Today, my husband and I met one of his friends for lunch. We
were early, of course, and ordered our drinks while we waited. Then the
"Oh, no!" feeling struck: oh, I have to go to the bathroom, but, no I
can't because the washroom isn't accessible, even though a wheelchair symbol is
on the door. I know this from previous experience - been there, got stuck
before! The stall has a wide door and a grab bar, but getting into the washroom
requires two tight ninety degree turns - a maneuver my scooter is incapable of
performing.
The closest accessible washroom is at the mall in the next
block. I tried convincing myself that I can wait until after we have lunch.
After all, how long does lunch actually take? An hour? Meanwhile, I didn't dare
sip on my tall glass of ice tea, which I love. Merely looking at it intensified
the "'Oh, no!" feeling.
Focusing on the conversation became difficult. Half way
through my beef dip, the situation became desperate. I can tighten those
muscles only so long before the damn bursts. Making a mad dash to the mall's
washroom was the only way out without dire consequences.
I excused myself to get into my scooter and explained I had
to go the mall but would be back as quickly as possible. Darrell's friend
noticed the wheelchair sign on the washroom door. False advertising!
En route I encountered slow walkies. Why is it the more of a hurry I am in, the slower people
walk in front of me? I swerved to miss one guy who would have walked straight
into me. He hollered out, "You're going too fast!" My under-my-breath
response was not one Dad would say was ladylike.
In order to behave like a lady, she should have access to a
lady's room when she needs one!
