The Jete in question here is Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees who is coming off major ankle surgery. Following surgery, he will be in a non-weight bearing cast for six weeks. This situation necessitates either using crutches or a rolling knee walker for mobility. It’s a fragile and sensitive recovery period, as Jete cannot put any weight on his ankle while he heals. Patients like him are advised to avoid climbing steps.

So, just how many homes or apartments in this country have steps up to the entrance?

My mother-in-law is an avid fan of Jeter, in her uniquely pacifist-tree-hugging-literary-hockey-loving-socialist-Unitarian-optimist Canadian way. There is a ramp to get into her house and another that leads to her garden. Both were built for me so that I can maintain some independence and freedom of movement when I visit. If Jeter comes to her holiday party, she is in good shape. He’ll be able to roll right in as a special guest.

But what about the majority of people who don’t have accessible homes? What happens when they have surgery and can no longer navigate a set of steps? What happens when a relative or friend is injured and their mobility impaired? What happens to the eighty-something couple who can no longer function as stewards and care-takers of a historic house and property? How do they leave the place and the space that they love?

Most people I encounter are unaware of all the ways that their homes are inaccessible. Those who are aware often apologize. We find other places to meet. Until we can raise awareness of the barriers; until we can get people to wake up and consider the needs of others and their future selves, rather than just their own needs now, change will be difficult and slow.

Friends, family, readers, consider this a letter from the future. Build your ramps now. Then let’s party. And, yes, Jete can come, too.