I was cared for through my last catastrophe. Living alone means self-care takes precedence over other-care. I've always believed that. Well, ever since I got a little more mentally healthy back in the day. Once I'm taken care of I can march around and take care of others.
But I couldn't take care of my past challenge. So the fire department of my beautiful town came and took care of me. Fire ladder planked against the house, three of them came and salted my roof and shoveled snow and ice off it. Took pictures even to show me what was happening up there. Made sure I was OK. Then took off in the big red fire truck leaving me oh so relieved. So the waterfall of ice is now gone.
And then my car got stuck in a snowbank, so badly stuck (I was rocking it back and forth which has nearly always worked, but it only ground it in deeper to the snow) so fellahs couldn't push me out. CAA came and winched poor baby on to the road and then, kindness itself, he reversed my car back up the driveway so it would be easier to "take 'er out".
Then my friend came over in his 4X4 and took me over to his house for this fabulous dinner (roast turkey, baked cheesy broccoli, stuffing to die, mounds of roast potatoes, home-made date squares and coconut cream pie). A bunch of us talked late into the night and he then drove me home.
All this transpired in a day. How feelings of hopelessness and questioning of self-coping abilities can be completely turned around by such care and attention. And the knowing of this for the future is priceless.
I passed it on today in very small measure at a farewell lunch for one of our town volunteers who's off to Florida for a while. I made my to-die carrot cake with to-die frosting and put a shrimp ring together from scratch together with my homemade cocktail sauce.
It's good to show care for others.
And it's so good to be cared for.
Wow...I am so relieved for you. Here, the fire department would probably just call Adult Protective Services...Of course we don't get snow generally, but there are a lot of folk that can need help...BTW, I am in Florida...
ReplyDeleteE, we don't have APS here so we very much rely on community which is not such a bad thing. We are currently putting additional measures in place to extend care and compassion to those living alone or with challenges.
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People are good.
ReplyDeleteAs Mr. Rogers said - Look for the Helpers, there are always helpers!
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WWW, we just need to learn to ask! I am the most stubborn oldie I ever came across, I suppose it comes from a lifetime of being the doer/helper. I had to eat my pride and ask for help on Monday. My good friend Emily was only too pleased to come to my aid.
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same as you GM, I just hate asking for help, always been so independent and doing things for myself and my kids. Old habits die hard, right?
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I endorse Grannymar. You at least ask. I find it difficult but when I do ask, doors open and help comes in. It is all very nice to be the carer but it is nice to get some care too. I am glad that you got so many instances all in one day!
ReplyDeleteVery much a learning day for me Ramana, out of the woodwork they crawled so to speak. I felt quite emotional at the end of the day.
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You must be a good friend to others, to have them be such good friends to you.
ReplyDeleteI do my best Linda, but others' kindnesses never ceases to amaze me :)
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A friend of mine said "Angels always know where to land" I like that! I also liked a little sign I saw - it said "Give Thanks!" Now why didn't I buy that sign? Hope you like them too.
DeleteLove them Betty! Thank you!
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Thanks for your kind comment on my last posting!
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt m'dear!
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It's very hard for me to ask for help. I've always been that way, afraid of putting others to any trouble or inconvenience. I'm trying to learn to speak up when I need something instead of just suffering in silence. Community is a beautiful thing. I'm glad you live in the midst of a good one!
ReplyDeleteThey're slowly teaching me the dignity and gift of accepting help graciously Jennifer!
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Well, after all you deserve looking after. Some help you pay for with your taxes and some are what are owed to you for the services you provide to your community,through good works and other activities.
ReplyDeleteGlad you get these things, because I think it would be impossible for you to do without them! You can just expect them and be properly grateful.
Best, Marianna
That feeling doesn't come naturally to me. I wish it did as I'd sleep a little easier!
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You live in the most wonderful community. I looked at that ice dam in your post and was speechless ~ I wouldn't know where to begin to tackle the problem or who to ask for help. The fire department. Perfect. You had three experiences to drive home the point that people are there to help when you need it. All in one day? I'd say the universe is sending the message loud and clear.
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