I am social distancing. It is a new term, and one I hope won't have to be used for very long. But, as Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky says "I'd humbly suggest that we use the term itself sparingly if at all. Language is a powerful shaper of thinking. And the very last thing we need right now, is a mindset of mutual distancing. We actually need to be thinking in the exact opposite way. Every hand that we don't shake must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern."
I have not been able to see Bob in over a week, but Hillside Village is having us Facetime, so at least
we can see each other. I am thankful that Hillside Village was proactive in protecting their residents, and not acting like they are expendable. I don't think Bob knows the difference that I am not coming, but I miss the physical touch, holding his hand. The nurses from hospice can come in, but the auxiliary personnel like bath aides are asked not to come, so that makes more work for the facility. But I am at peace, knowing they have the personnel and equipment to do the showers. Then a couple of days ago there was an update by email saying they are even doing "social distancing" in the facility. The residents that are able to feed themselves are given their food in their rooms in styrofoam containers. The ones that have to be fed (like Bob) are still taken to the dining room and fed there, but there is only one resident now per table and they take them back to their rooms one at a time so they can keep the 6 feet apart distance! I am thankful they are taking all the necessary precautions! Please say a prayer for health care workers everywhere that they will be kept safe while serving others.
Bob has gained 7 pounds since he got there January 10. I am not surprised as the portions of food are huge, and the food looks and smells very good! And I think most of the time he eats everything on his plate. I am now thinking that he is doing so well that he may be taken off hospice care. I would be frantic if he was still at the previous facility, as I was well aware that hospice filled in the gaps there. But God's timing again was perfect, and He got Bob to Hillside before all this coronavirus thing started. Who knew? Not me! And Hillside has all the equipment he needs except the special Broda wheelchair he is in. And there is no extra charge for the incontinent supplies which they furnish. Hospice furnished all the incontinent supplies before, and that was a big savings for me, and kept me from worrying that he would run out while I was on a trip. Even with hospice furnishing the supplies before, Bob would run out of supplies, as nurses all know supplies are "borrowed" from surrounding rooms when the other residents have run out. That is what makes it so nice at Hillside--supplies are not individually charged for as the owner believes you shouldn't step over a quarter to pick up a dime. Or maybe it is the other way around! Anyway, I would have been upset if I had been buying the supplies out of my own pocket. Borrowing supplies is socialism at it's best!
I went to a seminar recently and picked up this gem called "Boost your resilience". I think it is especially appropriate for the days we are living in right now.
You are allowed...
*to be sad *to feel helpless *to be tired *to be depressed *to be lonely *to be angry *to cry
*to feel out of control *to feel overwhelmed *to feel scared *to grieve *to feel like no one can relate *to wish this never happened to you--or others *to feel behind *to wonder what if?
*to long for simple things, and simple times... *to wish for more
But on the flip side...
You are allowed...
*to feel lucky *to be grateful *to feel loved *to be hopeful *to realize you are not alone
*to find joy *to realize you are stronger than you ever thought *to laugh *to be surrounded by people who care *to feel nurtured *to be inspired *to feel chosen *to be motivated *to be
filled with faith *to do what you can *to learn to ask for help *to make a difference
*to be be-YOU-tiful!
WHICH SIDE OF THE CARD ARE YOU ON TODAY?
kimbecking.com
So I challenge you to do what you can to help and support others while also doing all you can to protect yourself. Make that phone call; send someone a card. I think I am going to go through slides of all our trips, weed out the ones that are just landscapes and keep the photos of scenes that have Bob and I in them, or friends, or family. People all of a sudden seem important. It seems like an overwhelming task, but hopefully my kids will thank me someday! And I have time to do it NOW!
And I will let the pictures take me down memory lane.....
Love to all of you as we hunker down! We will get through this!
Betty
