Deer Hunter (Title a la Tamara)

On our trip home from the country, Gilly admitted to me that the well incident set him back some. He felt it was his job to fix the problem. I assured him that in this case a well expert was required. He disagreed wholeheartedly: “I know I could have done most of it myself in the past.” To be honest, most of us who know him well would believe he really could have accomplished this. I’m guessing very few (if any) of us would even want to attempt to take such a task as this on.

We had a real heart to heart, and I hope it helped to some degree to air some of what he is harbouring; he sees himself as totally useless. I read the weight stamped on the side of the cover of the well; 135 Kilos. That’s just the cover. They had to haul over a whole new shell as well. He has such high expectations for himself. I vacillate as to whether or not I believe it’s a good thing to shoot so high. It really doesn’t matter what I think, thought, does it? It’s what he feels that counts.

I now plan to avail him of opportunities to open up to a trained professional. He finally agreed that it’s worth a try, although he doesn’t believe that talking about how he feels would do anything to solve his problem. I will do my best to make the arrangements quickly, now that he is open to it. Poor guy; he has seen so many professionals, and had so many appointments these past few months. Each one is an important piece to the puzzle, but it must make Gilly awfully dizzy trying to keep them all straight. Tomorrow he meets Jennifer, the social worker from the MAB.

Last evening we spent some time with our special friends from Philly, Leon and Elly. It’s tough for good friends to live so far away from one another under these circumstances. We became a bit nostalgic (which is not unusual, since Elly and I have been friends since high school). The conversation steered itself towards serious matters for awhile. Gilly was surprisingly talkative, and held out later than usual. The visit was therapeutic for me; it wasn’t easy to say goodbye.

I had to awaken Gilly at 7:30 A.M. in order for him to get ready for physiotherapy. It was easier than I thought. His eyes were open when I approached, and he greeted me with a smile. He had his usual breakfast, plus most of his protein smoothie. I was quite surprised since he hasn’t been up this early in I’d say 2 months.

Physiotherapy went like clockwork. He moved from one machine to another, claiming it was all pretty easy. His cardio signs were good, and he did not seem out of breath. He put his heart into each task he was asked to do; I could tell he would be feeling the pain later. He received acupressure to enhance appetite; he didn’t see what that was all about and reportedly felt nothing. Thi taught him to breath from his diaphragm (like Yoga breathing) and explained he could use this technique to meditate. He elaborated on the value of meditation and guided imagery to the healing process. He suggested that Gilly do a few exercises with a large ball at home for balance. He also mentioned using a 2 lb. weight for strengthening his right wrist, and squeezing a rubber ball to strengthen his hand (which he has been doing). He encouraged him to continue to walk as much as possible.

I dropped Gilly off at home and went to get some groceries. When I re-entered the house, I wondered why the T.V in our bedroom was on. He never sits or lies in the bedroom during the day. There he was, lying on his back with his legs hanging off the edge of the bed, eyes closed. I asked, “What happened?” “I’m breathing,” he answered.

I handed him some mini rice cakes with caramel coating and proposed he try one. “Delicious,” he commented as he munched away. I called him for lunch a few minutes later, and he arrived with the rice cakes. He ate everything on his plate (I have learned to offer small amounts so as not to overwhelm him, but he usually leaves something over).

A short while later I called down to him to say goodbye because I was on my way out to pick up Tamara and an exercise ball (I don’t let him rest, do I?). I asked, “What are you up to?” “Eating,” he replied. “You are doing what?” I asked incredulously. He laughed and repeated the answer. I wonder if Thi’s magic trick has started to work????

Both Tamara and the ball came bouncing in a bit later. Gilly was much more enthused with his daughter than he was with the new piece of equipment. Patience, Cindy. He may be worn out from the early start + physiotherapy. I’ll resume my campaign tomorrow.

The kit came with an exercise booklet, a special elastic gismo with handles on either end for stretching movements (something Thi mentioned he would show us next week), a pump and a ½ hour instructional DVD. I hope to use these features to get myself into shape.

It is so hot and muggy in town that my previously indoor but currently outdoor plants are growing in jungle-like fashion. This is not Cindy weather. I’m like the postman; no matter if it snows or rains or the sun shines bright, I always prefer Birch Point. The pictures up on top provide a view of the swamp in winter and summer. Spectacular all year round…Here’s a final Birch Point story to close this evening’s blog posting:

We were walking down the road on our way home the other day when Liylah pranced by with what looked like a very large bone. I pointed it out to Gilly, and then corrected myself, “No, maybe it’s a stick, because I see a joint.” “It’s a bone alright. Liylah, drop it,” Gilly commanded. She listened to her master, and continued on towards home. I went to have a closer look. It was the leg of a deer!!!! Apparently, she happened upon a carcass (according to one of our neighbours, it’s been there awhile) and helped herself. Oh, deer Liylah (Tamara’s phrase)!