Thursday, April 28, 2022

The Florence Doesn't Live Here Weekly Link Round-Up

 


If I've learned anything during Denis's health scare (he does continue to improve slowly by the way), it's that I'm no Florence Nightingale. But then, I never thought I was. I learned in the third grade that I wasn't cut out for the medical profession when another child cut his head on a snapped-off tree branch. The wound bled like crazy, and while another child had the presence of mind to comfort him and lead him to the grownups who'd take care of him, I stood there like a statue, my brain freezing my entire body into immobility. It wasn't that I was sickened by the sight of blood; it was that I wanted so badly to Do Something... and I didn't have a clue. At least now I know from experience that, if someone with a clue is nearby, I can follow directions and get things done.


Fortunately, I'm not required to do any rapid-fire thinking on my feet while taking care of Denis, but what has shocked me is how draining it is when you are required to do something day in and day out (and indefinitely) that you have absolutely no talent for doing. And it's draining for many reasons. One, I'm in constant fear of doing something wrong and making Denis's situation worse. Two, even though I know it's stupid, I feel less "womanly" because I don't have the Nursing Gene. Three, I'm a perfectionist, so when a shipment of antibiotics doesn't arrive and Denis has to do without for four hours, or when I can't get some household chore done the way I think it should be done, my stress levels go so far off my chart that they've probably left tracks on someone else's.

Now, I still feel the stress buzzing away in my veins, but it's manageable now because I admitted that we need help. I admitted this early on, and we contacted the insurance company to get the help we need. But there was a problem. The companies that the insurance company deals with would only put us on a month-long waiting list, and we needed help NOW. So... I said a few rude words about long waiting lists and bit the bullet. I contacted a company and hired the help we need, and that has made all the difference. With Denis finally on the proper dosage of pain medication and with help at hand, there's more joking and laughter here at Casa Kittling, and I know that makes us both feel better.

For most of my life, I felt as though asking for help was an admission of weakness, of defeat. But-- particularly now-- I know how wrong that way of thinking is. I'm just incredibly fortunate to be able to pay for the help we need right now.

And on that note, I'll shut up and let you enjoy the links. Have a great weekend!


►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄
 
►Book Banning & Censorship◄
 
►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄
 
►Channeling My Inner Elly Mae Clampett◄
 
►Fascinating Folk◄
 
►The Wanderer◄
 
►I ♥ Lists◄
 
That's all for this week! Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll be sharing a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure.
 
Stay safe. Stay healthy. And don't forget to curl up with a good book!

19 comments:

  1. You were wise to ask for help when you needed it, Cathy. And I'd've said more than a few rude words to the insurance company! Your story of looking after Denis is a part of that 'for better or worse' commitment, too. I think we sometimes find ourselves doing more than we thought we could for our spouse, and yes, it's exhausting. I'm happy to hear Denis' medication is worked out now, and you can get some rest. I will, too, when I get back from Notre Dame...

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  2. I've been learning to just ASK for many sorts of things and reasons too, and it's a wonder how well it often works. I'm glad that Casa Kittling's atmosphere is so improved, and hope that you and Denis both continue to even better health.

    Meanwhile, I've been following Notre-Dame closely, so that frees me up for all the other fascinating links you post. And it's a good thing you include so many pleasant ones to alternate with the book banning news - that helps keep my blood pressure down in the healthy range!

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    1. Yes! I have to post those other links because if I stuck merely with the censorship ones, my blood pressure would never recover.

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  3. I am so sorry for all of this dadgum red tape! Yet how fortunate you are to be in a position to take care of things when you need it! Gosh darn it, I wish I lived closer to come over and help! My elderly mom was badly injured in 2020 and my brother and sister and I have never felt so helpless. When she finally returned home from the hospital and rehab then the possibility of transmitting the virus was the issue. Either way, as care giver or worried loved one, this medical mess is a tough one. I am so glad that you are seeing an uptick. Fingers crossed that it stays this way!! Thanks for the links. They always make me happy and curious

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    1. Thanks so much, Gaye. Right now I'd almost give my right arm to be able to leave the property and spend a few hours on my own. But I can't give up that arm because that's my main lifting and hauling arm. ;-)

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  4. Boo to bad insurance companies. Cheers for the help you did find, but not good that you have to pay for it.
    And boo to the book banners. Cheers for the libraries annd others fighting back. This makes my blood boil, too. My favorite books have been on the banned lists for years. Books that make one think and learn and feel empathy are banned. Ugh.
    Glad that things are improving at your house, albeit slowly.
    I laughed the other day as I read about the ramp and thought of two of you zooming around on scooters.
    Don't worry about the "nurse" gene. A lot of us don't have it. I luckily have friends who are nurses or were before retirement.
    No matter what, those fascinating links are posted. Thanks.

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    1. You're welcome, Kathy. I think I feel particularly bad about lacking the Nurse Gene because my mother had it in spades.

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  5. I've been absent for a few days, Cathy, so I'm just learning that Denis is going through some tough times right now (as well as you). I have a similar situation here, and I know how difficult it is to adjust to this kind of new normal even if it is only temporary. As someone who is absolutely less of a nurse than you, I had to smile a little as you described the situation. Take care of yourself as well as Denis.

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    1. I'm giving it my best shot, Sam-- as I'm sure you are, too.

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    2. I'm sure you're doing a good job, Cathy. You are very conscientious and hard-working and determined.

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    3. Even the most determined person can run out of steam.

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  6. Yes, true. Bur even the most determined people can rest for a few days, get in some reading or juicy murders streaming, have good snacks and distractions. Then the determination and sense of responsibility will kick in again!.. I'm not doing what you are doing day in and day out, but I do work which sends me to books and chocolate, my TV and computer and crossword puzzles to rest and get some energy to start again. It's harder for you given the circumstances. Can you sit outside (on your scooter) and watch the birdies play and hear them sing and just breathe in the flowers and new foliage? An old friend's sister-in--law used to hide in the bathroom to read but I don't think you're in that situation. I hid in my bedroom in high school when family dynamics got overwhelming, and I'd read. But you're not in that situation either. But as you know, even reading 50 pages of a good book and having a snack can refresh a person.

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    1. I am constantly on alert, listening for yelps of pain or cries for help. I always feel stress buzzing along under my skin like I'm some sort of electric fence. I'm working on being able to get off the property on my own for a couple of hours, but it's not easy.

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  7. Oh, that makes me sad. Maybe you could drive to get fruit for the birds? Or to a bookstore? Or to that wonderful Wildlife Sanctuary? Or there's always the bathroom. Taking a bath and reading with iced tea at the ready is quite relaxing. Can the young person who is helping you stay for a few hours while you get a rest? Tough situation.

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