Rapunzel has always been one of my favorite Disney princesses because of how relatable I've found her story... sadly, that's especially true for me now. Living with multiple disabilities is incredibly hard; especially if you're like me and your disabilities prevent you from driving. Living in a small, rural kingdom with non-existent public transportation and minimal resources means opportunities to ever actually leave your castle are few and far between...
Recently, I ended up in a bad situation with my family that resulted in a meltdown due to all the stress. (◞‸◟,) A family member invited me and a friend to their in-law's place to swim in the pool over Labor Day weekend. I secured transportation plans with that family member and a second family member, but when I got to the pool, they both bailed on me!
The relative who drove my friend and me said they couldn't stay because of chores back home, and the other relative said they couldn't drive us back later because they brought their two dogs and had no room in the car! Eventually, the first relative said they couldn't stay or come back later. They tried to get me to rope another friend into giving me a ride, ultimately humiliating me in front of the friend who came with us. It left me with two terrible choices: fend for myself when they knew I couldn't, or leave immediately without getting to swim at all.
This situation only reinforced how truly trapped I feel sometimes, and how limiting it is to live with disabilities where you're forced to rely on others. I'm taking this week as an opportunity to rest, feel better, and look into driving resources for people living with disabilities.
Stay Sweet,
Elle
Read an article about associations between (c)PTSD symptoms and driving here ♡
Rapunzel is my absolute favorite! I honestly understand how you find her relatable because I do too. Feeling trapped is the worst feeling to have specially when its out of your own hands. I don't have any disabilities but I honestly understand how you feel. I'd love to read an update, if you find a driving resource:)
ReplyDeleteFeeling trapped really IS the worst feeling ever!! :'( I'm currently looking into a local driving school, but due to how expensive instruction is, I'm depending on friends to help me learn to drive before resorting to that for now. I'm also discussing options with my case manager. Keep your fingers crossed for me! 💕
DeleteThat comparison to Rapunzel was both beautiful and sad. 🥺 I can imagine how frustrating it must be to simply want to go out and do something with friends, only to end up depending on others just to get back home. I’m so sorry you went through that—especially the way it happened.
ReplyDeleteI hope this week of rest does you good and that you’re able to find resources that give you a bit more freedom. 🤍 And I hope for days when leaving the “castle” becomes much easier.
Oddly Mine
💕
DeleteI am so sorry to hear that happened to you. I bet that was incredibly frustrating. Living in a rural area where public transportation is non-existent I've often wondered what those people who can't drive do. We really should be doing so much better as a country to put more infrastructure in both in our cities and our rural areas both for our citizens and our planet.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! It's so frustrating that in 2026 America doesn't have even BASIC infrastructure for public transportation anywhere except major cities! In my experience, I rely heavily on friends and family to get me around and if I did not have that safety net in place, I truly don't know what I'd do/what others who don't have others to depend on do... hope you're having a great week, Jo!
DeleteI'm sorry you went through that, it must have felt horrible.. I pray you don't go through such a situation again
ReplyDeleteThank you ♡ I also hope I don't have to go through such a thing again... I appreciate your concern ♡
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