To my dearest Quantum® Power Wheelchair,
Most Valentine’s Day love letters are written to people, but this year, I’m expressing my love for you. You truly deserve to be showered with so very much affection and gratitude. For so long, you have been my most reliable companion. You have carried me near and far, never tiring or giving up on me. Whether it’s a mundane trip to the grocery store or a cross-country journey, you have never left my side. You are the driving force behind every adventure I take.
Thank you for holding me in all the right places and for giving my body the strong, sturdy support it needs. Thank you for feeling solid beneath me and making sure I’m safe. Thank you for helping me tackle even the toughest roads. Thank you for giving me freedom of movement and expanding the possibilities of what I can do and where I can go. Thank you for always being there for me as I explore the world.
There’s so much about you that I admire. In fact, I think you’re beautiful, even if other people harshly judge your appearance. Don’t listen to those people. I love your bright purple color and how you wear it unabashedly. I love how you can turn heads as people pass by. And I love how you never shy away from calling attention to yourself. You’re big and you’re bold and you take up lots of space but you never apologize for it because you know you’re just faithfully doing your job: bringing me where I want to be or need to go.
Sometimes, there are places where you’re not wanted or welcome, where the barriers are too high for you to climb. Please know that’s not your fault at all. You have every right to go anywhere and everywhere, because you belong there. I only wish society could appreciate you as much as I do and open themselves up to you, both physically and figuratively.
I know I’ve put you through a lot. I’ve pushed you to move forward through long days and nights. In return for all you have done for me, I promise to continue to take the best care of you that I possibly can and to call the right person to fix you when you are broken. I am sorry for the nights I’ve forgotten to charge you, but know that you are a top priority for me. I am sorry that things can get a bit messy at times, but no matter what, I’ll always clean the mud off your wheels.
I know that having you in my life is a privilege and it’s not one I ever take for granted. I am so very lucky to have you, so please never forget that. Together, we have already experienced so much, and I cannot wait to see where we will go next.
Love always,
Emily
About Emily Ladau: Emily uses the Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility. She is a blogger and serves as the editor in chief of Rooted in Rights. She co-hosts a podcast and has been recognized as an emerging leader in the disability community. Emily lives on Long Island and enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants. Click here to learn more about Emily.