Today marks 4 years, to the date,
that I signed the papers purchasing my modified van. It was it a joyous occasion for our entire
household! This modified van was going to change all of our lives and make things a lot easier. While this was a proud day, the journey to get here was not easy. As
I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but think about the others who may be
experiencing the same difficultly and feel like there is no light at the end of
the tunnel. Well, I am here to let you know there is.
I always knew I wanted the
independence and freedom of driving, I just didn’t know how to go about it. I
would practice driving in my parents’ car, using my legs to operate the gas and
brakes. With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a bone condition, I knew driving this way would
be a short-term remedy, because my legs would eventually tire out.
When I was a junior in high school,
like every teen in that stage of their life, I was excited about getting my
driver’s permit. My parents and I had talked about me driving and that
following weekend, they were taking me to get my permit. I was so excited about this FINALLY
happening for me. My friends were too!
The Saturday morning of the driving
test came. My entire family was ready to get this show on the road. I studied
for weeks on top of driving, I was very confident going into the test. We
arrive at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), and I waited for them to call
my number. As we get to the counter when my number was called, an employee at
the window said I couldn’t take the test.
We initially thought it was a
misunderstanding and clarified that I was there for a permit, not a driver’s
license. The employee told us, in a very nasty way, that the answer was still
no. My parents asked why I wasn’t allowed to take the test and the only
explanation she gave, was because I was in a wheelchair. The employee stated I
would need a special document showing I could take the test. We asked her if she knew what that documentation was, and she said no. She did not provide us with much direction.
When we left the DMV I bawled my
eyes out. I cried the ENTIRE ride home. I cried from disappointment and
embarrassment. I had bragged to my friends about getting my permit that
weekend. The thought of going back to school that Monday without my permit,
made me cry even more. I didn’t really know where to go from there or what was
next in my driving journey. I felt so defeated.
Part 2 of this blog series will be posted on Monday March 21st, 5:00pm.
See you soon!
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