Resolutions
Yes, I made them. Among other things, I was going to eke out pockets of time to do some blogging, to read at least one chapter in my new book per day, and to be in bed at 10:00 p.m. every night. Well, in three weeks, I was probably in bed at 10:00 p.m. three times. I think I read five chapters, and I wrote one paragraph in a new blog post. So I was not very successful. But I won’t give up. See? Here I am. Instead of taking a nap.
A visit to my doctor and an x-ray of my lower back resulted in clarification of my lower back pain: too much bending and lifting while taking care of Mike. I have to watch out. So now I am looking for an evening caregiver who can get Mike ready for bed. It only takes an hour, but most caregivers want to come for four hours or longer – some prefer eight hours. While I have nobody yet, I will be extra careful, I have added PT and muscle relaxers. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Friends
Getting a real friend can just happen. Last week, my hairdresser offered to come to the house to cut Mike’s hair. I asked him to teach me, so that I can do it myself from now on, but honestly, a month from now I will have forgotten what he did and how he did it. He thought so too, obviously, because he offered to come whenever Mike needs another cut. A real friend. It just happens: some shared interest, insight in each other’s situation, life’s joys or sorrows, memories you have in common. And then it happens: a helping hand, a few caring words, a note, a card, a phone call, and you know: this is my friend. Some of my friends are lifetime friends, from as far back as high school in Surabaya. I have a friend in Molokai, in Maui, Arizona, Iowa, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Australia. They enrich my life, support me in difficult times. Everyone should have good friends, real friends. That is my wish for everyone in the New Year.
A New Recliner!
Ever since we lived in Arizona and bought furniture for our new home, I have had a recliner. For fifteen years I had a chair that was way too big for me. Why did we buy it? It was orange leather, Mike’s favorite color. And we had no experience with recliners. It was so big, that we could not take it with us to the cottage at Waltonwood where we were moving to when Mike turned 80. After five years in Waltonwood we moved to this lovely house in Apex, and we needed a recliner for Mike. The one we got did not work, so we got him a power lift recliner. I got the chair that was originally bought for Mike. It is so big, that I have a pillow on both sides so I can rest my arms. But it had a cup holder, storage in the arm rests and more, so I reclined for over a year without a further thought. Now I am 86 however, and I thought to myself, I would love a chair that is a better fit for me; my very own comfortable recliner for the many years I still hope to live. And so, yesterday, when I had a caregiver until 11:00 a.m., I went to La-Z-Boy in Cary. I was there half an hour before opening, but I had an appointment with the manager, so someone let me in early. I knew what I wanted for my chair. I found one! And it was 50% off! The floor model was in brown leather, so they are going to “build” me one in black leather, matching our interior. It will take about six weeks, so we will get it in March. It took me a good hour, then I was out the door and on my way home, in time for the caregiver to leave. Mission accomplished!
Be Happy!
Until next time 🙂
Ronny
I always enjoy reading your posts. You both have such a full and rewarding life. Love to you both. Surina
Thank you Surina. You have no idea how fast the time flies when you are ….busy. Or maybe you do 🙂 How is aunt Etta? Is Bert still planing to move to California some day?
Hugs,
Ronny
ETTA IS GREAT! She is 91 and going strong. We have full time car for her which is expensive but worth every penny. The gals are amazing and like family. I try to go see her every 3 or 4 months. I saw Bert last October. Not sure what their plans are after Tracey retires. Their kids are spread around so we will see.
All good here otherwise.
I
ETTA DOING GREAT!!! SHE HAD FULL TIME CARE THAT IS LIKE FAMILY. DON’T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT THEM. I SAW BERT LAST OCTOBER. NOT SURE WHAT THEIR PLANS ARE AFTER TRACEY RETIRES. THEIR KIDS ARE SPREAD AROUND SO WE WILL SEE.
ALL GOOD HERE.
I love reading your blog. Your optimisme is so contagious . Thanks for sharing your life.
Thank you Elisabeth. Life is a precious gift. But when the going gets tough, you know we need hope and love to continue. And friends. May you have all those in abundance. Pukul terus!
I cant wait to see a picture of your new black recliner 🙂 I need one for myself and have been putting it off cause I dont like shopping for anything, let us know how you like yours?