My latest update. On Saturday, July 26, Shari and I got up early to be able to get into the garden early enough to beat the heat. She helped wheel me into the back yard and into the garden. Obviously I spent my time in my wheel chair at the edge of the garden. I helped as much as possible, but mostly watched as my lovely, caring, wife did most of the work. Last year we tried a little different gardening. We opted to grow vertically, so we purchased a few cattle fence panels. We plant the tomatoes next to the panels, and as the plant grows we gently weave the plant through the fencing. This acts like a tomato cage. Our watermelon, cucumber and cantaloupe plants are also planted near the panels and as they grow, the vines are weaved into the fencing. This keeps the fruit off the ground and also minimizes the amount to garden space taken up by these plants. I watched Shari as she weaved these plants. I was able to help with the plants near the edge. Shari harvested lots of tomatoes, and cucumbers and green beans. We brought these into the house, and I washed the veggies. I stand at the sink, balancing on one leg and leaning on the counter as I work. I will take intermittent breaks by sitting in my wheelchair to rest. After the veggies were washed, I snapped the ends off the beans. Later in the day, Shari and I canned a few pints of beans. I blanched them and stuffed them into the canning jars (all while standing.). Shari added the salt and placed the lids and then we pressure canned them. Fortunately all the jars took! I really enjoy the outdoors, and gardening and yard work are two ways I get out the most. This year as we planned and prepared the garden, I took meticulous note on the plants, dates etc. I was excited to really learn and develop better skills. My accident really changed things. Im trying to make my life and the life of my family feel as normal as possible. Of course we have to make a few modifications, but everyone seems to be on board with me! In my family, I am the spider killer. Sharis philosophy is, the only good spider is a dead spider. When I hear, Albert, I need your help, that is code for kill this spider. Yesterday, Shari was working around the pool doing the things I would normally do, scoop out leaves that settled to the bottom, clean out the skimmer baskets, etc. I was out talking her through the routines. As she opened the skimmer basket, there were spiders in it. She looked in and tried to muster the courage to reach in to empty the basket, but could not. The fear over took her. I sat helplessly. I wanted to help her so badly, but could not. Eventually she found a garden tool to help her. As I think about that situation, I shed a few tears. My wife has had to do all her usual chores PLUS some of mine. I start to get down a bit. I apologize to her and say something like, its my fault this is all happening. Its all because of me. She reminds me that this is the way it is because of an accident. Its no ones fault. It is true. However, being the man if the house is difficult when I cant fully help. Some of the bright spots of my day are when we go out to shop at Rons Supermarket or Walmart, and run into friends and patients. The smile that comes to their face as they see me. They stop all they are doing (even getting out of the checkout line) to come to me and give me hugs, and shake my hand. (Im not a huggy guy, but am learning to be.). The obvious love and support of these friends and patients has helped my family and me. Thank you, so much to all of you. Your well wishes and continual prayers truly lift me up. Tomorrow I head back to Springfield for my suture removal. Remember that JP drain? The doctor said it comes out when I drain 50 cc or less in a 24 hour period. Friday was a 50 cc day. Saturday was a 30 cc day. Sunday was a 30 cc day. Monday was a weird day, it was a 100 cc day. Today looks like another low flow day! Hopefully the doctor will pull the drain! Until next time.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 20:27:36 +0000