Bob, Edmund and other stuff
02.12.05 (7:06 am) [edit]Things have been very hectic at the work place the last couple of weeks. The ice storm allowed me to have the privilege of being able to work for 36 hours straight since the other shifts could not get in because of the icy roads. Luckily our generator was in good shape since we lost power for 20 of the 36 hours. It was not that bad since those of us there (a skeleton) crew worked at a slower pace and that made the whole place more relaxed almost festive believe it or not. I guess people just become more conscious of the need to work as a team when things get a little rough.
Placid got mad at me three days ago when I told him that it was not save for us to attempt to place him on the commode because of his weakness; something that he did not want to hear. He is continuing to get weaker because of kidney failure and getting to the point were his “proquid” (?) shots will not do him much good. The proquid keeps his blood count up and that lessens the need to have to take him to the hospital for blood transfusions. We have talked to him about taking dialysis but he refuses since he does not want to follow the very strict regime that he will have to be on regarding food and liquid. The dialysis is also grueling since it would entail three trips a week to the center for his dialysis and that takes 4 hours per visit. The trip is also very difficult since he would have to go in most likely by stretcher at least in the beginning and then later by wheelchair, by a non-emergency ambulance. He is 83 and tired so he seems to be ready to go; at least at this time. I am torn about it since he is a great guy and I have grown quite fond of him, but in my line of work goodbyes are part of the job, though it is not always easy.
Edmund and Bob were listening to “Billy Holiday” on the CD player and they both started dancing to the music, Edmund danced with his wheel chair and Bob with his walker; quite a site both funny and very beautiful. Edmund in his younger years played the Violin and he loves Jazz; Billy Holiday being his favorite singer….and mine to truth be told. Bob has always been a ham and this has keep his spirit young. He is always breaking into some song or another and everyone enjoys it, lightens up the place.
Yesterday I was taking a break and I put on Billy Holiday and Edmund came up to me his eyes wide and feeling some deep powerful emotion and crying and he started stinging summertime to me; I was touched profoundly since I knew that he was reliving some deep moving memories from the past….such is the gift of music. He is a very quiet man but music turns him into a real extrovert and he is not the least bit shy about showing how it touches him.
Bob is doing better with his OCD since I am talking to him about how much energy it takes for me to do his rituals and he does not have the energy to continue doing that. Luckily he will allow me to but limits on his activity and this seems to help. We have certain times at night that we get him up and then only allow him to wash his hands and put him right back to bed. He is sleeping better now and has more energy; we however are going to up some of his meds and that should help also.
One thing I have learned in working with the elderly, they have a lot to teach us younger people, also that in their souls they are young and they grave love and respect just as much as those not yet in their old age due. They also have profound spiritual insights and experiences that they will share often but it is these experiences that keep them going. Being old only makes the elder weaker in body and sometimes in mind but they are just like us. Here I am 56 and I still think I am only 18 or 20 in my soul.
Oh on funny thing that happened to me yesterday in Publix. I was doing some shopping and was unloading my “stuff” on to the conveyor belt when I suddenly realized that an older woman was trying to get my attention; I was moving in on her stuff. I was so embarrassed and told her how sorry I was. She looked at me, smiled, and said thats ok “darling” I have one at home, in fact I have had him for 52 years; I had to laugh. I helped her put the rest of her food items on the belt. She was so gracious a true southern Belle.
Peace
mitch