Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Kindness of Others

Unless you have gone through the experience of being totally dependent on others in making it through your day, then it's hard to relate to this concept.
I like to think I am an independent person, too proud to ask for help, and too "English" to bother others to take away from their already busy days.
However in just ten short days of being confined to a rehab facility, I am learning very quickly, that the majority of people are more than willing to help, not just because it's their job, but that they really do care about their fellow-man.

Recreational programs are a must, in places where residents cannot return to the outside world, albeit temporary. The first few days, I pulled the sheets over my head, and tried to hide, but shutting myself away, became harder day after day.

Wednesday, I played Bingo, a game I hadn't played in years. Thursday a church choir came into my room, and sang glorious hymns, they touched my soul and I found myself crying tears of joy.
Yesterday, the ladies from a local church gave me a beautiful little carrying pouch, to carry on my walker, all hand sewn and in pretty bright colors.



Today, my family has visited, always making me laugh, and taking care of my every need. The sun shone brightly  and so I was able to sit outside and soak up some much needed sunshine.
My beautiful lifelong English friend, stopped to check on me, and brought  a lovely tin of Scottish shortbread.



Simple acts of kindness, making my small little world seem ever so important, and bright.

23 comments:

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Jo, I am just catching up on your blog, and am so, so sorry to hear that you have literally been off your feet! I'm so glad that you're doing better, and on the mend! I'm also glad that your spirit is being buoyed by friends, family caretakers and choirs! Add me to the list of those sending healing vibes and cheering for you from my small corner in Virginia!!

donna baker said...

Wish that I could help you too, Jo. Love you.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Caring loving people, are such a gift!
love
tweedles

Merlesworld said...

Most people are kind but we mostly hear about the bad ones, they sell newspapers.
Merle..........

Deanna said...

Very sorry you were hurt. Thankful you are healing.

The Furry Gnome said...

And I hope the ankle itself is healing well!

Elizabeth said...

So very nice! I hope that you are soon completely healed and able to be be back home!

Kay G. said...

That is a beautiful tin and I know how good that shortbread is too!
Love the bag that fits so perfectly on the walker, useful and beautiful.
Healing wishes are sent your way. xx

CecileD said...

This little pouch seems to be very practical no ? You can put some shortbread in it ... ;)
It's a pity that cats can't come to hospital...i'm sure they miss her Mom a lot !
Good luck.... hugs from France !

Patsy said...

We just can't hide from life around us, so happy you are taking part
in the things and people around you. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Country Gal said...

Oh I do hope you recover soon and are able to be at home more . Yes it is hard to ask for help but that's what they are there for . That was nice the gift bag very handy to ! Oh I love Walkers goodies . Take care and hope you feel and get better soon .

Susie said...

Jo, I came by to see how you were doing....Looks like you are doing well. You are loved, that is so nice. I like that you are being taken care of. Take the time to heal well. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Michael said...

How lovely that bag is and their kind gestures toward you, Jo. Yes, one of the hardest parts about sickness or injury that people often don;t think of is just how much it can isolate you. Glad you have a lifelong friend there to help and how lucky she is even from the same country. I don't have any English friends here. Hope you feel better soon.

Bonnie said...

I hope you are able to return home soon. Hugs!

Betsy Brock said...

I'm so glad you are being well cared for during your rehab! What sweet little bits of kindness! Hope you're continuing to improve and can go home soon!

Stella Jones said...

I understand what you mean Jo but you must let others help you. We all do need to give help as well as receive. You will be back on your feet soon enough and in the meantime enjoy the rest. If I was you I'd keep that shortbread hidden under your pillow!

Barbara Anne said...

In my career as a registered nurse, I can attest to the healing powers of kindness in the recovery of folks who have landed in hospitals, rehab facilities, and such. The happiness, joy, and soul-touching brought by visiting family, friends, and strangers is immeasurable.

Wishing you steady healing and increasing strength so you can return home soon ... and those yummy Walker Shortbread cookies are bound to help!

Hugs!

Tiffany said...

Hope youre back to your old self soon

Janice Kay Schaub said...

Yes, I am just checking up on my fav blogs so just heard this today. I am so sorry to hear this happened. I hope by now you are doing better. What a thing to happen. Sending very best wishes.
Janice

ann said...

Your rehab adventure sounds so much more interesting and accommodating than mine was. Of course, I was sent to the nursing home, not the rehab center. All the difference in the world. And yes we fiercely independent, do it ourselves women need to learn to take help from others. How long will you be there? Make new friends, let other's help you. Get well, mend and heal. We are here to help you through this, too.

Unknown said...

Jo, I had hip reconstruction surgery (PAO surgery) in the Fall; major surgery to try and salvage my natural hip. I'm young Jo...47 years of age!! It's hard asking for help. My goal: To be able to use a shovel again and garden. I'm getting there and I'm five months post-surgery. Oh how I wish I could come to your garden and help you out this Spring. If I weren't so far away (as I miss my native TN!), I would be there weeding, pruning and mulching! Hang in there...and take the needed to heal! We are praying for your recovery and speedy return home!

Hilary said...

Humbling isn't it? but necessary......get better.

Unknown said...

Sometime you just have to let others help a little, most people are very kind, best wishes...