How chronic illness / disease or disability was left
out of those biblical plagues is beyond me. I suspect it has to do with my
Hallmark conspiracy theory about ‘get well SOON’ cards. People just do not do
duration well. Bring on the frogs and boils just as long as “the Lord spake
unto Moses” – how long?
Not to make light of natural disasters but they do
have an end and involve words like recovery. Multiple Sclerosis and/or MS
caregiving do not involve endings nor recovery. One of the intangible aspects
of caregiving is ‘crises management’, 24/7 year in year out.
Recently we rolled and pushed our way through two
weeks of natural disasters: earthquake, hurricane, tropical storm, and record
flooding with our wheelchair accessible van ramp lowering like the proverbial
staff of Moses.
While the East Coast felt and freaked over Virginia Valley Meadows Park
We were intrigued by wheelchair switchbacks built
into the Forbes Path where grade was steep. Wheelchair ‘friendly’ is a world of
difference from wheelchair accessible.
Later after Hurricane Irene finished trying to huff
and puff and blow the town down, it was time for rollin’ along the sidewalks.
While Tropical Storm Lee was busy dumping nearly a
foot of rain over several days, well … there were always home improvement mega
stores with acres under cover to roll around in. Considering the streak of natural disasters
they were also community social centers - and already decorated for Halloween!
I need to give thanks to Cumberland County Department of Public Safety Facebook Page which made
moving about in real time so easy and safe.
While safety is always first, living with MS can be
isolating under normal circumstances. When all anyone is talking about is
earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods mix that in with MS symptoms and
disabilities and it’s too easy to add worries. Sometimes you have to lower your
ramp and stick your head out.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
videos: www.youtube.com/daddyleer
web site: caregivinglyyours.com
Peace Be With You Judy
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of you and your wife. And you are so right about the difference between a prolonged catastrophe and one which is a discrete event.
Judy
Good for you and Patti getting out despite the weather conditions! Why let a little hurricane or earthquake or flood ruin your guys' fun!! Seriously though, I'm sure you plan for everything Patrick with each adventure/outing you take Patti on.
ReplyDeletehoping the fall weather is much more pleasant than some of the summer happenings!
betty
Oh yeah, the acute illness vs. chronic. Most folks' heads don't wrap too well around the chronic. I still have folks telling me to get better soon! Alrighty now.
ReplyDeleteI have not thought of this. There is an end to the natural disasters...Nice to see yall having fun
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the kind thoughts! When each day has obstacles such as MS symptoms and the logistics of accessibility - somehow nature's best punch just isn't that formidable.
ReplyDelete