A New Chapter
I never really thought much about walkers or pottychairs since my son was a baby almost ten years ago. Honestly, I really didn't give it too much thought then either. But, this week I have not only thought about them they have made an unusual but expected arrival to my house.
My mom is back from the nursing facility and recovering from a few ailments and between the 5 medications she's taking and all the side affects and her slower mobility now she needs a few things she never ever thought she would ever need. I never thought she would either. I guess most kids never think their parents will grow that old.
So, after arriving at the nursing facility to pick my mom up I was presented with numerous forms to be signed and a paper for a wheelchair, Walker, port a potty and shower bench. I was shocked briefly at the thought of where all this as going to fit in this small apartment. In my mind I was thinking how the living room would be transformed into a mini hospital room filled with medications and adult potty chairs, walkers and depends adult diapers. Our poor apartment would never look the same. But, then again, we don't live in a mansion or palace so what the hell it is what it is until it isn't anymore. So, I signed papers and took prescriptions to be filled.
My mom was not thrilled to see let alone walk up the stairs. I think she forgot we had stairs since she was gone for a month almost. After many words of encouragement and hand holding and resting in the middle, half way, we made it. I wanted to do the happy dance. If she could dance she probably would have insisted that we did one.
She got to the bed and I don't think she was so happy to sit down in her life. She sat there and just smiled. And then took a nap.
A day later, today, a visit from the nurse and when she saw the stairs I thought she was going to faint. She promptly asked how my mom got up the stairs. I said walked. She said , "Oh, you need a house. A house with no stairs." Yes, that would be my goal and fantasy. A house with no stairs big enough for five. I just told her yes, that is my plan and has been for months. She looked relieved at my thought process. She got even more excited when I told her I have arranged for all my moms doctors appointments for next month.
And now it begins. Another chapter in both our lives.
My mom is back from the nursing facility and recovering from a few ailments and between the 5 medications she's taking and all the side affects and her slower mobility now she needs a few things she never ever thought she would ever need. I never thought she would either. I guess most kids never think their parents will grow that old.
So, after arriving at the nursing facility to pick my mom up I was presented with numerous forms to be signed and a paper for a wheelchair, Walker, port a potty and shower bench. I was shocked briefly at the thought of where all this as going to fit in this small apartment. In my mind I was thinking how the living room would be transformed into a mini hospital room filled with medications and adult potty chairs, walkers and depends adult diapers. Our poor apartment would never look the same. But, then again, we don't live in a mansion or palace so what the hell it is what it is until it isn't anymore. So, I signed papers and took prescriptions to be filled.
My mom was not thrilled to see let alone walk up the stairs. I think she forgot we had stairs since she was gone for a month almost. After many words of encouragement and hand holding and resting in the middle, half way, we made it. I wanted to do the happy dance. If she could dance she probably would have insisted that we did one.
She got to the bed and I don't think she was so happy to sit down in her life. She sat there and just smiled. And then took a nap.
A day later, today, a visit from the nurse and when she saw the stairs I thought she was going to faint. She promptly asked how my mom got up the stairs. I said walked. She said , "Oh, you need a house. A house with no stairs." Yes, that would be my goal and fantasy. A house with no stairs big enough for five. I just told her yes, that is my plan and has been for months. She looked relieved at my thought process. She got even more excited when I told her I have arranged for all my moms doctors appointments for next month.
And now it begins. Another chapter in both our lives.
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