The tendency for humans to pigeon hole is strong. I know because I’ve been that pigeon. Or that guy in the wheelchair. But, of course, I am more than that. Much more. I am also a devoted and happy husband.
Recently my funny valentine suffered a severe ankle sprain. To get around, she wears an immobilizing boot and uses forearm crutches, AKA the Darth Vader with sticks on the side. Watching her negotiate space, bravely but awkwardly, I experience many emotions. They run from helplessness to humor, but the strongest and most prevalent is anger, especially when she struggles to open a heavy door. Though my wife does welcome the kindly gesture of an opened door, she is fiercely independent and a touch impatient. (Sorry, sweetie, but you know it’s true.) And I’m a fiercely loyal, blunt New Englander doing my best to be worthy of her. Some doors seem to outweigh her. Maintaining her balance while pulling a door open, proceeding over the entry, and then having it close safely behind looks torturous. Why? I wonder. A door does not need to be heavy to be secure, especially given today’s technological advances. These doors seem to be a relic of the past. On a good day, Leslie can negotiate tough entrances with a reasonable amount of grace, but we all have moments when we are not at full strength, let’s say, perhaps, when recouping from an over-indulgent Fat Tuesday celebration.
When she hurts, I hurt. And when she’s not happy, ain’t nobody happy. So, if your business has an access barrier, be aware of the ripple effect. It will impact customers with disabilities and mobility impairments, their friends, and family. No one likes to see someone they love struggle needlessly.
If you want my business, make it easy for me to treat my valentine to dinner at your establishment. Little Peg Leg has an awfully big appetite.
This is so touching, so funny and so beautifully written ~ Thank you for sharing it and for making the point that we do not need barricades for doors. So many people are negatively impacted by doors that are difficult to negotiate, for all different reasons.
Randy, you are a beautiful soul.
At Momo, our door is always gladly and automatically flung wide open for your loving and socially graceful Valentine. Although our door is is ancient, the ‘auto’ comes from the fact that everyone on staff is happy to see Leslie, and not just because she is our favorite customer. Thank you for sharing her with us, we are indeed blessed.
Music to my ears, Lei Ann. Your eloquent response shows how attentive customer service soothes all situations.