A rollator speaks — with a special request
This columnist's neglected mobility aid is not happy with her
The other day when I sat down at my computer, I discovered a small, beige envelope that had been left near my workspace. To my surprise, inside was a letter addressed to me from the rollator that helps me live with ALS.
After a quick read of the note, I looked to the right at my rollator and whispered, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you felt that way. I’ll do my best to change my ways.”
Then I read the letter again:
Dear Dagmar,
I’ve been waiting. I knew this day would come: the day when I finally decide it’s time for me to speak up, not only for myself, but also for all the hard-working rollators in our ALS community.
First, let’s acknowledge that you, Dagmar, were not a happy camper when I arrived back in 2011. I realize you weren’t pleased to see me emerge from the cardboard box delivered to your front door. As someone recently diagnosed with ALS, your initial symptoms of weak legs and feet compelled you to accept my help. My job was to keep you balanced while walking or standing in place.
Over time, our relationship did improve. You learned to trust my support, take comfort in my presence, and even tolerate my red-and-black colors. (I know that in your heart, you yearned for a rollator painted in Southwestern hues of your Arizona home.)
Then we hit a milestone in our relationship when I was featured in several of your columns for ALS News Today. My favorite was “How I Learned to Love My Rollator.” The column “New to rollators for ALS? Here’s what helped me adjust” holds second place in my heart.
I even tolerated having to share our friendship with that self-centered, razzmatazz, chair on wheels (the mobility scooter). Monsieur Scooter resides in the family van, which has an automated ramp and only encourages his VIP ego. Whenever you were off doing errands, you’d leave me languishing in the dark and dusty garage until your return hours later.
My best memories of our partnership are from the pandemic lockdown, particularly your obsession with cleaning. Oh, I so enjoyed the daily wipe-downs with those little antiseptic cloths. I gleamed, I was shiny, and you paid attention to me.
That brings me to the real reason for this letter. Frankly, I feel utterly and completely ignored. For years I’ve faithfully served you, bearing the weight of countless knitting projects, along with many books and catalogs. I even trekked from one end of the house to the other carrying small mounds of soiled laundry on its way to the washer. Sheesh, I’m a mobility aid, not a glorified luggage rack.
Nowadays, I’m lucky to receive a cursory swish with a damp cloth. I fear I’m collecting little dust bunnies in my joints. I worry that my handles are becoming sticky. And my wheels need attending to. Yes, that’s me glaring at you with my nonexistent hands on my nonexistent hips.
Maybe, just maybe, could I have a decent wash?
I might just be a rollator, but even a rollator deserves to be appreciated. And sometimes speaking up is all it takes to remind people of that.
Yours devotedly,
Dagmar’s Rollator
Note from Dagmar: I’m happy to report that my rollator recently received a thorough and satisfactory cleaning. That will become a once-a-month routine, to be noted in my calendar. My rollator and I continue to maintain a close partnership, and together, we continue to learn to live well while living with ALS.
Note: ALS News Today 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 other 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.
About the Author
Gail Albert
I love your humor and your gift with words. Definitely put a smile on my face. For a while now, as my husband became quadriplegic, I found your columns less relevant to us at this point in our journey. Much more helpful early on.But the title intrigued me and I am so glad I read it. My husband never had a rollator, but he does have a power chair. And come to think of it, that chair could use a good cleaning.🤨 Anyway, thank you for smile; I’m sure there are many others who appreciated your column this week.
Dagmar Munn
Thank you Gail. Best wishes to you and your husband. Dagmar
Mary Carola Connolly
Love the letter from your 4-wheeled friend. My husband's devices were tended to as was his car which he eventually could no longer drive. Since his passing a year ago I suppose I should check on the 4-wheelers that remain in storage and re-home them as I did many assistive devices, a van, a very fancy rolling shower chair, his Permobile power chair, a toilet lift and more. More recently, my neighbors who have emerging mobility needs have come to borrow the portable ramps and bathroom devices--they knew we took care to plan ahead for my husband's needs and now I feel good about paying it forward. We were always open about what we needed given the extreme challenges of ALS and I remain very active in the ALS community and in my neighborhood advocating and providing for others. Thank you for the continued inspiration Dagmar.
Dagmar Munn
Thank you for sharing Mary. I send you hugs across the miles. Dagmar
Ellyn Maloney
I really enjoyed this column and your sense of humor. That humor is what got my Late husband and I through the rough times