Learning to Accept My Progression and Grandma’s Gift of a Wheelchair

Frankie Perazzola avatar

by Frankie Perazzola |

Share this article:

Share article via email
growth, accept, personal trainer, channeling energy, COVID-19, distractions

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Southern California, and I was out with my mom and my grandma. We usually get lunch in town and hang out for a while afterward. Shopping, running errands, or visiting someone at their house — whatever we do, I love our time together. At lunch, we discussed my birthday in August and our upcoming family vacation to Italy. The topics of potential birthday gifts and assistive devices came up, and we talked about what I would be bringing on our trip.

“Francesca, we’ve spoken about getting you a new wheelchair for months. I thought you were on top of it?” my grandma said. Her words hit me right in the stomach, and my lip began to quiver. Soon my shorts were wet from the tears falling onto my lap. I struggled to reply: “Nonna, I’m not ready to accept a wheelchair from my grandma. I’m sorry. It’s a lot for me right now.” Then, the hysterical crying kicked in.

I didn’t understand why I was so emotional, why I sobbed so hard that I couldn’t catch my breath. I’ve never previously had a breakdown like that in public. My family and I have discussed my getting a new chair or scooter since we booked our trip last year. I hadn’t cried or even thought about it — so why now?

I realized that I hadn’t expected to ask my grandmother for a wheelchair. I hadn’t said it aloud to her. And I think that I underestimated the depth and seriousness of my situation. I hadn’t known that this kind of stuff could get to me anymore. I believed that I had accepted the wheelchair aspect because I use one already. However, using my chair for events and outings that require a lot of walking was a nice option — but now it’s a necessity.

Interested in FA research? Check out our forums and join the conversation!

My first wheelchair was given to me by my friend, Chelsie Hill. Her boyfriend, Jay, who happens to work for a wheelchair company, took my measurements and adapted the chair perfectly for me. I received a customized wheelchair and a sense of comfort in knowing that I had a chair if I needed it. I didn’t think my progression would be so fast — but now I need it more than ever.

Recognizing that I now need a wheelchair for more than attending events is hard for me to grasp. I’m finally getting a taste of what it’s like to have a slowly progressive disease — at least, the physical aspect. My realization that I could not take this vacation without the use of a chair hit me harder than I had expected. For as long as I can remember, my family has dreamed about visiting our motherland, Italy. But I hadn’t imagined that I would be disabled and require so much help while on our dream vacation.

I’m still feeling a little emotionally “hungover” following the conversation with my grandma. As I type these words, I’m fighting back the tears and feeling drained, but I know that I’ll feel better in a few days. I need some time alone to reflect on my thoughts and recharge. And write. If you have stuck with me to the end of this column, thank you for reading and allowing me to vent. Thank you for your time and willingness to understand me. I appreciate you.

***

Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Comments

Mary Arzuman avatar

Mary Arzuman

Francesca, you are such a Warrior and such a Woman ! Thank you for staying so open to your Family, Friends, and to your Community. You know that you are not alone in this fight, but I can appreciate that it does get lonely. God bless your tears. You earn them daily. I send love & prayers your way.

Reply
Frankie Perazzola avatar

Frankie Perazzola

Thank you Mary!

Reply
Isabelle Desmarais avatar

Isabelle Desmarais

Hi Frankie, I'm Isabelle from Québec,Canada. I have just started to "know " you since yesterday, by reading a few papers you've made. First of all, I will say "Thank you". You are so inspiring me, you have me a lot of energy. I am 51, with FA, mother of a 20 years old daughter and 13 years old son. I started to walk with a cane in 2013, then with a service dog in 2015 and now with a walker since late 2018. Reading all your texts make me not feeling alone anymore. My mother tong language is French, please apologize for my poor English, I almost never use it or speak it. I will continue reading your beautiful writings.

Reply
Frankie Perazzola avatar

Frankie Perazzola

merci de raviver et heureux qu'ils aident! Ravi de vous rencontrer ❤️

Reply
Pamela E Shomette avatar

Pamela E Shomette

Hi Frankie. Your writing is beautiful and your feelings understandable. My son is 17 and diagnosed with FA last year. He doesn't need a wheelchair currently but his doctors want us to go ahead and have him fitted for one for when he does need it. At first I refused because I felt like we were giving in to the disease. I have finally relented and made an appointment because I realize there are times when his legs just won't cooperate and I don't want him to miss out on events. I can not yet accept the reality of him needing one daily. I continue to pray for a cure and I won't stop til one is found! God bless you!

Reply
Frankie Perazzola avatar

Frankie Perazzola

I cant imagine what its like being a parent of a child with FA. Thank you for reading! Sending love and prayers!

Reply
Barbie avatar

Barbie

I know the feeling, I had a similar experience. I thought I had excepted my chair because I was ok with useing it for long distance. Clearly I had not, I think it had to do with realizing that the chair is not an option or choice anymore. I appreciate you sharing your story.

Reply
Frankie Perazzola avatar

Frankie Perazzola

I appreciate you for reading!

Reply

Leave a comment

Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.