Rolling around the World

I’m a Florida girl, born and raised. Sunshine is in my blood. Thunderstorms and lightning keep time with my own heartbeat.

I’ve been lucky enough to have frequent experiences at the Theme Parks that make my home state famous. I like to say I live where people come to vacation.

I’m a Florida girl, and a wheelchair user. Specifically an electric power chair. Yesterday I spent the day at EPCOT’s food and wine festival, as a way to celebrate and remember my late grandmother on her birthday.

The thing about Florida in the summer is it’s hot, and often rainy. Even on September 1st. My state doesn’t always get the memo about seasonal changes. I overheard a guy in line for coffee gripe about how the weather doesn’t match the vibes for pumpkin flavored coffee yet. Well here we have to make own vibes sometimes.

My vibe yesterday, covered in plastic. Think bubble boy, but poncho style. As well as a shower cap over my joystick.

A few hours after I arrived at the festival, it started raining in true Florida hurricane season fashion. Of course I wanted to keep myself dry and comfortable, but my main concern while out in rain is always protecting my wheelchair as best I can.(Especially since I’ve had one short out on me due to rain exposure.)

Now you can say just don’t go out in the rain, and I do try to avoid it when I can, but sometimes it’s just not realistic for real life.

I’m weeks away from my 28th birthday, and I’m trying my best to learn, I deserve to take up space. That my life deserves to be as full as possible, just like anyone else’s. I can make the world work for me as a wheelchair user.

So please enjoy a picture of me covered in plastic, pleasantly buzzed, and smiling because at least my mobility is still in tact.