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leighbythesea2

(1,200 posts)
25. A few similarities
Wed Apr 1, 2020, 05:36 PM
Apr 2020

I think they will make it back ok if they are cautious. My best friend is a frontline hc worker. As is her twin and other sister.
Their dad and step mom were on vacation in Florida. She pleaded with them to get out and come back to Michigan. 2 weeks or 10 days ago.
The stepmom was being treated for cancer, albeit with an oral med, the worst treatment behind her. They somehow were not understanding the gravity of their situation. So while my friend also had anxiety about traveling between fla and Michigan, she felt sure having family home with support nearby was critical. I hope your family makes it back safely and can rest a bit easier.

Second, my mom had polio as a child. Age 9. 1 year in a hospital. It affected her arms and shoulders. There are many things she cannot do. Relies on her lower body to compensate. But she never took disability. Not even a handicap sticker for parking. I didnt even understand she was handicapped until age 10. Never complained, or even talked about it. Like some kind of toughness in that generation beyond my understanding.

Fast forward she now has Alzheimer's and i am her caregiver. She lives with me. The compensations she made with her mind before she cant now.

Yeah, im terrified some days. My single goal is to keep her healthy. She did everything for me. So im committed to every measure, as we all are here.

I read Alabama saying sonething about those with significant intellectual impairment and those with dementia moderate to advanced may not be good ventilator candidates. A quote to that effect.

How enraging.

To have gone thru polio, to never take help, to work her whole life and pay in, to be a life long democrat who taught me you share, so the most vulnerable among us have help---- and to end up with dementia---so someone can decide you dont get to live in a pandemic?

F-ck the south, or at least those states not being proactive.

I lived in Florida twice. Glad im not there. Glad my mother is not there. Glad your family is not there. I pray for those i know there.
Your post was eloquent and thoughtful and a reminder to be grateful. Be safe.

Lovely post leftieNanner Apr 2020 #1
Thank you so much... Moostache Apr 2020 #3
Have to let that feeling go. Accept that you are powerless over some things and it is easier. Bernardo de La Paz Apr 2020 #20
I hope they are going to be ok. drray23 Apr 2020 #2
Thanks...they are in a car, but they must make frequent stops Moostache Apr 2020 #4
Traffic should not be too bad Scarsdale Apr 2020 #31
At their age I'd be scared to have them driving clear procon Apr 2020 #5
We tried to get them to do anything but drive to no avail... Moostache Apr 2020 #9
My dad was just like that too, and now that I'm of that procon Apr 2020 #11
One Day Following RobinA Apr 2020 #28
Hugs to you and yours... Sunriser13 Apr 2020 #6
Yeah having a sense of community, even in isolation, is going to get us through this. Initech Apr 2020 #7
But the Repubicans as a virus will still all be here. :( woodsprite Apr 2020 #21
Yes, that is a good point. Initech Apr 2020 #23
Excellent post DenverJared Apr 2020 #8
Simliar worries here, 30+ extended family over 60 scattered in at least 10 states. Brainfodder Apr 2020 #10
My heart goes out to you. Mickju Apr 2020 #12
I remember the long lines as you waited for your vaccine in the evenings... Dan Apr 2020 #13
Yes I rememberer the long lines too, and my friend crying.. Stellar Apr 2020 #14
Thank you for a beautiful and moving post. NNadir Apr 2020 #15
Thanks for sharing. Stay strong. Let us know when your parents get to Indiana. iluvtennis Apr 2020 #16
As I told many of my patient's family members TNNurse Apr 2020 #17
Nice post - thoughtful and sensitive packman Apr 2020 #18
May God bless you and your folks. spudspud Apr 2020 #19
I am 78 and my wife is 77. We both have pre-conditions. Hangingon Apr 2020 #22
Thank you for sharing. Godspeed to your parents for their safe journey back home. CountMyVote4Reality Apr 2020 #24
A few similarities leighbythesea2 Apr 2020 #25
Godspeed to parents! Anon-C Apr 2020 #26
Such a beautiful essay, I am saving! BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2020 #27
One of the best posts I've read on DU recently. coti Apr 2020 #29
Have they made it back yet? treefarmers Apr 2020 #30
Thank you all for the replies, thoughts and well wishes... Moostache Apr 2020 #32
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