Finally, the first installment of AWD after I came back from Europe. My dad is slowly getting better, but he’s decided that it was best to buy a wheelchair. Special thanks to Hawaiian Medical Supply store for hooking us up! They were all so helpful and nice.
We bought a wheelchair where he couldn’t push himself. So, that means I am his driver. So, far we had one spill at the park, but we are okay now.
As a person pushing a wheelchair, I started to realize how small the world is. Slowly I started realizing how small the grocery store’s aisle and sidewalks are. Rolling into an elevator is always a challenge, because the doors are sometime quick to shut or there is not enough room for a wheelchair. At the same time, I realized how amazingly nice strangers can be. People are quick to give up their spot on the sidewalk, so we can pass by. Or holding the door open for a long time, while I’m trying to get him inside a building.
Bim Bim Bap
After buying his wheelchair, we ate at my dad’s favorite Korean restaurant, Jong Ga. Walking inside the small (tight!) restaurant realizing that I have to wheel my dad in here was NOT going to happen. The owner was nice enough to give us a 6 top by the door. Jong Ga is quite expensive, but if you eat from their “specials”, it’s quite cheap. I got Bim Bim Bap for $5 (normally $8) and my dad got some kind of soup for $6. The best part of Korean cuisine…all these free side orders.
Dad’s Korean Soup
Since my dad is pretty much bed ridden, he wanted to go to the park. Ala Moana Beach park was oddly not crowded for a sunny day. It was nice to be at the beach. Sadly to say, Ala Moana Beach park is not built for wheelchairs, which is a pity.
Dad pointing at the stand up paddle boarders and the lack of surf.
A view of Diamond Head is just what a wheelchair daddy needs.
I hope that everything goes well with your Dad Jen.
In the meantime, it sounds as if you have the best perspective that there is to have in challenging times like those… that struggles and sickness serve to set perspective and appreciation for the things that we do have and the things that we can enjoy. Without the contrast, we wouldnt have health and happiness.
Stay strong and happy Jen
Awe…Dan. My dad is every so slowly getting better, which is good. Sometime I get a little frustrated at the situation. It’s hard to find a parking stall big enough to pull out the wheelchair…you know stuff like that. All these little things we take for granted.
Sorry to hear about your dad but glad he is getting better. That Korean restaurant looked pretty darn good!
Thank you so much!!! He is slowly getting better. It’s going to be a long road to recovery.
Korean restaurant was so good. It’s my dad’s comfort food. LOL I guess we all need some food comfort for time to time.
I know what you mean about the wheel chair thing not the easiest thing to maneuver. Lucky your daddy is a skinny mini cause my grandmother god rest her soul was a robust german woman and me not being thin only added to the dilemma. Imagine me huffing and puffing not cute nah-uh not cute at all. I am glad you and dad are getting out and about. The road to recovery is a slow one, but he will be back at it before you know it. I will keep positive thoughts in the universe for dad and you. Can’t wait to see you soon
Batman!!!!! LOL Thanks for your words of encouragement. You are right…it’s lucky that my dad doesn’t weight more than me. So, pushing him up hill is not as hard as IT should be. Damn, I can’t believe my dad is skinnier than me. WTF. LOL
I totally can’t wait for Batman! Man!!!!! I can’t wait. Can you tell that I can’t wait?!? LOL Miss you!
your daddy must be very glad to have you!
He better be. Nah, I’m just kidding. He is very appreciative for everything. I wish I could take the pain away.
You are one amazing daughter!
It’s funny how we see the world and then one change can make you completely change your mind and see things from another perspective.
Keep up the amazing work!
I wouldn’t say “amazing”, but more like returning the favor. I figured he took care of me for 20+ years, I must take care of him for his last 20+ years. LOL
i realized the same thing when kayla was still being pushed in a stroller.
and when i saw your pics, i was all “where’s the kalbi?!” LOL. kalbi is my fav korean dish.
your dad is adorable
Totally. It must be hard push a stroller or wheelchair anywhere.
I love Kalbi, too. There is no sexy or cute way to eat it either. You just gotta pick it up and bite right into it. LOL
Hey Jen, you can apply for a handicap for your car to make things easier for you & dad. You are such a good girl, taking care of him. I’m a daddy’s girl too and love spending time with him. The food looks so ono there…I’ve never been. Yup, I prefer to eat my Khalbi at home so I can clean off the bone in a very unladylike fashion.
Great shot of Ala Mo too!
I totally want to apply for one, but I don’t know how. I mean, my dad is not permanently disabled. We anticipate his recovery time to be 3 months. I heard from a couple of strangers that it took them two months to get their stickers. Have you ever applied for one? I should look into it. Thanks for the suggestion/reminder. It would totally make life so much easier for me.
I think kalbi should ONLY be eating like a man. LOL Kalbi, spaghetti, and ribs are my two no-no on a first date.
Aw, I’m glad your dad is recovering. Your pictures are just pure beautiful. You’re taking fantastic care of him Jen. Hope things just keep getting better from here for both of you.
Thanks. I don’t know if I’m taking care of him as well as a nurse, but I’m trying. I did already drop him out of his wheelchair…so that wasn’t good on my part. LOL Don’t worry, he is okay. That day was especially sunny and deserted. Very rare for such a popular beach. I really liked the picture of my dad pointing.
It’s sweet that people are being so accommodating! And I love that you took Sruffy with you to the beach!
Totally! I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m glad people still cares. Ya, I wish I could let him roam free, but then he would run away from me. LOL It was hard to walk both my dad and Scruffy. Next time, I gotta leave one of them behind. LOL
You’re such a good daughter. =-)
But I can’t believe you actually found dishes that were $5-6?! Korea food like that tends to be kinda pricey here, I’ve been noticing. Well, actually, I can’t believe you found any meal here for $5. So that place’s specials must be amazing.
Thanks..I don’t think I’m a good daughter. I like to think of it as me paying him back for being a good father. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s getting better.
I know…Korean food is so expensive here, considering the fact that there is so many restaurants here. That restaurant is always busy. Their special menu hours are 11AM – 1AM, so everybody goes there for cheap authentic Korean food. Try it out.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. I’m loving your blog and find solo traveling very fascinating. I want to do that one day, but I’m still trying to find the courage to do so.
You are such a good daughter, Jen. It really shows how much you love your dad. Hope to see you soon in Hilo!
Awe, thanks, Gwen. I don’t think I’m THAT good of a daughter. I see it as paying back all those years I needed to be taken care of and those “loans” that I never pay back. LOL
Yes! I’m planing it as I speak. I’m debating if I should bring Scruffy with me. Let’s do something fun. We’ll figure something out.
You ARE an amazing daughter to take care of your dad. Some children aren’t so respectful, and it always saddens me. I totally understand you about the accessibility of things. Whenever we go anywhere, we always think about stuff like that b/c my mom is on crutches and is sometimes in a wheelchair. Hope you can go to your fav places with your dad still though! Hope he is on his feet again in no time!
I don’t know if this is an Asian thing, but I feel like it’s natural for the kids to take care of their parents. I find it common to see Asian families live with their elders than ship them off to a care home. Maybe that’s just me. I’m glad that I can help him. I was afraid that maybe I couldn’t handle it.