Sophie had a rough day yesterday. Her seizures returned, but while numerous, they were brief and didn't seem to affect her so much. I'm not sure what to think, so I don't. This morning she was fine, except for sitting in a position too long on the floor that throws her knee out of whack so that she can't put weight on it (which is a different issue than the Todd's Paresis which occasionally affects her after a big seizure) until I literally straighten her leg and hear the grotesque pop of it going into place. These are the things that make me strong and cold and capable. I could never do what you do, some people say, and it isolates those of us who do it. Sophie stood up after I popped her knee into place and walked around her room, bent down to pick up a colorful strand of beads, got on with being herself. I don't know how she does it.
My girl does a claw thing with her hand sometimes, not a Todd's Paralysis but still. How Do they do it?
ReplyDeleteSophie's right hand does that claw thing, too, that she then holds close to her chest.
DeleteShe does it with a lot of love on her side.
ReplyDeleteYes, you CAN and DO do it, and there are those who can't or won't do it for even a loved one. It's how you make it work out, having Sophie at home. You are a strong woman, and Sophie is very fortunate, as are the others in your family, in your circle of friends, are, to have you there.
ReplyDeletelike calvin, sophie is no doubt a bumble. bumbles bounce. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDo they buzz as well?
DeleteI do find it enervating when people shake their heads with some version of I don't know how you do it/I couldn't do it.
ReplyDeleteEnervating and rejecting. I don't actually know how I do it, or how Miel does it, either. And the its themselves are shifty,
in a Clintonesque way. No one is saying to survivors in Nepal, I don't know how you do it. That's a very peaceful picture
of Sophie and Valentine.
Yes, I love this comment. Exactly. And your remark about Nepal is perfect, too.
DeleteAcchhh--line breaks courtesy of Google, I guess. I don't know how it does it.
ReplyDeleteThe line breaks make your comment into a sort of poem, no?
DeleteShe's a tough cookie; must take after her mama:)
ReplyDeleteYes, ma'am.
DeleteShe is surrounded by love and light, I suppose. I send you all some every day.
ReplyDeleteYes, that comment is isolating. You could not have chosen a better word. I think they mean it as a compliment, but it makes me feel like they are not only sorry for me, but also thrilled not to be in our situation. I love that pic of Sophie, like a flower stretching to the sun. She is so at ease in the outdoors. Hope that tomorrow is a peaceful day for her.
ReplyDeleteBut she does. And so do you.
ReplyDeleteshe probably can do it only because of you and her family.
ReplyDeleteShe does it because you do it. I love that picture.
ReplyDeleteThat photo, pure poetry. Sometimes I don't know the right words and don't want to say the wrong ones. I wish everything were easier for Sophie.
ReplyDeleteI hate when people say that. It infuriates me. I know it's meant as an homage, but, as you say, it isolates.
ReplyDeleteSending love to you.
People used to say that when I told them I worked with they dying. It often gave the impression that I must be somewhat insensitive to do what I do. "Oh, I couldn't do that. I would just get too involved and go home depressed."
ReplyDeleteI love Valentine. Look at her standing like a good therapy dog. She is trying!