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 ♡
