Ramping It Up

The ramp began even before the Greeks claimed its invention. How do you think the Egyptians hauled up those huge blocks of stone you see the tourist attraction chap climbing  at THE pyramids? The most identifiable ones. Not that there aren't pyramids all over the world of one size or another. The ramp makes it a lot easier to push or pull a heavy weight up or down. We use them on freeways, in warehouses, at sidewalk corners and just about anywhere they do a  job to make life a little easier. Wheel chair folks need ramps because their "feet" may be their wheels. It's no light matter when you are wheel chair-bound and must have, not just want, the convenience of ramps. If you are in a wheel chair or assisting with one, you know what I mean. In this day of every assistance imaginable to make life simpler, sometimes it is forgotten that even a one inch barrier can keep some people imprisoned in a world that prevents them from freely moving about. Not just for the aged, but at any age, a ramp helps when you need it. I love my walker. I feel absolutely no shame for it. I'm not a person influenced by those ignorants  who think they are never going to grow old, and joke about elders. As an elder, I do what I need and what I love are canes, walkers and any other items that make my life easier. I do it without a whit of shame or embarrassment. I love live theatre and one of my faves is the White Rock Players Playhouse. Previously, I didn't know there was a ramp to my favorite season ticket seat. I struggled with a cane to mount the steps to the seating floor. The people in the theatre are surprisingly patient with my slowness,  but I don't miss the occasional frustrated sigh and little groans of those behind me. And I am not about to apologise for aging. It's natural. When I learned that there was a hidden ramp at the playhouse, I was thrilled because when I get out of my taxi going to the theatre as a single old lady, I may now take along my dear buddy, a folding walker. Next play night, I am free to zip along and ramp off to the bar for a small red wine before the second act. Ramping it up!