In sickness and in health
Today was a better day, but still worrisome to some extent. Breakfast was a hit; he ate twice his usual consumption. The extra calories helped set him off on the right foot for the special occasion we’ve been thinking about and planning (hoping) to attend.
Gilly arrived at the cousin’s club in fine form. I encouraged him to wear a button down shirt and a sweater (his original style of dress) and he took my advice. He looked rather sharp (dapper, relatively speaking). It was a nice change from the usual bulky sweatshirt he’s become attached to (a gift from his son). He worked the room, greeting people, which showed social initiative on his part, and is very much in keeping with his original style of communication. I was bursting with happiness as I watched him in action. He smiled and joked around a bit. I observed him approach one of his cousins by reaching out to shake his hand; “Do I know you from somewhere?” he asked in jest.
I feel I can safely say that everyone there was pleased he made the effort to show up and relieved to see him up and about; I noticed a few close relatives holding back tears. I can understand where they are coming from, because watching him face the monumental challenges he does each day plays havoc with my heart strings. This morning he was in better shape than he’s been for some time now. I suppose this is the true meaning of rising to the occasion. Yaron accompanied us, which made our day that much sweeter; we as parents greatly appreciated the gesture. Somehow, the kind of ‘club’ he most enjoys is not the ‘cousins’ variety, but he made the effort anyhow.
Howard, one of Gilly’s cousins, took me aside and shared how inspired he is by the relationship I have with Gilly. Somehow, in conversation, he quoted a portion of the wedding vow ‘for better or for worse.’ I often find myself reflecting on the phrase ‘in sickness and in health.’ I feel somehow wiser as a result of Gilly’s affair with the medical system; I fully appreciate the importance of having couples agree to love and honor one another in sickness and in health. I always believed, but never fully realized the significance of these words until last February. We enjoyed 23 years of good health, so the clause never required activation until now. Luckily, it hadn’t expired.
Gilly had the jitters again today, which literally propelled him to circulate around the cousins club gathering. His unsettled physical state continued throughout most of the day. He became impatient with the situation (which is a totally reasonable reaction). I would do anything to help him, but nothing seems to work. I am tempted to have him stop the new medication today, in case his behaviour is being caused by it, but I know it is best to find out from the doctor if a) his behaviour is medication induced and b) if so, how to safely taper him off of it. Long weekends have their pros and cons. I could call the emergency medical help line, but it doesn’t seem like an emergency, and I feel the doctor has a better idea of the global situation.
I spent some time this afternoon organizing my teaching materials for the upcoming week. I have to remain ahead of the game, because another week of appointments lies ahead. I must learn to readjust my way of doing things. Rather than planning out my teaching preparation tasks by scheduling them in logistically throughout the week, I am now forced to plan for the unexpected. This will take some getting used to, and it is sure to provide bonus time for weeks where the unexpected never occurs. I’m hoping for, but not banking on weeks like that!
I will post again at week’s end (Thursday or Friday evening), so as to allow myself to remain afloat, time wise. Have a great week, y’all.
Gilly arrived at the cousin’s club in fine form. I encouraged him to wear a button down shirt and a sweater (his original style of dress) and he took my advice. He looked rather sharp (dapper, relatively speaking). It was a nice change from the usual bulky sweatshirt he’s become attached to (a gift from his son). He worked the room, greeting people, which showed social initiative on his part, and is very much in keeping with his original style of communication. I was bursting with happiness as I watched him in action. He smiled and joked around a bit. I observed him approach one of his cousins by reaching out to shake his hand; “Do I know you from somewhere?” he asked in jest.
I feel I can safely say that everyone there was pleased he made the effort to show up and relieved to see him up and about; I noticed a few close relatives holding back tears. I can understand where they are coming from, because watching him face the monumental challenges he does each day plays havoc with my heart strings. This morning he was in better shape than he’s been for some time now. I suppose this is the true meaning of rising to the occasion. Yaron accompanied us, which made our day that much sweeter; we as parents greatly appreciated the gesture. Somehow, the kind of ‘club’ he most enjoys is not the ‘cousins’ variety, but he made the effort anyhow.
Howard, one of Gilly’s cousins, took me aside and shared how inspired he is by the relationship I have with Gilly. Somehow, in conversation, he quoted a portion of the wedding vow ‘for better or for worse.’ I often find myself reflecting on the phrase ‘in sickness and in health.’ I feel somehow wiser as a result of Gilly’s affair with the medical system; I fully appreciate the importance of having couples agree to love and honor one another in sickness and in health. I always believed, but never fully realized the significance of these words until last February. We enjoyed 23 years of good health, so the clause never required activation until now. Luckily, it hadn’t expired.
Gilly had the jitters again today, which literally propelled him to circulate around the cousins club gathering. His unsettled physical state continued throughout most of the day. He became impatient with the situation (which is a totally reasonable reaction). I would do anything to help him, but nothing seems to work. I am tempted to have him stop the new medication today, in case his behaviour is being caused by it, but I know it is best to find out from the doctor if a) his behaviour is medication induced and b) if so, how to safely taper him off of it. Long weekends have their pros and cons. I could call the emergency medical help line, but it doesn’t seem like an emergency, and I feel the doctor has a better idea of the global situation.
I spent some time this afternoon organizing my teaching materials for the upcoming week. I have to remain ahead of the game, because another week of appointments lies ahead. I must learn to readjust my way of doing things. Rather than planning out my teaching preparation tasks by scheduling them in logistically throughout the week, I am now forced to plan for the unexpected. This will take some getting used to, and it is sure to provide bonus time for weeks where the unexpected never occurs. I’m hoping for, but not banking on weeks like that!
I will post again at week’s end (Thursday or Friday evening), so as to allow myself to remain afloat, time wise. Have a great week, y’all.
posted by Gilly at 8:45 PM
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