Archive for December, 2009
After my grandpa had two hip surgeries in a matter of a year, it was nearly impossible for him to walk more than a few feet at a time. As a strong-willed war veteran, he was adamant about taking care of himself and was horrified by the prospect of having to be pushed around in a wheelchair. Although he didn’t like it, he realized that walking simply wasn’t an option anymore.
In order to make the transition easier for him, everyone in our family pitched in to buy him an electric scooter. It has allowed him to move around more freely, and he doesn’t constantly need someone’s assistance. He is hesitant to show any emotion, but it was evident that he was touched by the gesture and concern for him.
When I broke my leg a few years ago, I underestimated how difficult everyday tasks would be. I anticipated having trouble getting in and out of the car and going up stairs, but I had taken for granted some of the simple things in life, such as taking a shower. The first time I attempted to bathe with my cast on, it was a grueling hour-long process.
First I had to don a specialized bag to keep my cast from getting wet and then hop into the shower without putting any weight on my leg. Next, I had to balance myself while attempting to wash my entire body. After one time going through this process, I decided to invest in a shower chair, which made the process infinitely easier.