Some individuals refuse to let even the most daunting disabilities hinder their ability to find joy in life. Such is the case for Rick Dorothy, a creative soul who possesses an unwavering determination to overcome any limitations. Rick’s path intersected with his wife, Jan, 15 years ago when they were both employed by the same company. Having experienced failed marriages in the past, they fell in love, tied the knot, and subsequently welcomed two children into their lives.
After Rick lost his job, the couple made the decision to downsize their home and embark on a woodworking business. Rick, who possesses a knack for craftsmanship, found solace in woodworking, and Jan lent her support by contributing to production and managing the finances.
Jan proved to be Rick’s steadfast partner in their ventures. “She was my left hand for the next few years,” Rick fondly recollected. “We built together, cut wood together, and made money together. Everything seemed to be coming true, and our life was happy and productive. Life was good to us.”
Their idyllic routine took an unexpected turn when Jan’s mother fell ill, prompting her to move in with Rick and Jan. Jan assumed the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother, and they began taking long walks together on a daily basis—moments that provided an opportunity for conversation, relaxation, and making plans for the future.
However, during one of these walks, they noticed Jan dragging her right foot. Initially, they dismissed it as a temporary inconvenience that would fade away with time and increased strength from walking. Sadly, the situation deteriorated rather than improving. A visit to the doctor delivered a sorrowful diagnosis: Jan had multiple sclerosis (MS).
“As we conducted our research, the future appeared increasingly bleak,” Rick revealed. “To this day, Jan has never shed a tear or complained, nor has she ever pitied herself. I wish I could say the same for myself. Nevertheless, I resolved to do everything in my power to make her life as normal as possible, in whatever way I could. We made a pact not to let MS rob us of the life we cherished.”
Regrettably, Jan’s condition reached a point where she could no longer partake in the cherished long walks through the woods. Rick, ever the innovator, began to envision potential solutions to their predicament. Inspiration struck when he saw a television program featuring a rickshaw. That moment sparked an idea in Rick’s mind: what if he repurposed some old wooden wheels he had lying around to construct a rickshaw specifically for Jan?
The prospect was met with skepticism from their children, and even Jan harbored doubts regarding Rick’s ability to pull her in the rickshaw. Nevertheless, she willingly gave it a try.
“When it was finally complete and ready for its maiden voyage, it felt as though I was asking her to step into a homemade airplane,” Rick reminisced. “She settled into it and sat down. ‘Hey, this is pretty comfortable,’ she said, smiling. As I lifted the front and tilted her back in her seat, her eyes widened. ‘It won’t tip over backward?’ she inquired. And off we went, down the lengthy driveway and onto the road. ‘This is quite cool,’ she declared, with a slight grin. ‘And how is it for you?’ My experience was inconsequential; I would have risked breaking both legs to take her on that first ride.”
To their delight, Rick and Jan discovered that the rickshaw worked wonderfully! Each member of the family has taken turns pulling the rickshaw, and they all attest to its surprising ease and lightness.
“It is custom-built to accommodate her weight and size but can be adjusted if necessary,” Rick shared on Facebook. “Weighing only 35 pounds, it can be quickly disassembled to fit into our Subaru Outback. Pulling her requires minimal effort, even on slight inclines, and we can transition on and off trails within minutes.
The rickshaw features a suspension system that ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. The wheels were repurposed from a land sailer, a stroke rehabilitation device, and a childhood fun cart for my kids.”
Rick hopes that by sharing the story of their rickshaw with the world, others will recognize that no obstacle is insurmountable with a touch of ingenuity.
“Take life one day at a time, and when life erects a brick wall before you, build a ladder and overcome it,” he encouraged. “As long as I possess the strength to walk, Jan and I will continue to embark on those long walks through the woods.”
Rick’s unwavering devotion to his wife is truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt wishes to them for many more years of cherished moments while taking their long walks together.
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