into the appropriate strip and
knowing full well I wouldn't be picked, would skive off to spend a few happy
hours tadpoleing in the brook at the back of the pitches. When the whistle
blew, I'd return quietly and merge in with the rest and no one was any the
wiser! Consequently, the risk of having broken bones repaired was minimised
- until, that is, Wednesday August 6th 2003... |
Life with
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attempting to shave perched on one leg, going up and down stairs on me
bum, remembering NOT to put the left foot out when rising from a chair and
grabbing what I might need whilst sitting in the garden BEFORE I made my way
out there. How do you carry a hot drink when both arms are needed for the
crutches? Where do you put the book you've been meaning to read? Suddenly
all kinds of new skills are needed to be learned and there is no guidebook
in the house and no desire to go out and buy one.
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parked carts. Children running through the aisles give me a strange look as
they slow down momentarily to stare quickly at the man with the plaster
cast. As I progress through Costco's, another wheelchair person gives a nod
and a knowing smile as we pass between the super stacked isles. Perhaps I
should have asked for some tips, but felt humble. It's checkout time and I sit unhelping as Janet struggles with the shopping. We get home and it's up to her to unload and put away. Me, I'm thirsty but she's busy and hot so I don't disturb her and wait. Dog needs walking, but of course I can't do that either. Joke that we should get a buggy and harness for him to pull me around, but I'd probably fall out and break the other leg! Every taken for granted/automatic act performed by able bodied people such as I usually am is a chore now, although I know in a few weeks I shall be back to my old self. The same cannot be said for the hundreds of disabled cardholders for whom the rest of their lives will be as mine is for these few weeks. There's an expression: "Wanna know what it's like? Walk in my shoes." Perhaps we could change that to "turn my wheels for a day..." My mind wanders to those who are PERMANENTLY disabled and need others to provide everyday help, especially in transport. Until now, I must confess that I have rarely put myself out for assisted trips, but since struggling in a wheelchair, I shall be there for them...will you? David Kupler (Y74)
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