This whole "Kathy Meets the Wall" thing has brought the family closer together.
My Boys have been great with her!
Kathy has to rely on people for so many ordinary things we all take for granted, that she has to give up control.
THAT'S RIGHT, THE INMATES ARE RUNNING THE ASYLUM!!!
Can't check if the chores are being done if you can't get around to it!
Is the upstairs bathroom clean? Teenage boy clean, or Kathy clean? Just have to trust that My Boys listened & learned from before. (when Kathy was able to inspect).
Are the plants watered? The right way? Then why are the leaves drooping? Will someone check it again to make sure it wasn't missed? (Ooh, it must make her SO mad that she has to ask nicely!).
Ted, could you put the laundry from the washer to the dryer? Please listen for the buzzer so the clothes can be folded before the wrinkles set. (See what I mean?).
This is like that moment when everyone realizes that cars can't run over you because it's against the law & you can SUE them if they do! We can run in the streets! Unimpeded Daring Delight!
That's right, WE'RE IN CHARGE NOW!
This is a house run by males! Pizza every night! Crumbs on the counter! We don't have to wash our hands anymore! Or FLUSH!
Kathy can barely maneuver herself into her wheel chair! If I don't oil the wheels, she can't even sneak up on us!
If we turn the TV up in the other room, we won't have to be bothered if she hollers!
Except,.. My Boys wouldn't go for it...
This mutiny was over before it even started.
(Temporary immobilization for Kathy does not equal temporary insanity for My Boys).
Don't let the headline fool you, Kathy is still Queen.
Just the way we like it.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanks for listening
Monday mornings.
Traditionally bad.
The padding in Kathy's open cast has shifted and worn.
A couple times now, she has woke to excruciating pain from pressure points while she slept. It was the outside of the foot where the pinky toe joins it, now it is the back of the heel. Some redesigning is in order. Time to upgrade the padding!
I'm thinking Memory Foam (U.S. Patent #948,744,213, All rights reserved, To be used only with the exclusive permission of Memory Foam, Inc.).
Let's see what have we done so far? -
Woke up, helped Kathy to the toity, brought her into the kitchen in her wheel chair, made coffee and "Eggs-in-a-Hole" for us both (yes, I washed my hands first), gave Kathy her medicine, made a lunch for me, scheduled two more service calls, put her foot back into the "Boot" that she hates so much (because it forces her foot into the 90 degree position), another trip to the toity (the coffee is so good for that), situated Kathy back into bed in her sanctuary, made sure she has fresh water, remote controls, laptop, meds, phone, checked the mail, rubbed Kathy's head until she falls back to sleep (Okay, I didn't really do the rubbing her head thing, but I wish I had time to, does that count?). I have to get to work!
You see why I'm glad so many of you like her too? It's very time consuming to see to the needs of someone who can't put weight on either leg!
Jessica is incredible in so many ways through this with Kathy. I can't describe the sacrifice to her own life that she has given. Not to lessen everyone else's help (Kathy loves the Mount Shasta water and spray that Michelle brought, Cindy checks in regularly, Kristi also, many more throughout the day when I'm at work, Scuba Rick brought flowers and smiles, Mona, Thane, Parrish, and on and on). I do have to throw special props to Jess though, she has really gone above and beyond since the day this happened!
Michael would be a Shaman in another life. Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Electrical Impulsinist, Body Art Puncturist, Free-Form-Emoting-Forward-Shadowground-Healing-Physiologist (can you tell I have no clue, what to call what he does? It does seem to work though!) Yep, Shaman Michael, you are a strange, but valuable addition to the Tribe.
Mikayla is coming over for a "Twilight" Marathon today. Kathy has never watched any of them and Mikayla is a big fan!
Looks like monday might not be so bad after all!
Traditionally bad.
The padding in Kathy's open cast has shifted and worn.
A couple times now, she has woke to excruciating pain from pressure points while she slept. It was the outside of the foot where the pinky toe joins it, now it is the back of the heel. Some redesigning is in order. Time to upgrade the padding!
I'm thinking Memory Foam (U.S. Patent #948,744,213, All rights reserved, To be used only with the exclusive permission of Memory Foam, Inc.).
Let's see what have we done so far? -
Woke up, helped Kathy to the toity, brought her into the kitchen in her wheel chair, made coffee and "Eggs-in-a-Hole" for us both (yes, I washed my hands first), gave Kathy her medicine, made a lunch for me, scheduled two more service calls, put her foot back into the "Boot" that she hates so much (because it forces her foot into the 90 degree position), another trip to the toity (the coffee is so good for that), situated Kathy back into bed in her sanctuary, made sure she has fresh water, remote controls, laptop, meds, phone, checked the mail, rubbed Kathy's head until she falls back to sleep (Okay, I didn't really do the rubbing her head thing, but I wish I had time to, does that count?). I have to get to work!
You see why I'm glad so many of you like her too? It's very time consuming to see to the needs of someone who can't put weight on either leg!
