Wednesday, April 16, 2008

And only 38 years old.

As I continue to work on my complaint free world (see previous post),I am finding it interesting just how much I do (did) complain.
If you try to think of it, it is bad how often we complain about things.We complain about others,we complain about the weather, we complain about our jobs.... the list could go on and on.
The other day I stopped and gave it some serious thought.One of the residents who I help care for is a 38 year old women with M.S..Now stop and think of it.Thirty eight and in a nursing home.Thirty Eight and you are 100% dependent on others.You are unable to straighten you legs if you want to.To get a drink of anything is next to impossible if not impossible.You have to have someone feed you all the time.Your hands are so crippled that you have to wear braces in order to keep your nails from digging into your palms.
But I think the real sad thing is not being able to watch your kids grow up. Knowing they are in foster homes because you are unable to care for them, and their dad does not want to care for them. Knowing you may not see them both graduate from high school.Knowing that you may not see your 40th birthday.Sitting every day in a nursing home and being totaly dependant on others.
YES.... it would stink big time!However she is always saying I'm sorry when she needs help.I'm sorry as I turn her in bed and she says OUCH because she is in pain.
I try to count my blessing and not complain, because I am sure she would love to go to work. She would love to jump out of bed run to the fridge and get a bowl of ice cream.She would give anything to be able to hug her kids,ground them when they are naughty, do home work with them.
Yes I try to place myself in her shoes and just be thankful for what God has given me.I try to be thankful I can dress myself, go to work, go for a walk even when I do not feel like it because my knees hurt.
My reason for this post is to encourage each of us to try going one day without one complaint or negative statement.To be ever so thankful for what we have,not what we want.Appreciate that you maybe have that extra 5 or 10 lbs when you weigh yourself.Appreciate that you can go to work, appreciate that you are in your own home reading this.Appreciate that when you are ready to go to bed tonight you can get ready by yourself.
I have a long long way to go before I stop complaining about things,however I know I do not have to look far to see others who are worse off then I am.
If some of you lived closer I would love for you to meet my friend and visit her.She would LOVE the company.
If anyone wants to contact her by mail email me and I will pass along her make arrangements to get mail to her. I may need to be careful there because of the whole HIPA regulations, but I am sure I could work something out.
God Bless all of you,
Mr.Brian

7 comments:

redmaryjanes said...

That really puts things in perspective. We truly have so much to be grateful for. I can't imagine being in her situation. I am glad that she has you as a caretaker.

OH MY #6 said...

Brian,

thank you for this reminder.

Lea

k1 said...

What a great post. Thank you Brian.

day by day said...

This is a great post, Mr. Brian! It is so very true and I am sure most of us reading can see ourselves in the complaining role. Thanks for the reminder to THINK before we complain and remember all we have been blessed with!

Have a great week-end!!

Steffie B. said...

Great post....I complain all the time....I think you need to come and spank me! ;) *wink*
Smooches....

Kim N Jeff said...

Thank you for the reminder... I think that you should bring the dogs to work for some K-9 therapy :)

Nikki said...

Thanks Mr Brian...I am also trying SO hard not to complain.
This story will come to mind the next time I start.