The Freedom to Play With My Nephew

by Jared Wayland

One of the biggest joys of my life has been watching my brother’s son grow up. He will turn 4 years old on Christmas day this year, and I can honestly say that seeing him develop into the smart, creative and fearless little guy that he is today has been nothing short of amazing.

I remember for the first few years, and I was still primarily a manual wheelchair, whether or not I would ever get to experience truly playing and interacting with him. Sure, I did as much as I could, but when playtime moved to different surfaces, or into the yard, it was extremely difficult for me to be as involved as I would have liked. I would throw a ball, or he would bring me things he was playing with - but I wasn’t nearly as involved as I would have liked to be - and that was hard sometimes.

When the Quantum Edge 3 Stretto with iLevel technology came around though, it opened up a whole new set of doors for me and what I was able to do when I got to see him. I am now able to fully immerse myself in most activities with him, and believe me, there is no lack of them! He is a super active kid and is always on the go. When we are together, games range from playing with his toy golf clubs on the grass to going on adventures when he comes to visit me through my “backyard jungle” as he likes to call it (we have a large yard at my house, filled with many trees, plants and vegetables). There is always something new to do, and the Edge 3 Stretto has allowed me to feel safe and comfortable going “off road” and joining in these activities - something that I couldn’t even have imagined a year ago. I love being able to show him around our vegetable garden and letting him try all sorts of different vegetables (he HATES beans)! He also loves to get in his Power-Wheel John Deere Tractor and challenge me to “races” up and down the driveway or through the yard - races which he always seems to win! It is a real treat to be able to experience these moments with him, and in doing so, we have developed quite a strong bond. He loves hanging out with Uncle Jared.

Aside from playing games and having fun, it has also been a great opportunity for me to teach him that just because someone uses a wheelchair or powerchair, it doesn’t make them any different than himself. Being an inquisitive kid, he is always asking me questions about why I use a chair, or how come I can’t run around like he does - and when I answer him, he is always thinking of new or easier ways that I can join him in his fun. He even knows how to make my Stretto Edge 3 go “up and down”, and absolutely loves the fact that it has a horn and running lights!

I look forward to every chance I get to be with him, and I am so excited and lucky to be able to watch him grow up and be a part of that journey.