We can never give enough credit to the ones who keep us up and running. Well, if I could still run. Rolling? That works. Our caregivers. Wearers of many hats. Jack’s of all trades. They so often are thrust into the roles that we once occupied. Where would I be without my wife?
These days , she wears hats that she would not have expected. One instance , recently , really brought this to mind. The other night she mentioned that she was getting annoyed because she noticed that she could hear the shower dripping. This is something I would have normally tended to. So, here we go. Thank goodness for YouTube ! I was able to guide her to remove some parts to reach the root of the problem. We were able to purchase the replacement part and she took it from there. Plumber hat: check. Mission accomplished.
My wife has never shied away from working outside. Of course , that was largely a job which I took care of. Nowadays, she and my daughter have assumed wearing the landscaper hat. With the boys away from home, there is not much choice. We have used a lawn care service, but many times it is more practical to self serve. And I have to say, they do a damn fine job!
My wife is a probation officer by profession. Yet, even with all of our children grown, she has had to step back into the role of stay at home mom. Except, this time I am her “baby”. It really is like caring for a baby all over again. Though, she might agree that I am more demanding! What can I say? I am high maintenance !
Yet, another hat she wears: my nurse. She has had to tend to a number of needs that I am sure she would trade with someone else. Caring for surgical procedures , tube feedings, physical therapy. Just to name a few. She administers my meds, performs respiratory therapy and so much more.
She is also my personal assistant/secretary/translator. My wife manages and coordinates all of my doctor’s appointment along with all of the crap I get myself involved with. When we are at said events, she often throws on her translator cap because my speech can be unintelligible at times.
The hat list is never ending for our caregivers. I know that from the outside looking in, for many, it can look easy. Make no mistake, IT IS NOT ! Do not be deceived by the routine that pALS and their cALS exhibit. Those efforts are a result of sweat, tears, anger, frustration, adaptation, ingenuity… I tip my hat to the many hats worn by all of the caregivers out there !