Things went well today with our substitute personal care provider. She arrived early and was very upbeat and pleasant. It was nice to have such a happy person come in this morning. Especially since I am not a morning person. My mornings are pretty quiet. She came in a bundle of energy.
While she was here she helped Doug get up. He is doing most of the work of dressing himself. She helped him transfer to the wheelchair and then made him oatmeal for breakfast. I loved it, because when I got home she had changed the sheets, washed sheets and towels, made the bed, vacuumed the bedroom and cleaned-up the kitchen after getting Doug breakfast. It was nice to come home and have everything done.
This afternoon we enjoyed visits from our friend Ralph and then Jennifer and John. It was wonderful to have time with friends. The social worker came at 4:00 this afternoon. She was going to help us apply for 10 hours of respite care that she thought we would qualify for and receive at no charge However once she contacted the Center for Aging and Disabilities this afternoon and began the application with us, we learned that we don't qualify because I am working. It turns out you have to be a full-time care provider, who does not work. Work is considered respite. It made me smile. I can't say we were disappointed because we keep learning we don't qualify for services after making applications. The social worker did feel bad, because she was sure she could find us some help.
Every night Doug wants me to put oil on his feet. Lately he has asked me to put oil on his feet a second time, saying that his feet still feel dry. I told him he was pushing it. He is lucky to have me do it one time every night. Well tonight, he was slipping down in the bed and his feet were hanging over the end. He was able to push himself up in bed. Then he reached for the oil and was able to bend his leg and put oil on both his feet. I was like, wow! I told him that he was holding out on me. I am not sure that I am going to put oil on anymore! Seriously though, good for him.
Every time I think that he is not progressing, he does something he has not done before. The changes are not as obvious as early in his recovery. But they do seem to be continuing, thankfully.
God of Hope, we give thanks for good friends who walk this journey with us. We are thankful for the kindness of strangers who reach out to us and help to make the journey easier. Be with us as we sleep this night and sustain our hope and trust in you. We pray for healing for all who come to you and we pray for Doug's continued healing. We continue to look forward to the day that he walks again. Amen
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