As much as Val likes to think that she can move through life like a normal person, the actions of others signify that she cannot. Lately, old men and young girls hold doors open for me. I am happy, though embarrassed, to fuel their good karma.
I took my cane to the casino on Christmas Eve morning. Better safe than sorry for more walking than normal. Once I get limbered up from the hour ride, I can walk along carrying the cane. But after sitting, I need it to get going. There's something about the height of those slot machine stools that wreaks havoc with Val's knees. Goldilocks needs to investigate. They are either too low, or most often too high. Perched upon them, my knees bear a burden for which they are not suited.
While The Pony was waiting for his jackpot handpay, I decided to move from the slot I had been playing to the one next to it around the carousel. I was leaning forward, right hand on my cane, left hand on the slot, preparing to stand. A tall gray-haired lady was walking by on the next aisle. She caught my eye. I thought nothing of it, until I was hoisting myself up, and she was right behind me, reaching out to possibly grasp my upper left arm.
"Can I help you?"
"Oh, no. Thank you so much! But I just have stiff knees, and it takes me a minute."
"Okay. I am happy to help."
"Thanks, but I can do it. I really appreciate it."
Yes. That's how much Val has deteriorated. Elderlies try to help her.
I hope Even Steven rewards them for their intended good deeds.
These helpful people are going to be the death of me. In my initial creakiness, they have the audacity to try and hold my arm or put their hand on my back to 'help' me. I ask them not to touch me as they are throwing off what little balance I have left. Why do they think a helpful push will help a person struggling to stay upright and balanced on her feet.
ReplyDeleteThe casino lady didn't actually touch me, but was there to offer help. She meant well. The ones who are going to kill me are the guys who pull the door open farther to hold it as I'm clinging to it while walking down the little ramp leaving the Gas Station Chicken Store.
DeleteSince I need someone to open the door, that never happens, thankfully.
DeleteI feel guilty when they open the door to let me in when I'm "far" away, and it takes me a while to get there. I always offer to let them go ahead of me in line, because they were there first. Some do, some don't. I think it's the scratchers in my hand that affects their decision!
DeleteOne day recently when Judy had gone to the store I dropped something in the kitchen and bent down to pick it up, then found I could not stand up. After multiple attempts, I lay down and realized that not only was the front door unlocked but I had my phone in my pocket. I got it out and called my neighbor, who is a fire department paramedic, and told him I needed help and the door was open. He came over immediately and after I told him I wasn't hurt, he had me on my feet in seconds. His wife is a physician's assistant so we now have good help right next door and we're thankful for it.
ReplyDeleteThat arrangement is very handy for you. It's nice that they are good neighbors and willing to help.
DeleteI admit if I were in your situation, I would probably decline help too as long as I possibly could.
ReplyDeleteWhile these random people are nice to offer help, I don't think they quite know how to go about it. The Pony was great at my sister's house on Christmas Eve, just grasping my hand and pulling as I stood up. The right amount of pull, then stopping before yanking me over.
DeleteNot knowing how to help is a big problem. My mother had serious back problems, so I know how to help and inevitably have to insist I only need someone's hand and for them to hold steady while I pull. A person pulling hurts me.
DeleteIt's a balance. The Pony can sense it, but Hick scares me if he's the puller.
DeleteI hear you and nod in appreciation. I also carry cane for balance reason. And people also kind souls who hold the door. And we are amazed that we are old, in our 70s. I have a tee shirt that says "I remember being able to get it with out making sound effects. Good times."
ReplyDeleteI miss being able to get up and start walking without concentrating on it! People are helpful in their own way. Like the ones who offer to take my cart and push it back to the front of the store after I unload my groceries.
DeleteThe Pony is amazed at the sounds my knees make when I stand up and sit down. Hick can't hear them, heh, heh.