My neighbor S has been handicapped since the age of seven when she had a major head injury. She is now about 50. Her left arm dangles and does not move at all. Her left leg is also limited but she is able to walk quite well. She is also able to drive.
Here people in S's condition get what is called AISH and it's supposed to be enough to live on. You are allowed to make a small amount above the AISH. S lives with her Mom but is involved in quite a few things.
S is a competent baby sitter. She volunteers at a number of places. She's also a pretty good bottle picker.
S is very happy and always cheerful.
She helps a senior citizen in a care home with a few things. The other day while helping the senior S tripped and fell and severely injured the right shoulder. She's in the hospital and has had a plate installed to put things back together.
Now here's the problem. With no arms what can you do? Try eating? Try putting on your clothes? Try going to the bathroom. You got it . You are helpless.
Now I have to ask myself how unlucky S can get. She's a cheerful person and always willing to help. When her mother is away S will cut the grass even though her mother tells her not to because of safety.
They are going to get some home care until she gets some use of her right arm.
Knowing S, as I do, she will bounce back.
I marvel at how some people are able to cope with adversity much better than others. It's a good skill to have and I hope S bounces back really well.
ReplyDeleteS will bounce back.
DeleteHow unfortunate for your neighbor. I help she gets the help she needs.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend is a somewhat similar situation: a surgically repaired, now slowly healing but not movable shoulder injured by a fall caused by a seizure which is the result of a brain tumor that now can't be treated until the shoulder heals. For now she is in a group home.
S lives with her mother and they will get some home care.
DeleteI always look to those who face their challenges with such strength and good humor. They are the light at the end of the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteS is that kind of person. She's always cheerful.
DeleteIt's difficult enough being disabled, without also being injured. So sad.
ReplyDeleteWe are pretty fragile and don't need added problems.
DeleteWhat a situation! I hope S is able to bounce back quickly. It sounds like she's pretty resilient!
ReplyDeleteS is resilient. She makes some of look like whiners.
DeleteThat is a really sad situation, all right. I do hope S recovers quickly. You make me want to help, so I sincerely hope others will feel the same who live close by.
ReplyDeleteThere is family here. She lives with here mother and a sister lives here as well.
Delete...few things in life are fair. My 45 year old daughter was born with a disability and each day is a struggle do to the uncaring people she meets everyday!
ReplyDeleteThat's really sad when someone is trying hard to be independent and others ridicule her efforts.
DeleteThat is a sad story. I hope S recovers well and quickly. She is going to need a lot of support and I hope she gets that as well.
ReplyDeleteS is strong. she lives with her mother and has a sister here.
DeleteI hope that the help is forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteThere are some choices.
DeleteThat's sad that S fell down and hurt herself, hopefully she will recover. S sounds like an independent person who likes to do things herself.
ReplyDeleteShe not only likes to be independent but likes to help others.
DeleteThere are people who have all the reason in the world to feel down and somehow they face every day with a light heart. They are such a good example for the whiny among us, of which I am one. I hope your neighbour gets the support she needs.
ReplyDeleteS is a great example. She goes around my corner a few times a day and takes her good hand off the wheel and waves.
DeleteOur hearts and prayers go out to S for quick healing of her shoulder -- and hopefully some physical therapy to bring it back to normal so she can get on with what is obviously a rewarding and productive life.
ReplyDeleteHello Red, One reason I appreciate Hiawatha House is the variety of your posts. This post is a sad one, but, for me at least, it causes me to stop and reflect on how some things I think of as life problems are really minor compared to what S is dealing with. Thanks for giving us this perspective on things.
ReplyDeleteAww sure hope some good neighbors help them out!
ReplyDeleteIt behoves us all to look at ourselves and be grateful when we read stories like that Red.
ReplyDeleteHello, Red! That is bad luck. I hope your friend recovers quickly. Sending prayers! Happy Monday, wishing you a great day and happy new week!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like some people are dealt more misery than others, which has always puzzled me. I hope she mends quickly....
ReplyDeleteSeems that S has always managed to overcome what what most of us would consider limitations and sure she will also overcome this latest hurdle.
ReplyDeletethis is sad to hear about her injuries dear Red!
ReplyDeletewhat an incredibly courageous and confident she is ,i can't call her unlucky just due to her physical disability because she has the attitude that many perfectly fine people don't have
i wish her complete health ,peace and happiness what she deserves as she is such a kind and sweet person and i believe with such strength she will come out of it
Hi Red,
ReplyDeleteIt seems I come in and then go to your sight. Here I am again. My Husband Sid had a severe Stroke. Going on three weeks having rehab. Unfortunalley before he was a walker, helped me through knee operations. Always helping others . He is paralyzed on left side . Not able to move even his fingers . His mouth has cleared up and had speech therapy to be able to talk to us. Not sure if he will ever come home to me. He needs to sit in order to walk. You never know what to-morrow brings. Sept 16th is our 58th Anniversary. I am not on my site to do anything. Just writing you from my computer.