Taking to the ice in Cardiff Winter wonderland was amazing. There are times in the year that are all about friends, Family and loved ones. Christmas is one of those times.
Christmas 2014 is my first Christmas in my chair. A miles stone in many ways, it’s the closure of my first year as a chair user. The land mark of my first winter and it was a celebration of some of the amazing people I have met along my journey.
This year we decided to really make the most of the things available, to get out and enjoy life to its fullest. One of those decisions was to make the most of life events. Ice skating and the Cardiff winter wonderland, what could go wrong? Drinking mauled wine, eating hod dogs straight off the coals and indulging on candy floss. Perfect. To enjoy this with some of our close friends made it very special.
To say taking to the ice was a frightening thought was an understatement. We waited in line for a few moment. Thoughts went through my head like their was going to be 250 people on the ice! What happens if I fall out? Could I hit someone over? What if I go backwards and hit my head? What if I get on there and can’t move? How the hell do I get on the ice in the first place?
Well these thoughts I am sure are perfectly normal. I was determined to give this a go and see what happens . As it happens the staff where all great and very helpful. My wife love her can’t skate. I knew she would be no real help on this one but take to the ice I did.
It was amazing moving was strange at first. I soon realised that I needed to simply start slow and work up to it. The other people on the ice where fine they just skated around us. Somehow I never bumped into any one. I was shocked at how stable I was on the ice. I even pulled a wheelie just for a laugh.
The best part for me was when my wife held onto the back of my chair and I pulled us both around. this was a first, and the most fun time had in ages. I was able to help her with something! I was able to support her when she needed it! As strange and small as that may seem, for me it was massive.
All in all it was an amazing achievement. I tried I tested and I survived. here it is just one more thing I can tick off my list. Don’t be afraid to try things! Don’t feel you can’t do something because you think it is impossible. Hit the ice and see where it takes you. Life can be slippery at times but it can also be fun and exciting as well.