Rachel's Miracle

Grocery shopping can be a challenge for anyone;but for someone with a brain injury, the problem is greatly magnified.

My shopping challenge begins with taking inventory in my Ipad grocery app which is a continuous process taking days or even weeks before the actual shopping trip. The app not only assists my memory by organizing the groceries I need, but it also keeps track of the running cost which helps me stay within my budget.

The next step, is the planning stage. The non-brain injured person can get up and go to the store whenever they want, but for me it takes much more of an effort. Most people do their grocery shopping when it fits into their schedule. Shopping not only has to be at my convenience, but also at the convenience of the person willing to take me. The only request I have for this person is to let me shop independently, no matter how long it takes. Today was one where it was convenient for both of us. Because repetition is instrumental for my memory, shopping at smaller stores, where items are always in the same area, minimizes confusion and frustration. But because I’m typically at the mercy of other people, I ended up at the mega store…Wal Mart… so let the challenge begin.

After setting up my Ipad in the grocery cart, which is now being used as a replacement for my cane, I’m off in search of the first item on my list... deodorant, but since I’m at a new store, it’s not in the spot I thought it would be. Deep breath Rach, it’s okay. So I stop, look around, think logically and go on to do this with each item on my list. It’s difficult for me to bounce around on my shopping list, I have to search for items in the order that I have them listed. And of course this takes me to one end of the store and back to the other end multiple times. Sometimes I wonder what this looks like to others; Oh well, their problem I guess! Perhaps down the road I can figure out how to better organize my grocery app so I can locate items by aisle. But for now, it is what it is.

After I’ve found all my groceries, it’s time to checkout... OH BOY! Most people look for the shortest checkout line, but I look for a lengthy line to ensure giving myself the extra time I need to secure my payment. Due to my left arm impairment, I have to open my purse, wallet and dig out my credit card or money with just one hand. After the checkout is complete, I have to hurry to get out of the way so as the people behind me won’t get impatient. You see, it takes just as long to put everything back in my wallet as it did taking it out.

Now it’s all done, or is it?  Nope, I still have to find the car. Fortunately I’m parked right in the front. Thank goodness for the handicapped spot, well at least something good came out of all this.

Now that it’s all over and I've had time to reflect on the experience I feel a great sense of accomplishment. . . not to mention relief! I realize this will only get better through practice.