Saturday, October 19, 2013

More Baths and Less Talk


Disclaimer: This is not a book review about a very funny book where UK author Nick Hornby rattles on and on about the books he buys each month, but then reviews the books he actually reads each month.  

However, the title of the book has everything to do with the topic of this post.

At the end of August our lives were thrown upside down when my husband couldn't walk. You add a disability to Alzheimer's and life indeed is complicated and my stress and ability to cope with life is hammered. When I showed neighbor/caregiver Kenny the title of this book, we both laughed. Kenny has been helping me with my husband's showers and today's shave and shower was the most successful to date. Hubby needs more baths and I need less talk. It's all about the wife nag factor. I know he needs more baths and cranberry juice to avoid another UTI, but I need to shut my mouth about this fact. 

This morning Kenny skillfully suggested that hubby sit on the toilet while he gave him a razor shave. The idea was that hubby is already in the room where he showers. 

Now I was outside enjoying Pharis and his daughter Dezarae landscaping in Area 8 of my project, The House That Cleans Itself. When I left you HERE last May, one of the plants in the front yard was dying. Those were removed and new croton plants have come to our front door, mainly purchased from a country neighbor about two miles away. Stephanie sells wonderful plants cheaply and gives more help than Home Depot. 

Huge Landscaping Improvements Being Undertaken
Pharis has many plans to save this the yard and improve the house, including the roof. How blessed are we!

Meanwhile I popped back inside and Kenny had gotten hubby in the shower without me! 



I said something when I saw this and my husband snapped back. I should have left them alone--not said anything like the book title suggests:


MORE BATHS AND LESS TALKING

In the midst of many hard days, today is so encouraging. Thank you, LORD, for people coming alongside this journey. 

8 comments:

  1. Carol, your front yard is beautiful! I really like crotons. There are a variety of looks in crotons too. I am glad that you have some helpers to deal with the difficult spots in your life. I had to laugh at the book title too after you skillfully wrote how it applies.

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    1. It's a hard call when to nag and when to shut up when your husband has dementia. Kenny is now going to our church. Pray for Kenny's medical issues and a gall bladder surgery if it turns out his kidney is well enough for that surgery. We will know next week.

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  2. Your front porch is so nice! Glad you had a good day and you've got such nice folks in your life to help you and your hubby!

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    1. Oh yes it looks great, Barb. I would never have been able to pull this off with the planting these bushes. I have to be careful with my carpal tunnel wrists. They are bringing rock to put in the flower beds by the house because mulch just ends up on the porch and the walk way. Also blessed to have folks such as you in my life. Remember I call you an adopted niece.

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    2. You are so sweet, as always! I wish I had more time right now for blogging and writing. I don't even seem to be able to keep up with Words with Friends very well! But, when the boys and I are home after school & work, I focus on them, their homework, dinner, baths, etc. Life is good!

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    3. Love playing Words With Friends with you when you can.
      Hugs and prayers,
      AC

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  3. My problem would be I'd never get out of the tub again.

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    1. Opposite of hubby trying to get him to shower. Thank God there is Kenny to help.

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