It was delivered last Friday. Two days after they amputated her right leg above the knee.
Her wheelchair.
It was black, and shiny, and smaller and sportier than I'd imagined it would be.
And it was really light, and easy to handle. Supposing you could find a sixpence, it would turn on one.
I know this, because when she had no interest in it, when she wouldn't even try it, I got in and started road testing it.
I've dealt with toddlers, I know how this generating interest thing works.
"Yay! Get me! This wee thing's really nifty! Look at me cornering the ward! I'm turning.. I'm turning back again..look at this! D'ye know the Cherub's gonnae want a go too! Look I'm away out the ward! Gonnae do a circuit of the ninth floor"
Made her smile.
And it worked, because by Saturday she was in the chair. And we made it down to the cafe on the ground floor, and we did a tour of the hospital. By Sunday we were talking about getting the new wheels across the road to the wee tea shop opposite the Kelvinhall.
And I'm not thinking about the old saw about them burning bright in the last week. Because that is as west coast depressing as it gets.
But on Tuesday we had A Setback.
On Wednesday I had to Have A Talk With a Doctor.
The new wheelchair's been put away for now.
Her wheelchair.
It was black, and shiny, and smaller and sportier than I'd imagined it would be.
And it was really light, and easy to handle. Supposing you could find a sixpence, it would turn on one.
I know this, because when she had no interest in it, when she wouldn't even try it, I got in and started road testing it.
I've dealt with toddlers, I know how this generating interest thing works.
"Yay! Get me! This wee thing's really nifty! Look at me cornering the ward! I'm turning.. I'm turning back again..look at this! D'ye know the Cherub's gonnae want a go too! Look I'm away out the ward! Gonnae do a circuit of the ninth floor"
Made her smile.
And it worked, because by Saturday she was in the chair. And we made it down to the cafe on the ground floor, and we did a tour of the hospital. By Sunday we were talking about getting the new wheels across the road to the wee tea shop opposite the Kelvinhall.
And I'm not thinking about the old saw about them burning bright in the last week. Because that is as west coast depressing as it gets.
But on Tuesday we had A Setback.
On Wednesday I had to Have A Talk With a Doctor.
The new wheelchair's been put away for now.
3 May 2012 at 10:11
Oh, dear, I am sorry that you are going through this difficult and stressful time, Macy. >>HUGS<<
3 May 2012 at 11:19
Good luck. I hope you find all the strength you need.
3 May 2012 at 11:55
you have my heart, sugar. sending positive vibes for strength across the pond. much love to you, macy. xoxoxoxo
3 May 2012 at 13:01
Oh Macy what a see saw of emotions. I do feel for you and pray things take a turn for the better. You got a smile from her - now be kind to yourself.
3 May 2012 at 13:43
Oh dear, that sounds ominous. What was the setback? Just when I was thinking how clever you were with the having-fun-in-the-wheelchair routine....
3 May 2012 at 14:23
Best wishes to your mom and you.
3 May 2012 at 15:30
I remember when my parents eventually - after much nagging - got a stair lift fitted for my dad. Mum hated it, it looked so huge and clumsy in their hall. But then my son, who was only a little boy at the time, pleaded to have a go and he was on it, shouting 'weeeeee' up and down. They began to accept it then all the other paraphernalia that came with his disability.
I just hope things aren't as ominous as they sound from your post and that your mum gets a chance to get back in that snazzy wheelchair x
3 May 2012 at 16:54
Oh honey.
Hugs and hugs and hugs and hugs to you my darling.
I hope the setback isn't serious and your mum bounces back.
But you did make me laugh though...I can see you wheeling yourself round the ward!
3 May 2012 at 18:45
Wishing all good things for you Mace....look after yourself.x
3 May 2012 at 21:48
We'll have to repeat "ganbare" a lot - you can do a Glaswegian accent, I'll do it in Japanese. I hope the chair can hit the road again very soon.
4 May 2012 at 18:10
Oh this is such a sad sad post. She's lucky to have you there and coaching her and buffering her through this...amazing the toddler skills get used again...
4 May 2012 at 18:36
Thanks to everyone sending good wishes and positive thoughts.
Sometimes it doesn't work out though.