On My Mind... 11/12/2008 at 7:28 pm
MY CAREGIVER STORY
I've been taking care of my mother for almost eleven years now. She gradually lost the use of her legs (still not sure why) and became totally bed-ridden. We've dealt wit
...Read MoreMY CAREGIVER STORY
I've been taking care of my mother for almost eleven years now. She gradually lost the use of her legs (still not sure why) and became totally bed-ridden. We've dealt with diabetic ulcers on her legs at varying degrees of intensity as well as other related complications including incontinence -- which means a lot of diapers and changing of sheets. We tried the catheter, but she kept having complications with it. I am the youngest of two daughters, but have not had any help from my sister. I thank God for my two children who have been a tremendous source of help and support! In 2003, my mother finally agreed to move in with me (yea!). It was difficult running back and forth between two houses, but I did it. I wanted to wait until she was ready to move. She worked very hard to get her home and I didn't want to push her. After several unexpected changes affecting my jobs, I found myself faced with the possibility of foreclosure on my home. My daughter had moved to Atlanta and I needed the help and support, so with a little coaxing, I finally convinced my mother to move to Atlanta. We were challenged with the decision on how we were going to get her moved. She couldn't bend her knees, nor could she sit for over 3 hours. The trip by ground is an 8 hour drive. Well, we finally were able to get her on an AirTran flight. It was her FIRST TIME flying. She always refused to fly. She was very nervous, but excited at the same time. Well, let me tell you -- she loved the flight! She said she wanted to go again. She kept saying how she loved when the plane took off and when we turned to change directions. Then she even liked the landing. Imagine, 77 years old, couldn't walk or bend her legs (we had to have airline staff lift her from her wheelchair to their islechair and then to the seat), never flown before and this was her first adventure. We also stayed in a hotel the first night here -- she was being admitted to the hospital the next day. That was only the second time in her lifetime that she had stayed in a hotel! We had a grand time despite the physical challenges. There is so much more to the story, but I thought I would share the part about her taking her first plane ride at 77 years old and how much she enjoyed it -- and wants to go again. The stewardess gave her a "first time flyer" certificate and wings! She's still talking about that. We are all settled in GA now and my mom has a great physical therapist that has been working with her. Last week, she sat up on the side of the bed by herself for the first time in 8 years! I am thankful that I was able to participate in my mother's first plane ride -- despite the circumstances. I am a Lead Teacher for a PreK class and I love it, there are times however, when I would love to just come home and sleep. That's not an option, and I'm not complaining. I wouldn't change anything for the world. I only have one mother and I'm glad to still have her here with me! It's physically demanding as well as emotionally demanding, but I was able to go to an Atlanta Hawks game the other night -- what a blast. I love basketball and football! That was a small break and a much needed one.