List Epiphany
So, I was talking to Mary Beth this week. We were lamenting the fact that there never seems to be any "down" time. You get to a place where you are stocked up, house is clean and laundry done, meals put up and bam, another road block. She had a car issue trying to get a child back to College and another starting a new job. For me, the lists just never end.
I kept a notebook with me when Bruce first stroked, wrote everything down. And I stayed with him most of the time at the hospital - don't forget Mary Beth was with us for two weeks. When Bruce was transferred to the SNF, I would come home at night and sort through the notebook. I keep three lists: Immediate, Weekly and Long Term. From the Immediate I would have two or three "Criticals" that went to yellow post its and as things needed to be added, they went to any other color post it. I have been doing this for 4 1/2 years and it works for me. There are pads and pens at every phone, pad in my work schlepp, one in each car. Just the way that I can function. Drives Mary Beth crazy - LOL. Sometimes she hides the pads!
But it was funny because I was organizing tonight, trying to figure out how to get Bruce out with the warmer weather due this weekend, but rainy.
There are always follow ups. All of us know this. My new Health Insurance was approved as of January 1st. I sent the premium and I have yet to get any paperwork - another phone call. I have to schedule Mammo and Bone Scan for me, can't do that until I get the Insurance. I have to place an order to Lowe's on-line, but being computer-stupid, I have to have Bruce taken care of for an hour or so and that takes planning. I am still looking for a new snow-removal team, etc.
But then I am reading: order book Mary Beth recommended for Bruce, order Dog Pads for Mary Beth, thank you note for an unexpected Christmas gift, send an arrangement for the death of a friend out of state, reservations for my birthday.
That is when it hit me. I have not been able to think about these kinds of things in a very long time. I thought about the things I had to deal with, all the major issues: finances, house management, stroke management, Doctors, Therapies. And yes, they are simple and mostly fun, but what a hoot. To finally realize we have a life back. A place where we can finally interact with the community, consider others.
My absolute favorite is "buy socks. Who knew? Debbie
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