Don’t Sit Down!

The most frustrating thing about helping out Mom is that inevitably she won’t think of something until you finally sit down. I can be buzzing all over the apartment, cleaning counters, getting Kleenex, tossing garbage, hanging clothes, doing all sorts of stuff. I’ll ask her what else I can do, suggest a few things, do a few more things… make SURE there’s nothing else. I’ll even sit in the chair for a few minutes waiting to see what she might have forgotten. Just when it seems safe… ahhh (because remember, I’m still struggling with this stupid cough and runny nose, etc.), I’ll kick back and pull the latch, sigh and recline – as soon as that sigh comes out – something else will come up. And I can’t really get mad because it’s always, “I’m sorry, honey…” or “I’m SOO sorry, honey… I really have to go to the bathroom…” or “What’s that black thing on the wall over there? Is that a bug?” or something else. I know it’s good because it helps me burn calories, which I’m glad of, but it’s hard when I’m not feeling well.

On the good side, I’ve got her up and walking with her walker again. She is almost back to where she was before she fell. She’ll need to have help for a couple of hours in the morning and for an hour in the evening, but I think that’ll do it. She’ll be able to start having dinner down in the dining room with her friends again and that’ll perk her up. She is feeling much more cheerful and secure now and is endearingly appreciative for the help and confidence she’s been given. I’m really happy with how she’s done and so is she. This was a worthwhile trip even if it may have been trying.