Tonight coming home from work, an old lady in her wheelchair was on the sidewalk at a busy intersection. Everyone passed by. I stopped for the light, kept my nose down, but she seemed like she needed something. I took off my headphones and asked.
She couldn’t get home. She only moved a few inches at a time by pulling forward with her feet, and the sidewalks in this city are terrible! I pushed her and chatted. Her name is Krista. She had traveled the world and married a very handsome man despite not speaking his language, much to her parents’ disapproval. She’d come out especially to get a print of a debonair gentleman from the 1920s or so named “Barrymore,” and said he was a comedian. A dedicated fan, Krista.
Cars pulled up past the ramps and blocked us, so I knocked on a window and they scooted back. Tree roots had rumpled the concrete; I cannot imagine how this woman gets around, but she can’t get very far. Ballard is not designed for the disabled, even with several senior and care homes.
Help your neighbors. Seattleites might not be known for being chatty, but we have to be kind. I saw at the protest how much people are willing to help if they’re willing to come together.
If sidewalks near you are inaccessible, look up the Sidewalk Repair Program, call (206) 684-7623, or email 684-Road@seattle.gov
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