Mary Ann
I have always prided myself for being an independent woman. It was something that my mother encouraged in me until her death. I think she took great pride in me being just that. For most of my life I have been able to take care of myself. If someone offered to help me, I would politely decline and would lug around luggage or bags of grocery or whatever. I could always take care of myself.
Then things changed as I aged, and I developed the drop foot. I needed a little help. I am never sure that my leg will hold, so I will take a cane or a walking stick if I outside my home, and if I must walk a long distance, I will use a walker. I zip around with the walker, but should I need to rest the leg until it reboots, I can sit down. I decided it is better to be safe rather than sorry.
I, of course, had to swallow a bit of pride but I have come to not care because it is all about me staying independent. If I need a little help with doors or carrying bags, I will now take the offered help. People are generally very kind and will scurry to open a door for me. When I was at the gym a few weeks ago, a young man probably in his late twenties or early thirties, rushed to open the inside door and then whipped around me to open the outside door. When I passed through the entrance, I said to him, “you know, as you get older, you discover how very nice people are. People like you who kindly open a door for me.” He just beamed with the compliment. I sincerely meant every word. He was kind to me.
I just got a new computer, so I had to go to the Apple Store to buy a new one and get the data transferred and the like. When I got to the store’s parking lot, there were many entrances with lots of steps. I called the store and asked what the easiest way was to get into the store. That is when I met Payden. I told him I had mobility problems, and he said that he would open the backdoor and I could come up the steps. He came out and watched me walk up the steps and carried my computer. Once inside we proceed with the sale, and I had a new blue metallic computer – so pretty. It was then time to go knowing I would return the next day, and out I went with Payden at my side. He watched me until I got in the car. Someone had raised Payden right! The next day I returned, and Payden again assisted me in to getting the computers and out to the car with both. I thanked him for his caring help. This was a very nice young man.
As cruel as the world has become, I have found that each person does have goodness in them and are most willing to share it with other human beings in their time of need. Isn’t that truly wonderful? When I was younger, I always helped people with doors or picked up something for them. My parents would have excepted nothing less. I guess it is my turn now, and someday the others who helped me will need a little help as well.
My life is now different, and I have to problem solve most things that I do. What is the easiest way to do things. What is Plan B? Is there a railing on the steps so I can easily go up and down the stairs? When you are young, you take most things for granted.
I am thankful to our government for the American Disability Act making life more accessible in buildings, stairs, bathrooms, etc. Then we have handicapped parking placards allowing us to get closer to an entrance. It has really made a difference with parking that I always took for granted. A little help from the state and federal government is appreciated.
I have a small “staff “of people who make my life easier. Bless them all! My handyman, Joseph, can fix most things or give me advice to what I need to do to get something working. He checks in on me to just see how things are going. He helps me set up and take down the patio garden each year, he gets my holiday boxes out so I can decorate, and myriads of household chores like changing a light bulb so I don’t have to juggle a ladder. I have cleaning ladies who make my home spic and span every other week – sweet young women from Belarus who are very hard workers. I have a few young men who will help with some of the planting outdoors. I can do the pots but not the beds anymore. I have started perennial gardens in the front of my house so it will be self-sustaining in future years. You see, I am always problem solving.
My brother, Tim, and neighbors offer a helping hand. My father wanted me to live close to my brother when I retired so we would be always there to help each another, and we do just that. We live two streets from one another.
As you age, you will need more help to live independently. I am thankful to all the people who offer me a little help. I now smile and say thank you. Remember to help people while you still can and graciously accept an offer when life becomes a bit more challenging and you need a little help.
Silver Sage Sisters 