I'm taking my 83-year-old dad to an Obama rally tomorrow!!!

[prolesunited]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

When I asked him if he wanted to go, his eyes lit up and he said yes right away. He's lived through so much and really changed his thinking about race. I'm so proud of him and happy to share this history-making moment with him.

But, we do have some concerns with the logistics given the huge crowds Obama attracts. He has trouble walking and uses one of those cool walkers with a seat. He said he was worried that he might "get in the way." Since he has a built-in seat, he can sit the whole time we're waiting. Anyone else have any ideas on navigating the situation? I know he really wants to be there, but I want him to be comfortable as well.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

1. If you can, talk to one of the volunteers...

or call the local Obama Campaign For Change Headquarters in your city to ask them for suggestions.

To find the number to http://www.barackobama.com

Give your dad a hug for me :hug:

This is truly an emotional time lol - I feel like crying because everybody is STANDING UP and taking our country back.

[prolesunited]

5. I could stop by and talk to the guy

in our local office. I haven't been by there since we went to Ohio last week to visit family. My husband did some phone banking there, so I guess I should have a clear conscience.

[Cha]

2. So are you and your

dad going out of town?:)

[prolesunited]

10. Nope, this will be right in our own back yard.

That's why I think it would be so perfect. I don't think he could do too long of a trip. The icing on the cake would be if I could get my son to go with us. He's 23 and this is the first year he's voted.

In any case, we'll all be together to cast early ballots on Saturday.

[FedUpWithIt All]

3. We just went to one and they were very good about the logistics of special needs.

They had a special line for the elderly and handicapped. They also had a floor section set up for this group.

It is incredible to "be there". I hope you both have a good time. :hi:

[prolesunited]

12. I was hoping so.

And I'm hoping it's the same at this event. My dad is a very proud man and I know it bothers him sometimes to have to use the walker. When he told me he thought he would be in the way, I told him that he fought in WWII. He certainly *earned* the right to be there.

Thanks for your good wishes.

[crispini]

4. You may want to give the organizers a call

and see about handicapped seating.

[BlooInBloo]

6. :))))) Take pics!

[prolesunited]

14. Most definitely!

[grantcart]

7. call the state organization and they will have precise details

they will have a special area for people with special needs up at the front and you have to show what your special need is but with your dad it will be obvious.

There will be no problems if you call and get the instructions -- they have made arrangements and are waiting for your dad.

[applexcore]

8. You get to move up to the front of the line if you have a walker/cane

They're really good about it. Just make sure to find a volunteer when you get there and tell them you're situation.

When I was there, they were actually walking up to the elderly with walkers and taking them to the front without them even having to ask.

[prolesunited]

13. Very cool

I'm glad I posted this. I was a little worried, but I'm feeling much more confident about this situation.

[NOLALady]

9. Do you think you can get hold of a wheelchair?

[justiceischeap]

11. Make sure you eat and bring fluids! Don't want anyone passing out. (eom)

[peace13]

15. The Obama people will walk the lines and pull people out who

have special needs. You will both have priority seating. If you can get a wheelchair great, if not they will take care of you. If the event is indoors they will have a big area for people with wheelchairs roped off. This is the way they did it when Biden was in Ohio. Many events have tickets that you can get at the Obama office. This will also move you ahead in the line. Good luck and enjoy. Your dad will really get a show. Peace, Kim

[prolesunited]

16. He doesn't like the wheelchair

He still wants to walk tall and the walker let's him do that. It's the kind that has four nice-size wheels, a basket and a fold-out seat. I'll have to check with the local office tomorrow.

It's going to be outside, but it's going to be a clear fall day.

[madmax]

17. Please tell him he won't be in the way

he and his generation paved the way. For Dad :hug:

[prolesunited]

18. Thanks

that's really sweet.

[Lancer]

19. At the Raleigh NC rally on Wednesday, there was a section cordoned off

for people with problems moving around who had walkers or wheelchairs. There were folding chairs set up in about 8-10 rows right up front. I was right behind them. When Barack was through, he came down to this section immediately and spent several minutes clasping hands, listening, giving hugs and just being cool. These guests were not "old and in the way." They were treated with care and could bring someone with them inside this section.

[prolesunited]

20. Thanks for all the reassurances

My dad just called and said he changed his mind about going because of the expected turnout. I told him that I asked my DU friends about it and they all said it would be fine. With that, he said he would give it a shot and admitted that he really wants to go.

So, thanks again.

[Greyskye]

21. Excellent!

Let us know how it went! :hi:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

23. As mentioned, above...

when you get there, simply find an orgnaizaer and tell them of your Dad's situation -- I promise you will accommodated. :) I have a friend in a chair and a Mom with mobility problems, and, wherever we go -- even to political events - they are very well taken care of. Make sure your dad goes! :hi:

[rexy]

22. Have fun! nt