I live within a mile from Roxy.
Yesterday, my best friend, Toni, and I went to see the much anticipated movie "IT".
a bit of backstory: I have a dibilating disorder called Lipedema (increased weight gain, swelling, pain and weakness all from the waist down - are just a few of the symptoms). I have been fighting for many years to stay out of a wheelchair, but my condition progressing further each day.
With my disorder, I can fall with no notice. Being 6 feet tall makes the falls much harder and brutal - the floor is a long way and taking that bump is devastating to my body.
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IT has always been my favorite horror novel. I read it at eight years old, saw the mini-series when it aired at 10.
Since March I have had a countdown clock on my phone. And spent my nights discussing parts of the book we'd like to see in the movie, with strangers from the internet.
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Toni dropped me off at the door, while she went to park. I walked in, carrying my phone, trying to get my lock screen off.. I made a random joke to the teller, 'I had the confirmation, but of course - it's not working now...!'
After a few minutes, Toni and I were sitting at the fountain taking a celebratory selfie.
I, also, took an image of the tickets in my hand - "I've waited 27 years for this moment!"
We stood up, walking a few steps, looking at the concession stand.
As I stood there...suddenly it hit.
Right knee buckle. Right ankle turn.
I was falling.
I grabbed Toni's 5'4" framed body in a panic...'Oh my God! Oh my God!' I yelled, shaking all over. She grabbed my arm, scared 'what what?!?!'. 'I'm falling! My legs my legs!' I screamed, tensing up all the leg muscles I could.
She pulled my left arm over as quickly as she could, sitting me down at the fountain.
The tears ran down my face as I became aware that I wasn't breathing.
Toni pulled my face to look at her, "are you okay?!!! My God!"
I shook my head, finally breathing through my nose & wiping my tears nervously with my hands. 'I'm not...i can't...my legs..' was all I could mumble.
In my mind, the distance to the auditorium felt like a 100 mile hike.
All of the excitement to see the movie was disappearing fast.
I attempted to stand again. Only to fall back down.
Legs crumbling.
I let out a whimper as I sat on the cold concrete around the fountain. Looking around, I saw so many happy people walking around - I couldn't help but feel jealous.
All I wanted was for my legs to carry me a few feet. The easiest thing in the world to most.
I saw two employees come out of the auditorium after cleaning. A light bulb flashed over my head.
I looked at Toni, who's concern could be seen, and said "will you go ask that guy if he can help me?" pointing to one of the guys with brooms. He was around 6'4 and had some muscle.
She came back with him, Cody, and another guy who was a bit shorter, Jacob. "Please don't drop me. Ive been waiting my whole life for this." Cody smiled, reassuring me "we aren't going to drop you."
As they walked me past the popcorn do-it-yourself station, I was shaking all over. My heart was racing.
Suddenly, right leg buckles again. I yell in pain! Jacob, thinking fast says 'someone get an office chair for her!'
They stand with me, all of my weight on Cody, as their manager Tara arrives with the chair.
All three walked me into the auditorium, Toni in tow - carrying my wallet and a drink.
As they situated me at the front row I say to Cody through my tears, "I might need you guys again." he smiles "if you don't see me, tell them - I'll get you."
I sat crying and shaking. Not only from my fear but embarrassed. I called my parents and asked if they could bring my wheelchair when the movie was over. They said 'yes', then Toni attempted to distract me, 'We ARE watching this movie, Tamela!"
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When the movie ended, Cody and Jacob were already standing near the seats waiting to help. I called my parents who had just left with my chair.
About 10 minutes later, my parents arrived and my "Roxy Team" of Cody, Jacob and Tara were able to move me from the computer chair (Jacob laughed 'its my chair now!' Tara yelled out his first and middle name in scolding play - all attempting to ease my mind) to the wheelchair.
They wheeled me out and made me feel a lot better about the situation.
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I'm well aware that this is a long post. But, I had to make it long to help you understand how much it meant to me.
These three employees went above and waay beyond in their assistance. I cannot commend them enough.
You do not find many angels on earth, that help you in any way possible.
I found three.
Thank you, Tara, Cody and Jacob.
Any words I might have would not be anywhere NEAR enough to express my undying gratitude. read more