A shoe is a shoe is a shoe..........

This stupid cast shoe is coming apart..........is the life of a shoe more than 2 months.  Hope I can give it up soon.......just so much can be accomplished with glue! LOL

AN ANSWER TO PRAYER!

I have been trying for a year to get my mother to go to a doctor.  Her insurance agent said if I could get her someone to give her aide and assistance for 90 days then it would go on for the rest of her life!  There would be  NO MORE BIG BILLS  for insurance for long time care.

She said why go to the doctor if I am not sick........but she had a sore hang nail this week and I conned her into going to doctor.  All the paper work was done and turned in so all she had to do was walk in and show him her finger! LOL

Well would you believe they had an emergency and had to call an ambulance and she got so bored and tired that she was ready to leave without seeing the doctor.  She said she had been hungry for a piece of fried chicken at breakfast so I told her after she saw the doctor I would buy her some chicken!

Well she saw the doctor and he is a real jewel,  he talked her into a blood test to check her thyroid and etc.   And someone to come stay with her when we had to be out to see the doctor, etc.   And he is a real "smoothy".  He wanted to know where she was born because she looked so much like his grandmother who had the same last name, and Mother fell for the interest and now says the doctor and she are related!  Of course the possibility is remote because he is black and she is white and they are from different places but she is absolutely delighted.   AND SHE HAS HER VERY OWN DOCTOR!   Now doesn't that sound like my mother is color blind?

 Mother has not had a doctor of her own for her whole life I guess except when I was born.  She has had emergency care, and things of that sort but never felt she needed a doctor.  And she seems happy with the situation.   In this community going to the doctor is a social event.   The receptionist is the pastor's wife, the nurse is someone who gave her a flu shot last fall and remembered her (?) but they are so sweet that she felt she was right at home.

There is something to say for small town clinics!  Bah on HMO's!

Sheriffs should have bigger offices!

I went to the Sheriff's office this morning to thank them for their prompt and courteous response to the call for help.    The office was a cubby hole!

The Sheriff looked at me and said, "But we didn't do anything."  And I understand why after the under sheriff showed me the codes and laws that they follow. 

They can't do anything about dogs and cats within our city limits because they are controlled by city laws.  They can do anything with sheep, pigs, chickens, and horses but not cats and dogs.  Farm animals are a different breed of 'cat'.

He said however those laws should be changed and the legislatures are the ones that have cages that need rattling.  I am on a crusade!

In our situation we have no law enforcement except the local county sheriff and I did think they responded and so courteously.  Interesting enough they brought up sueing the man in civil court.  I don't want to sue I want the man to properly restrain the dogs with quality fencing that will prevent them from hurting someone else.

The owner is a reserve deputy in training and going to school.   I wonder how these calls on his animals will influence his record...probably not at all.  The sheriff told him if he sees the dogs out, chasing anything or anyone they are dead dogs!  At least that is what he said.

I asked about carrying side arms.  He said it only takes about 3 months in training and a security check and I can carry a sidearm..Hee hee.  Mrs. Lone Ranger Rides Again!  You can do a lot of things in Oklahoma.

He said there is a city ordinance against discharging guns in the city limits.......always a barrier........however he would not prosecute if I shot the dogs on my property.    Like the dogs are going to hang around while I go get my weapon and then call the sheriff.

Anyway there OUGHT TO BE A LAW  to protect animals and people from vicious dogs.

No one is safe!

Since we have been in Oklahoma a grey cat gave birth to three kittens.  One was dark smoky grey, one black, and one light grey.  The  mother cat developed an absess on her leg which made it difficult for her to get around.  She was wild enough that I was never able to touch her.  Dogs killed her. 

Her kittens have been very frightened of dogs.  Scally had been injured sometime back.  Not sure if the injury was back or leg, but she had finally let me pet her.  I had made a place for her to sleep on our patio and she seldom went far. 

I noticed and commented to Jack this morning that she was using her leg and putting it on the surface that she happened to be standing on.  She played and rolled and jumped about this morning.  And I petted her every time I came close.

I went to work at my aunt's house.  A cousin came by and said there were some dogs killing a cat down the street.  These are two big breeding boxers.  Mean and agressive.  I rushed home and found Scally's bed disturbed and blood, big dog footprints on the patio.   I went looking and found her.  I yelled at the dogs and they moved away a bit.  I got out and looked and touched Scally to see if I could help and if it was really her.

The dogs came at me and I barely had time to get in the van.  I had no idea that I was in so much danger. 

It was too much, I went to pieces.  Hysterics and tears and sobbing so hard I could not talk.

