It's been nearly three years since I asked the nurse practitioner about disability and was told that I was not disabled at all. All I needed to do, according to this expert, was to stay at home and do nothing for six months. After that, I would certainly be bored enough to want to get a part time job, maybe at a local library where I could get out and see people.
When I told my kids, they started laughing hysterically and my oldest son looked at me and asked, "Doesn't she know you?"
It's been nearly three years and I'm still waiting. There are moments when I think a boring day would be nice. I'm not fooling myself, though. I can't imagine how my life would be without all my projects.
Fortunately, my doctor didn't agree with the nurse. She told me that people with Parkinson's disease come to a point in their lives when they can no longer be gainfully employed but that doesn't mean they can't be active.
I'm glad she said that because in the time I've been retired, I have taught a few art classes, written numerous articles, and created a website for my art work and writing, in addition to a few other odds and ends. At the same time, I've become a mother-in-law and a grandmother. Grandmothers have no reason to be bored.
I'm also on the yellow brick road. That's what I tell my dad when I visit and help take care of my mom, who has dementia. "Don't worry, Dad," I say, "we'll go down this road together, one yellow brick at a time." It's a challenging road for all of us, but the tremendous gift has been the chance to really get to know my dad. He has a wicked sense of humor!
Dad's never been bored, either. At 85, he finally decided he won't go up on the roof anymore and he willingly lets my husband or son mow his lawn. I did get a little worried today, though. When I checked in with him, he said he had called the plumber to fix the leak in the shower instead of trying to fix it himself. Of course, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few months ago. Maybe it's time he can slow down, just a little.
If he gets bored, maybe I'll suggest that he find a part time job at a local library.
No comments:
Post a Comment