Random Wednesday Thoughts

--I am still amazed that by doing simple everyday tasks for myself, my confidence and pride in myself just sky rockets. I just cleaned the sandboxes. True, it took over 20 minutes but it is done. YAY!!!!!!


--I am ready to kill some cats! Omega has been eating flowers and then throwing up all over the place. While the physical therapist was here this morning, Omega knocked over the beautiful arrangement that a friend from church sent me, and sent water pouring all over my mail pile! The physical therapist stated that Omega needs to give up eating flowers for Lent. :)


--A list of weird shows I have seen so far while being too drugged or too tired to care:
--"The Rise of the Southern Biscuit"--a history of biscuits and country ham, along with a travelogue of the best biscuits of the South.
--An exercise show (obviously filmed in the '80's) on the Conservative Christian station. (In my defense, the only reason I watched was to figure out how Larry Rice was trying save souls through a woman jumping around in an outfit more appropriate for church, doing exercises more appropriate for physical therapy in a nursing home.)

--I am not missing work as much as I thought I would. This is not saying that I don't miss work, just that I am enjoying my time off watching movies and trashy TV.

--Havin clean hair is almost as confidence-building as being able to do things independently. Thanks, Jackie!!!!

--Blogging is awesome. Thank you so much for continuing to read my random thoughts and for putting up with me!

Thanks for reading and God bless,

Devin

Little accomplishments

On Monday afternoon, I was given clearance from the physical therapist to transfer into my wheelchair from the couch. At first, I was excited just because I was going to be able to sleep in my own bed. The beautiful reality of the situation didn't really hit until Tuesday morning. For the first time in nearly a week, I fell asleep at my usual time (10:30ish) and woke up at a regular time (6:30)! It was so nice to be back on my normal, comfortable schedule.

I transferred into the chair, brushed my teeth and washed my face, got my Diet Pepsi and breakfast and settled on the couch ALL BY MYSELF!!!!! I was amazed by the confidence and happiness completing these routine tasks gave me. The high (not the Percocet high) lasted all day. Although I have only been laid up for a week, time seems to stretch when you are forced to be dependent on others.

One of my characteristics that I am most proud of is my independence. It is also one of the areas that I could most use growth. I would rather try to accomplish a task on my own and fail, than rely on help from others. This fear of dependence on others has placed me in some bad situations where I have been physically and emotionally hurt simply because I prefer to do things without help.

Through this experience of being laid up, I have learned that "can you help me?" does not mean that I am failing. It is still hard to ask for help because I would rather to do things myself. "Yes, I can!" is easier for me to say than "Please help me!" I am not "cured" yet but continue to grow daily, due to the love of friends, helpers, and supporters.

The opposite of independence is NOT dependence, but is assistance and friendship!

Thank your reading and God bless,

Devin