A neighbor called the sheriff .  She had already called once.  The dogs are dangerous and not supposed to be out.

When the sheriff came I could hardly talk and tell them that the dogs had chased me when I went to the rescue of the cat.  I had stopped in from of the home of the owner of the dogs and honked for a long time with no results.

As soon as the sheriff drove up in the driveway the owner came out.  THE GOOD OLE BOYS TALKED IT OVER AND IT WAS JUST A CAT AND THERE WERE NO WITNESSES TO MY BEING CHASED BY THE DOGS.

THE OWNER WAS A SHERIFF AUXILIARY PERSON.  I showed the sheriff where they had pulled her out of her safe place and she had put up a valient fight hanging on to her box, the blood that the rain had not washed away, etc.  Sorry, the law says they can't do anything because they didn't see it.

WAIT TILL THE DOGS MAUL A CHILD! Then what will they do?

However, they said if the dogs come on my property and attack me I can shoot in my defense.  Guess I have to start carrying a side arm.

All of this to say, I felt such pain at the helplessness of the poor animal, and such pain for the parents of the students.  THEY WERE JUST AS HELPLESS AS THIS POOR CRIPLED CAT.

My heart breaks for those parents, families, friends, and others who were injured and other wise tramatized by that horrible act.  Sometimes it takes something close to home to realize the hugeness of that shooting.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

It takes a village!

Big John (security guard at the bank):  How's your mom doing, she is some special lady!

Mary Ann (one of Mother's drivers and helpers over the years: Just called to see how everyone is, how is your mom doing?

Kathy (the assistant Postmistress): How is your mom today?

Mr. Jones (that really is his name LOL) : Mary and I miss walking with your mom.

Marilyn ( lady from church): Didn't see your mom Sunday is she doing Ok?

Mom doesn't  get out as much lately because of the cold temps, wind, and the recent rains.  But over the last few years people have watched out for her.

PLANNING AHEAD.....CAN IT BE DONE?

Jack and I have made changes, some for the good, some for the better!

In California, our health insurance was much less and handled  through less effort on our part.  Here we have to buy our supplement insurance at a great cost and our prescription insurance as well.

Changing from an HMO to independent insurance means we can select our doctor...which was a problem at first but we chose a local small town clinic.  The doctor is young and very caring.  He does referrals much as the HMO did.

 

Planning ahead: I am taking a lifetime care insurance as well.  If you can work that into the budget it is well to start it as early as possible.  You never know when you might be the one needing the care.  Our agent advised me in this area, Jack couldn't have the insurance because of his age and health problems (heart and Parkinson's).  Mother has health care only in the home, which I am sure she thought was what she wanted, but isn't always the practical choice.  You have multiple options in this area.

Everyone can start early to make changes in their home as they upgrade or repair.  We are installing another handicap stool in one of the bathrooms and hardware in the showers and sinks can be changed to handicap.  These are as attractive as  the others.  No one except the homeowner will notice the difference.

Big doors everywhere.  Spacious arrangements of furniture, less is best.   Buying a home, think twice about multiple stories, steps up and down at entrances, lawns  where a wheel chair can be easily parked, scooters can roam, power chairs can maneuver easily.  Putting in sidewalks, make them wide and no sharp turns.  Jack's control isn't always the best. 

Changes to the home can sometimes be assisted by Veteran agencies.  Jack is a veteran but does not qualify.  So we always have to have doctor's prescription and then there is some income tax help.  

We are very fortunate to have the availablity and use of a extra large handicap bathroom.  The roll in shower is wonderful and the sink counters are low and have cut outs where Jack can get right up to the sink.

Another necessity that is often overlooked is the effeciency of the air conditioning and heating system in the home.  Some patients' comfort is so dependent on the environment of the  house.  When purchasing, repairing, replacing, or upgrading, look into ways to not only insure the efficiency but put the therometers low where the handicapped person can control the temperature.  Most are high on the wall.  There is probably a good reason but perhaps the installer can make adjustments.

When installing or changing cupboards or closets be sure someone in a wheelchair can reach clothing they need.  Sure they have someone available usually, but the feeling of independence is very valuable.

Carpeting: color, stain resistant, wheelchair assessible.  Ever try to push a chair in deep pile?

Storage of medical supplies.  This is a biggie with us.  In California I has a small bedroom that was dedicated to medical supplies.  Home health nurses commented on how well organized I was......here there isn't the room and I haven't  utilized the space I have to the best yet........at least I am still having to hunt too often.  

