Zoo Lights

Every year, the zoo decorates several sections with gorgeous Christmas lights.
You get to walk around the zoo and see amazing lights, listen to festive music, go into a couple of gift shops, and even warm up beside individual firepits.
There are games for kids to play and even a skating rink!
It is such a wonderful event and until this year, I have never been able to truly enjoy this event. I did go one year, but I could not manage the entire area and had to leave early.

Since we got the wheelchair for me - Zoo Lights was one of the first things we thought of (along with going to the zoo itself and seeing all of the animals). I cannot walk the zoo anymore, so it had fallen into this pit of 'lost activities'. Last night, though, we got to go to Zoo Lights. We went through every single section, we enjoyed hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, and even saw Santa! (While Rj enjoyed ice cream).
Instead of being entirely distracted by pain and struggling to stay upright, I got to see every little decoration, go down every single section, and just enjoy the entire experience.

Of course, having to use a wheelchair is not how I had envisioned 'enjoying' myself. When I see photos of me sitting in a wheelchair, it kind of hits me.
But then I remember all of the new things (or old things) that I can enjoy now that I don't have to force myself to walk in a situation I shouldn't be walking. Activities like going to the zoo or going Christmas shopping in an actual mall, watching a performance at a theatre, or even doing a big grocery shopping trip are all now feasible with the wheelchair. Sure it is disappointing how far my activity level has fallen, but if I can still practice yoga at home, if I can be active every couple of months on a random really-good-day, and if I can now enjoy going to events I could not previously enjoy, it's a win.
Plus, having a bff and a hubby willing to push me and help me out going to things like this makes everything even better.

Such a great night. I love Zoo Lights.
Today is still a Crash Day, but I actually got to SEE and EXPERIENCE it all. That's worth it to me!