Written by: Josh McDermott
It’s officially November, and for most people, fall is in full swing. Where I live in the Carolinas, I get about an extra 60 days of summer. The leaves here do change color and eventually fall to the ground, but this doesn’t start happening until November. The days begin to cool down, and at night, it’s perfect weather for an outdoor fire, with temperatures consistently in the 60s.
In the beach town where I live, you’re allowed to have a fire on the beach, which makes for some of my favorite evenings. I usually get together with friends or neighbors, enjoying drinks around a fire on the sand. Everyone brings a snack to share while we watch the sunset. Unfortunately, my power chair can’t go on the sand, but my town has wheelchair ramps and mats that allow me to get close to the fire. I either transfer into a regular beach chair with the help of two friends, or one friend picks me up and carries me over to a chair by the fire. I’m grateful for a wonderful group of friends and neighbors who are always willing to help.
The sunsets this time of year are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. When the sky is cloudy, it’s common to see vivid, fluorescent oranges, yellows, and reds—so vibrant they almost look unreal. Photos don’t do them justice.
This past week was Halloween, and my part of town has a special tradition where parents bring their kids to a local park, where different candy stations are set up so kids can trick-or-treat safely. I volunteered to hand out candy this year. I love giving back to the community, and it’s also a great way for kids to learn about disabilities and interact with someone who uses a wheelchair. One of my favorite things is educating others about disability and wheelchairs. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited this time of year, and I make the most of it before it starts getting too cold.