As a person who ponders transportation and the lack there-of daily, I should have already formulated a better idea of what life is like without access to transportation. I’m the Outreach Specialist for Ride Connection and last week, I brought my car in for some repairs and find myself without my precious Honda Civic a week and a half later. It’s a minor inconvenience for me – I can take the bus, borrow my husband’s car, walk, bike… – and yet I find myself grumbling because: I’m late for work, I can’t carry my huge load of groceries home, it’s hot, there are no seats left on the bus. Halfway into my grumbles I stop to realize how very fortunate I am. There are people who have far bigger problems and obstacles than I.
What about the person who has to backtrack three blocks in order to find a proper curb cut so they can safely get themselves and their mobility device across the street? Or the person who can’t negotiate the hill that lies between her and the bus stop? Or the person who gave up their keys after years of driving only to find public transportation intimidating and daunting?
Perspective gained. And now, not only do I vow to drive my car less, I have a greater understanding of the challenges some people face. Thank you, Mr. Mechanic, for taking your sweet time with my car; for your leisurely pace has made me better at my job.
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