1995: I fall off a step ladder on an off the books job. Breaking my foot and fracturing and disfiguring my shoulder. Operated on my foot. Put a couple of screws in there. Put in a wheelchair for 4 months. Have to learn how to walk again. Now walk with a painful limp. I used to be able to walk for miles (and enjoyed it), but now cant even walk from one room to the other in my own home without discomfort or pain. (I was hoping to join the Army)
2004: One of my cats died. And also lost the use of my car because didnt have the money to have it fixed (it all went to vet bills). So to get to work and back home, I had to rely on public transportation. Problem was that the only bus stop nearest to my house was a 20 minute walk.
So, I would walk to that bus stop to take the bus to the train station (a ten minute ride). Then I had to wait for the train to come which was around 50 minutes. Then the train would take me a couple of stops (another ten minute ride) where I would endure another 50 minute wait for another bus to come and take me from the train station to my job (another ten minute ride).
As a result, I spent only 30 minutes riding, but two hours waiting/walking around for busses and trains. Both ways. 5 days a week I did this through the entire fall and wintertime. Walking through rain, snow, heavy wind, and freezing temps as well as waiting around in such weather for my train and busses to to come pick me up. It wasnt untill the weather got warmer this spring was I finally able to get the car repaired. (Taking a taxi to and from work was out of the question: Too expensive)
To everyone else who responded, I appreciate your comments and am floored by some of the stories I have read. Let's hope for many good years ahead.
GXK