Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 December 2006 20:05:51
The Hospice were wonderful. We were shown a bedroom with en-suite which we could call our own if things continued beyond the hour, two reclining chairs were put by his bedside, and the wait began. It was a long night. Each few minutes punctuated by the alternating snores and silence. I'm used to being kept awake by snoring, but through that night the snores lulled us towards sleep and the silences woke us. But morning came and he was still with us, far calmer and more comfortable as light filled the room.
We, meanwhile, were the talk of the hospice at hand-over time. Not for the vigil we had kept, but for a far different reason. A nurse found me in the corridor at 2am, hands over my face, shoulders shaking, fighting for control. She was wonderful, raced up and put her arms round me and comforted me... but was rather surprised by my reaction. For I was not in tears at all, but battling to control a fit of the giggles. I get these rarely but when they begin there's simply no stopping them.
I had been sitting in the electric recliner alongside Dad's bed, while my sister had been in the one which is operated by lever. Her chair was put between the bed and the wardrobe, pushed up towards the wall and bedside cabinet so that she was completely enclosed by the chair back as she lay there reclined, tucked up in a blanket. Suddenly she'd realised she needed the toilet.. and rather urgently at that, so she tried to press with her legs to lower the footrest, while fishing alongside the chair for the lever... all in vain. Every time she got it partially under control, the footrest would forcably spring up again, and with the chair on castors on a shiny floor she couldn't get a purchase with her foot to move it clear of the obstructions. Her face was contorted as she battled and her arms and legs waved valiently but in vain as she struggled to free herself from the furniture... but without disturbing Dad! Could I help? Could I 'eck... I was far too busy trying to prevent myself from bursting into loud giggles or... even worse... letting go of my meagre control of my own bladder under the circumstances!!!!
Much to the amusement of the nursing staff!
You'll be pleased to know, we both made it through the night without needing to call for incontinence wear!