Jessica is incredible in so many ways through this with Kathy. I can't describe the sacrifice to her own life that she has given. Not to lessen everyone else's help (Kathy loves the Mount Shasta water and spray that Michelle brought, Cindy checks in regularly, Kristi also, many more throughout the day when I'm at work, Scuba Rick brought flowers and smiles, Mona, Thane, Parrish, and on and on). I do have to throw special props to Jess though, she has really gone above and beyond since the day this happened!
Michael would be a Shaman in another life. Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Electrical Impulsinist, Body Art Puncturist, Free-Form-Emoting-Forward-Shadowground-Healing-Physiologist (can you tell I have no clue, what to call what he does? It does seem to work though!) Yep, Shaman Michael, you are a strange, but valuable addition to the Tribe.
Mikayla is coming over for a "Twilight" Marathon today. Kathy has never watched any of them and Mikayla is a big fan!
Looks like monday might not be so bad after all!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
put a fork in it
Another busy day down for Kathy.
Great visits from my aunt Tracy & uncle Mike, Jerome, Tim & Cindy, Jessica & Jaden!
Take today off the agenda.
Waking this morning, like every morning since the accident, I hoped to be here tonight.
In the first few days after Kathy's crash, I just hoped she would make it to the next day.
Then it became wanting Kathy to make it through the pain of mending herself each day, to a place where the pain fades.
At present, the pain comes in waves in the evening, but is bearable most of the day (easy for me to say, huh?).
I used to wish for slow days before she wrecked. There was never enough Kathy and I would turn in for the night wanting more time.
Now I check off the days, knowing that each day is one day closer to Kathy's next step...literally.
Great visits from my aunt Tracy & uncle Mike, Jerome, Tim & Cindy, Jessica & Jaden!
Take today off the agenda.
Waking this morning, like every morning since the accident, I hoped to be here tonight.
In the first few days after Kathy's crash, I just hoped she would make it to the next day.
Then it became wanting Kathy to make it through the pain of mending herself each day, to a place where the pain fades.
At present, the pain comes in waves in the evening, but is bearable most of the day (easy for me to say, huh?).
I used to wish for slow days before she wrecked. There was never enough Kathy and I would turn in for the night wanting more time.
Now I check off the days, knowing that each day is one day closer to Kathy's next step...literally.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
When Kathy's asleep
It's late.
Normally I would cuddle close and whisper in her ear, hoping she is still awake.
What I'm about to tell her is almost always a mystery to me until I say it.
Sometimes I just repeat tried and true like "I love you", or "Have good dreams, put me in them"
sometimes I say the first thing that I think of (which can surprise me by being a gem, or flop and bring an embarrassing unintended laugh),
sometimes I start to whisper... then stop, not wanting to wake her.
It's all an excuse to get close to her.
Since the accident it's no different.
No different, other than the frequency that I decide to not wake her.
These days, sleep is so precious.
Sometimes, when I think she's awake and I whisper in her ear, I know she doesn't hear what I said, but she reaches over or slides up next to me, and I smile.
She may have missed hearing a gem, but I didn't miss getting closer.
Right now she's sleeping.
I don't have the heart to wake her.
If I did, I would whisper something simple like, "My Beautiful Angel"
or the first thing I think of right now like, "I can barely hear you breathing, will you snore or something?"
Normally I would cuddle close and whisper in her ear, hoping she is still awake.
What I'm about to tell her is almost always a mystery to me until I say it.
Sometimes I just repeat tried and true like "I love you", or "Have good dreams, put me in them"
sometimes I say the first thing that I think of (which can surprise me by being a gem, or flop and bring an embarrassing unintended laugh),
sometimes I start to whisper... then stop, not wanting to wake her.
It's all an excuse to get close to her.
Since the accident it's no different.
No different, other than the frequency that I decide to not wake her.
These days, sleep is so precious.
Sometimes, when I think she's awake and I whisper in her ear, I know she doesn't hear what I said, but she reaches over or slides up next to me, and I smile.
She may have missed hearing a gem, but I didn't miss getting closer.
Right now she's sleeping.
I don't have the heart to wake her.
If I did, I would whisper something simple like, "My Beautiful Angel"
or the first thing I think of right now like, "I can barely hear you breathing, will you snore or something?"
Friday, November 18, 2011
fight or flight
Thanks to Jerome for hanging out all day with Kathy!
Kathy & I aren't watching my favorite TV shows until she is better.
"Walking Dead", "Game of Thrones", "Dexter" and such.
I'm sure they're your favorites too, right?
Well, we're not watching them because Michael said Kathy needs to stay away from scary or disturbing stuff. He has my confidence in his credibility so far, as his "Grounding" techniques and Eastern medicine seem to help. (Do I say this like I know what I'm talking about?) I need to call Michael and ask him what the things in Kathy's ears are.
I figure anything is okay if it makes this time of healing better!
Very much appreciation to all who give up their time and skills to help!