Finding a local supplier for wound care and other supplies was another problem, but we are a firm believer in buying local and we are quite satisfied with the local company.  We seem to get good service on Jack's power chair as well.   Hee Hee -even if I have to get batteries from a farm supply company.

Our vehicle is a Dodge Grand Caravan converted by Braun Company.  We DO NOT have anyone locally to work on the handicap mechanism closer than several hundred miles.  The local dealer said he would help us find a company that did that work.  And he said there are very few vans like ours in the immediate area.  Guess that is why when we go shopping or out for a day, people stop and watch as we open the van ramp, doors, back storage, etc. all by remote.  I am getting used to box boys coming to a stop and staring as everything opens up as we exit the store.  

This is our second van, the first we had 7 years without any problems.  When we made the decision to move we purchased a new vehicle because we didn't know how available a dealer would be.  Good choice on our part.  Our dealer in California took our van and sold it for us for a small fee.  The dealers didn't take trade-ins where we lived.

Ask  your accountant or tax person about deductions on the additions for the handicap that have been made on the van.

Patrick made an entry on gifts for the patient and  they were wonderful ideas, some I have already used.   I would also suggest gift certificates for perms and haircuts.  Men visit salons, too.  Home made gift bags of small bars of wonderful smelling soaps, samples of perfumes, lipstick samples, colorful tissues, ribbons and fancy combs.  For men lots of socks.  Ladies like the colorful ones but men like the clean white ones and lots of them.  In Jack's case he can't wear ordinary socks but he loves extra large flannel shirts in the winter, navy or dark throws that he keeps handy on his chairs. Hats or caps to shade the eyes, and keep the head warm in the winter.  Large gloves that don't restrict the hands and are EASY to put on. 

For the home, plenty of small juice glasses.  I must  be extremely dangerous with glasses!  Plastic is best for the patient and the clumsy caregiver.  But they do crack and the dishwasher shortens their lives.  We use large soup dishes for eating.  Jack can't get to the table because of the size of the kitchen and entry into the dining room.. he has to hold his dish when eating.......this means the food stays in boundaries and seldom goes over the edge.  Also, these hold less food but the plate is full! (sneaky smile).

I will probably think of many more and wonder why I didn't include those.  But enough for now.

MEAL TIME

Meal time is an antidote for most ills....................

Tonight the rain is heavy and Mother is rushing from door to window giving a moment by moment report on what she sees which is sometimes different from what is ..since her vision is greatly impaired.

Finally I can stand no more..lol.. and I actually say Mother you are making me so nervous.  I will go to the barn and be sure the water is not coming in and see that the animals are all doing fine.........

That still didn't satisfy the weather beast within the soul of a farmer (Mother is still classified as a farmer).  SOOOOOOO

I decide it is time for supper ( a bit early but who notices..hee hee).  Mother says it has to be hot and  wants soup.   Ok, a can of chicken noodle soup is the thing.  Poured over cornbread not crackers.  She is happy.   She is calm.   And the weather reports slow down and finally stop!

The pain management doctor said that I should not be preparing something different for everyone for every meal.  Well, somedays you do.   Most days you don't for all meals.  The doctor said we should have a family meeting and vote! HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA HA

Jack and I have more varied palates than my mother who will be 90 in October.  We like Mexican, Italian, Chinese, French, and a variety of sea foods.  Mother likes Oklahoma Country Cuisine.   She also has a limited number of teeth which means I prepare foods easily eaten or can be cut/chopped/or mashed so she can still enjoy the food as well as the texture.  

 I commented on the odor of foods in a nursing facility and was told, that as people get older they like stronger foods because the smell and taste abilities are changing.   I THINK THAT IS AN EXCUSE FOR BOILING CABBAGE!  yuck!  Glad we didn't have a family meeting and vote on cabbage.

Jack's diet has changed lately because he isn't eating some of the same foods and some of his favorites upset his stomach.  He wants bland foods and often has a small glass of milk.  Medications are doing a tough number on his body.

I am finding that I absolutely don't want anything that everyone else is eating.  By the time I cook, chop, mash, slice, and serve foods......they don't look very good!

Because I have trouble sleeping I tend to nibble in the night........this is very bad for a healthy diet, this is not designed for a slim body,  but it usually puts me to sleep!   I am not a big eater........but   eating at the wrong times is really not good.

MEAL TIMES usually calm, redirect thoughts and certainly motivates differentactions.  When it is over, the dishes rinsed and put in the dishwasher, all the left overs put away or fed to animals, counter tops washed off...and the kitchen restored to some order.........then the cook is  OUT!

Peace!