Independence

Categories: general, swansea

Tags: Friends

Date: 15 March 2007 16:20:44

Independence is a funny thing. Its on the list of 'things you take for granted, until you loose an element of it'. My Gran was dependent on her children and neighbours for the latter years of her life, but she had sneaky tactics to ensure she didn't entirely lose her independence. Like putting the milk from the fridge in a plastic bag and looping it over the handles of her multi-pod sticks (or as we nicked named them - toe-crushers!), so that she could carry it into the kitchen table. This sneaky trick enabled her to have breakfast without any help from anyone else.

For reasons I don't wish to discuss here, I have strict orders to rest for this week, at least. Thankfully I have amazing friends who are willing to put themselves out to help me, so I can rest properly. Its made me realise just how many little things I do everyday using my legs, which I now have to ask somebody else to do for me. But theres still this compelling urge to regain some independence and do some of it myself. Finding a way that it doesn't hurt, so that I *can* do it. And of course, drawing the line at a sensible place - so that I *do* ask for help whenever I need it. But the placement of that line is difficult, especially as I can see a definite improvement in my health.

I will, of course, rest for as much and as long as I need to. But often its not as simple and clear-cut as that.