Tune in as Joni describes a time in her life when yes – she drove a car! It’s a program that is sure to educate you more on disability awareness.
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SHAUNA: And Joni, I bet not many people nowadays remember that, as a quadriplegic, you used to drive a van! Even I can’t imagine that…
JONI: Well, it’s true, I drove a big Ford Econoline van. This was back, oh, between 1980 into 2001. Yes, they let quadriplegics like me on the freeway. I should explain that it did not have a steering wheel, but that’s another story. [There was this big joystick where my hand could be secured, and I would push forward to accelerate, and twist my shoulder to turn right or left]. Anyway! I remember cruising into the drive-thru lane of a fast-food restaurant to order hamburgers and Cokes. After I gave my order over the intercom, I explained to the cashier at the window that he’d have to help me since I was disabled. No problem [I did not tell him that I couldn’t use my hands… I figured that I’d show him when I drove up to the window].
When I stopped beside the delivery window, I stuck my arm out the van window, and asked the cashier to take the twenty-dollar bill that was folded in my arm splint. That was no problem, either. As another server was bagging my order, I asked him to drop my change into the bag, as well. Both guys looked at each other, a little confused, and so I smiled and slowly repeated my instructions.
They got the message, and they even wrapped the change in a napkin before they placed it into the bag with the food. They tried to hand me the bag, but I asked, “Could you please lean out of your window a bit more and wedge the bag right here between my hip and the van door?” Both guys looked at each other. “Remember? I can’t use my hands” I smiled. “Oh yeah,” they laughed and proceeded to reach over and shove the package securely between my wheelchair and the door. I could tell they felt very disability aware when I thanked them profusely for doing something new and different in order to help me. They were leaning out the window and waving as I drove off. And I smiled back knowing those two boys would now have a new excitement for making life more accessible for wheelchair-users like me. And… what ‘could’ have been an awkward, embarrassing situation turned out to be sheer fun for them, and for me, too.
SHAUNA: I bet! And Joni, I think all of our friends listening want to now take a complicated situation and with a little time, patience, and a smile… turn it into something positive... for themselves and for others.
JONI: Proverbs 16:21 says that “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.”
SHAUNA: The last part of that verse really fits your story, Joni. You made your words pleasant, and I’m certain that made the cashier and the fellow packing your order feel relaxed and unafraid. Like the verse says, pleasant words promote instruction. And friend listening, we found video footage of Joni actually driving her van, so if you want to see for yourself, we’ve posted it at joniradio.org. And make ‘your’ words pleasant, whether to a cashier at a drive-thru ‘or’ to the kid who packs your groceries. We’ve said it before here on Sharing Hope, that our words have great impact, so today may your instructions be a blessing to others. And visit joniradio.org to see our friend here driving that big Ford Econoline.
© Joni and Friends