It makes sense that negative energy should be avoided, I guess...
People who stear clear of uncomfortable situations are afraid of being brought down, I suppose...
Except, when the energy is good and positive you WANT it, so I would not question the wisdom of avoiding stink vibes. It could be bad for someone who is wounded & weak.
The rest of us though, should be strong enough to tackle a bad scene once in a while, right?
Though she was remarkably capable in tough times, Kathy will get even stronger from this and be someone we can turn to in our own time of pain.
If you are paying attention, you too can learn what I am from this...
Kathy will be a Beautiful Inspiration.
Kathy & I aren't watching my favorite TV shows until she is better.
"Walking Dead", "Game of Thrones", "Dexter" and such.
I'm sure they're your favorites too, right?
Well, we're not watching them because Michael said Kathy needs to stay away from scary or disturbing stuff. He has my confidence in his credibility so far, as his "Grounding" techniques and Eastern medicine seem to help. (Do I say this like I know what I'm talking about?) I need to call Michael and ask him what the things in Kathy's ears are.
I figure anything is okay if it makes this time of healing better!
Very much appreciation to all who give up their time and skills to help!
It makes sense that negative energy should be avoided, I guess...
People who stear clear of uncomfortable situations are afraid of being brought down, I suppose...
Except, when the energy is good and positive you WANT it, so I would not question the wisdom of avoiding stink vibes. It could be bad for someone who is wounded & weak.
The rest of us though, should be strong enough to tackle a bad scene once in a while, right?
Though she was remarkably capable in tough times, Kathy will get even stronger from this and be someone we can turn to in our own time of pain.
If you are paying attention, you too can learn what I am from this...
Kathy will be a Beautiful Inspiration.
a mirage of a foot
There was a time when Kathy's left leg hogged all my anger because of the way it blocked any chance of comfort for her.
Now the left leg is still in the spotlight, more for what it WON'T do than what it does. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't let up on being a comfort block, the leg still produces alot of that "P" word that I told myself not to write in this post (in case the left leg is reading this & derives some sort of satisfaction from it).
No, the thing that is most concerning is Kathy's inability to move her left foot. We need to ramp up her foot flexing excercises because her foot is trying to drop and tighten up. When Kathy tries to move her foot, all she gets is a vague elusiveness that enfuriates.
Like the foot of a rainbow, her foot always feels "somewhere else".
Wish I could describe how much it helps Kathy to have someone here. Little things like picking up a hand towel that is on the floor, making coffee, cleaning up a sick cat's mess next to the only toilet in the house that Kathy can use (that really happened this morning. good thing I didn't leave her alone. she would've had to push her foot in it!), putting that cat outside & locking the cat door, etc.
Good timing. Jerome just showed up. That means I get to go to work (oh Joy!).
Now the left leg is still in the spotlight, more for what it WON'T do than what it does. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't let up on being a comfort block, the leg still produces alot of that "P" word that I told myself not to write in this post (in case the left leg is reading this & derives some sort of satisfaction from it).
No, the thing that is most concerning is Kathy's inability to move her left foot. We need to ramp up her foot flexing excercises because her foot is trying to drop and tighten up. When Kathy tries to move her foot, all she gets is a vague elusiveness that enfuriates.
Like the foot of a rainbow, her foot always feels "somewhere else".
Wish I could describe how much it helps Kathy to have someone here. Little things like picking up a hand towel that is on the floor, making coffee, cleaning up a sick cat's mess next to the only toilet in the house that Kathy can use (that really happened this morning. good thing I didn't leave her alone. she would've had to push her foot in it!), putting that cat outside & locking the cat door, etc.
Good timing. Jerome just showed up. That means I get to go to work (oh Joy!).
Groundhog Day
You know what I'm talking about -
Like when you first wake up and you think you're normal, then quickly realize you're not. Every day you wake to the same thing. It gets so, if the leg hasn't started in yet, you don't move, so you can pretend, for a few minutes, there isn't a problem.
The frustration of being unable.
I feel for anyone who can't do what they have always done. It makes me less tolerant for people who can do, but don't.
Michelle from Mt. Shasta City stayed with Kathy today!
It's late now. I'm trying to keep a record in this blog to look back on, as well as letting you know of her progress. It's late though and I'm tired, so more tomorrow! Here's to All of us waking up tomorrow thinking we're normal (might be a first for some of us)!
Like when you first wake up and you think you're normal, then quickly realize you're not. Every day you wake to the same thing. It gets so, if the leg hasn't started in yet, you don't move, so you can pretend, for a few minutes, there isn't a problem.
The frustration of being unable.
I feel for anyone who can't do what they have always done. It makes me less tolerant for people who can do, but don't.
Michelle from Mt. Shasta City stayed with Kathy today!
It's late now. I'm trying to keep a record in this blog to look back on, as well as letting you know of her progress. It's late though and I'm tired, so more tomorrow! Here's to All of us waking up tomorrow thinking we're normal (might be a first for some of us)!
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