Let's get physical
I am bleary-eyed as I compose tonight’s posting. It gets more and more difficult on a physical level to care for Gilly. He is not able to help much when being transferred, so there is a lot of weight to shuffle about, even though he is not a large person by any stretch of the imagination. Once settled into his chair or bed or whatever landing strip of the moment, I look at him and declare my love. He is beginning to glare at me rather skeptically, because he notices that I am huffing and puffing from the exertion. Now there’s a good reason to stay in shape, people!
Josee-Marie worked in her car from 7:40 to 8:00 then rang the doorbell on schedule. She checked Gilly out more thoroughly than any doctor has ever done, left more paraphernalia for me and promised to send additional materials with Danielle tomorrow (apparently we are lucky enough to have him for at least one more bathing).
Raquel arrived today ahead of schedule. I cannot praise her enough; she is of very high caliber. She knows what to do, works efficiently in a gentle sort of way, demonstrates compassion to both my husband and me, adores Liylah (she gets double points for that, because Liylah is begging for attention these days) and is neat and exceptionally organized. I especially appreciated how she showed where she placed certain materials she will need on a daily basis, so I don’t have to go looking around for things.
My sweet friend read my mind this morning; I looked out the window and noticed the sun shining and developed a strong urge to take a walk. Moments later my phone rang; Rosanne suggested that we take advantage of the day and take a brisk walk. I cleared my schedule (I was waiting for a call from Vanier) and off we went. I’m so glad I seized the opportunity to enjoy myself for an hour or so while Raquel tended to Gilly’s needs. I had no qualms whatsoever about leaving her in charge and returned to find Gilly up and dressed and sitting with Jerry and Tzilla. In the meantime Raquel took the initiative to straighten up around the house.
The latter part of the afternoon was physically strenuous, and I had to run out for some medical supplies that the nurse suggested over the telephone when she called for an update. She is certainly diligent; I feel safe with Gilly in her care.
Chatting with Susie a few moments ago, I realized that the emotional component of caring for Gilly under these circumstances is not what exhausts me anymore; it is purely the physical work involved. I may need to move on to the next stage of adaptive equipment pretty soon if I am to devote this much time to Gilly’s care over the holidays. I will discuss this matter with Danielle tomorrow. He has many excellent suggestions.
I will not write anything to add to the blog for at least two days, because my house will be on wheels all weekend, and I have to find time to attend to my work in between candle lightings. To those who celebrate Chanukah, I wish you Chag Sameach. To those who do not, I hope you enjoy your weekend to the fullest.
Josee-Marie worked in her car from 7:40 to 8:00 then rang the doorbell on schedule. She checked Gilly out more thoroughly than any doctor has ever done, left more paraphernalia for me and promised to send additional materials with Danielle tomorrow (apparently we are lucky enough to have him for at least one more bathing).
Raquel arrived today ahead of schedule. I cannot praise her enough; she is of very high caliber. She knows what to do, works efficiently in a gentle sort of way, demonstrates compassion to both my husband and me, adores Liylah (she gets double points for that, because Liylah is begging for attention these days) and is neat and exceptionally organized. I especially appreciated how she showed where she placed certain materials she will need on a daily basis, so I don’t have to go looking around for things.
My sweet friend read my mind this morning; I looked out the window and noticed the sun shining and developed a strong urge to take a walk. Moments later my phone rang; Rosanne suggested that we take advantage of the day and take a brisk walk. I cleared my schedule (I was waiting for a call from Vanier) and off we went. I’m so glad I seized the opportunity to enjoy myself for an hour or so while Raquel tended to Gilly’s needs. I had no qualms whatsoever about leaving her in charge and returned to find Gilly up and dressed and sitting with Jerry and Tzilla. In the meantime Raquel took the initiative to straighten up around the house.
The latter part of the afternoon was physically strenuous, and I had to run out for some medical supplies that the nurse suggested over the telephone when she called for an update. She is certainly diligent; I feel safe with Gilly in her care.
Chatting with Susie a few moments ago, I realized that the emotional component of caring for Gilly under these circumstances is not what exhausts me anymore; it is purely the physical work involved. I may need to move on to the next stage of adaptive equipment pretty soon if I am to devote this much time to Gilly’s care over the holidays. I will discuss this matter with Danielle tomorrow. He has many excellent suggestions.
I will not write anything to add to the blog for at least two days, because my house will be on wheels all weekend, and I have to find time to attend to my work in between candle lightings. To those who celebrate Chanukah, I wish you Chag Sameach. To those who do not, I hope you enjoy your weekend to the fullest.
posted by Gilly at 7:56 PM
1 Comments:
Chag Samayach to you and yours....
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