May
20, 2013
As
I sit precariously on the edge of the impractical tub, shaking, dripping, exhausted
from a simple bath, I take a moment to create a wave of empathy for those who
are temporarily or permanently disabled. Reaching down to clean up the lake of spilled
water from my glass bottle who’s top was not properly seated forces me to
glance around while I am close to the floor, to grab whatever else is within
reach. An extra swipe or two around the toilet bowl, dab at the floor around
the baseboards and underneath the radiator must be good enough as pain shoots
up from my instep. Each step curiously advantageous and fastidiously focused.
Didn’t consider, for example that the majority of my pants, even the capris
will not fit over the end of the stiff bandage and it took having to crutch to
my room, park on the bed with a pile of slacks and shorts that were tossed from
across the room (most of them made it!) to try on, one-by-one while lying on my
back, kicking my legs up like a graceful swan. Everything takes five times as
long as you can imagine.
Taking
a bath, cooking, cleaning, writing and daily living is all about preparation,
organization, strategy and physical strength not to mention having all the
right supplies! The thought instantaneous with my self-satisfaction of being Girl
Scout prepared quickly turned to dismay when, from my awkward sideways angle, I
discover I cannot possibly reach the faucet to turn off the running water! No
handicap rails and certainly no rounded corners to prevent me from cracking my
head open to fetch the soap. Leg wrapped in the take home personals bag from
the Specialty Clinic after surgery, I scootch back and forth, sloshing water
everywhere washing and wiping and cleaning as I go. Amazing just how dirty one
foot can get in the course of a day or two! Jack Nicolson from “The Shining”
insane laughter takes place of both frustration and orneriness. Maybe I could
get a job
Loneliness
and victimhood creep in when faced with mundane tasks like washing oneself.
Tyrus is helpful, opening cracked doors and lapping the spilled water from the
spotty clean floor. Granola, bits of dried bananas and yogurt accompany my cup
of coffee left by my barista daughter when she crept out of the house at
5:30am. There are definite advantages to having a coffee connoisseur in the
household!
The
Lees moved out in the dead of night, leaving behind rotting food in the frig,
clothes hung unsuspectingly on their hangers in the closets, dishes, flatware
and rice cooker spattered oil on the walls and assorted furniture, books and
personals. The energy bill left unpaid for quite a few months to the tune of
$645.98. Given I was quoted an average utility bill of $149 per month…you can
do the math! Understandably landlords, electric and water companies, telephone
and gas are all absorbing many delinquent statements. Despite Energy Assistance
Programs and providing personal information, large deposits and background
checks, things can certainly go awry. I could make up a story that an out-
of-the-country family member was ill or dying, the clan was running from the
law, green card authorities pursuing them, mafia members after them for
non-payment or they just got sick of the goats from upstairs tromping around,
coming and going at will.
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