Ron's POZ Blog

... AFTER 7 ½ YEARS!

Today (5/31) I went for my hand control driving test and passed – on the first try – totally amazing me.

I haven’t driven a car since the end of October 1999 and with my HIV/ AIDS/ PML diagnosis in November 1999, my driving privileges were effectively and thoroughly halted by a note from my doctor to the DMV.

I remember having to give up my 1999 Chevy Blazer – metallic sand with a taupe interior – sigh. I really enjoyed that SUV. It had been my first car in 8 years since moving to Manhattan. Back then, I looked forward to my weekend jaunts to the Long Island beaches and tourist attractions, down to New Hope and Philadelphia, PA or back to my home town in Northeast Pennsylvania (where I now live).

During the week, I garaged it at my best friend’s place on Staten Island. So, every Friday after work, I would take the #1, 2, 3 or 9 subway down to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal – running like a mad man just so I could get to the front deck and enjoy the breeze and the sights – always on the right as I went to Staten Island – Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. To this day, I still have never been to Liberty Island or in the Statue – B A D American!!

I would dash off the ferry and sprint for the bus which would take me to my friend’s house – a quick excursion of 10 minutes and then – voilá, my SUV and then off to a weekend adventure away from Manhattan.

I remember hating Sunday evening and having to leave the Blazer. The only upbeat event for me was the ferry ride back to Manhattan – the Statue of Liberty was all lit up (on my left now) as was Ellis Island, but then, straight ahead, was the breathtaking view of Lower Manhattan. This was summer and early autumn of 1999, so the nights were warm and having the breeze caress me as I stood at the front of the ferry, added to the entire giddiness of my being. (Yes, I am a hopeless romantic!) And, The World Trade Center still dominated that glorious skyline back then.

I have to admit that no matter how many times I saw the Manhattan skyline from the ferry or as the plane I was on flew over, the sight still took my breath away.

Well, I am now going to begin my search for a converted mini-van with the hope of re-discovered freedom. The mini-van is my ideal vehicle because I will be able to take my motorized wheelchair along. I will just drive it up the ramp, fasten it down, get into the driver’s seat and then – go!

Then when I get to where I am going, I can use my motorized wheelchair to maneuver along. I plan on going to movie theatres, concerts, plays and even high school football games. I may even venture to a club or two!

I can’t wait to go shopping whenever I want or need. A trip to a flea market or a church bazaar can be fun too!

But, most of all, I look forward to being able to take road trips to New York City, Philadelphia and New Hope, PA soon.

I have to add one very important notation to this BLOG – I am still very much working on walking again using my parallel bars, rolling walker and Pilates. I plan my water therapy this summer, too. The driver’s license and the mini-van are part of my freedom – to once again enjoy the things ambulatory people take for granted. I see the whole thing as a step on my way to walking, not as resignation. I do not plan to give up my desire to walk.