Stroke Survivor's Blog
Helen McIntosh
Some days just seem too difficult until a friend drops in
It is May and I haven't written a blog since March. There is a lot I could have written about. The joy of Easter and the wonderful message that brings; I had a birthday and shared the celebration with friends. I have been out to dinner a number of times and also saw a very challenging and thought provoking movie, 'Eye in the Sky'.
On my birthday I thought I could blog about a birthday I had two years ago. It wasn't one I was looking forward to as I was going to be 70. The day arrived and the first birthday card I opened said,
'Happy 80th Birthday'. Two years on I still enjoy telling people about the card I have tucked away for the day when I become an octogenarian, that is if I last the distance.
However I haven't touched my computer or written anything for a few weeks because I have been out of action with a lower back spasm. I came to a sudden painful and abrupt stop.
Movement for me even on the best of days is difficult and every day things such as getting from lying to sitting, sitting to standing are not easy. Then there are things like trying to get my clothes on. I can usually manage while sitting to get my good leg into my jeans and put a sock and shoe on but the stroke affected left side of my body is another thing. My leg is never in reach and my foot points in the wrong direction. I succeed eventually but it is not easy.
These simple every day tasks which at the best of times are a challenge become impossible when my lower back muscles go into a spasm. The pain is so excruciating even with the slightest movement bringing to mind the words of the old songs, 'the back bone is connected to the hip bone and the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone' and so on.
At times I have to work hard at not feeling sorry for myself. Often we can allow one problem to dominate our entire thinking and forget all the good things that are going on.
In this instance I know it is a temporary set back and I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have wonderful friends. One in particular comes to my aid and helps out until I am pretty much back to normal.
I have been greatly blessed with friends and neighbours who have helped me out in these and so many other situations. My life has been so enriched by the friendships I have. Friendship and acts of kindness are such wonderful gifts from God.
I was reminded of this again a few days ago when I heard the rumble of the wheels on my rubbish bins and I knew a neighbour was bringing the bins in for me after the weekly rubbish collection. My neighbour has never been asked to do this little act of kindness but it is some thing she does weekly in a quiet and unassuming manner. It is something for which I am most grateful.
It is a great example of what Jesus tells us we are to do, 'to love our neighbour as ourselves ...'. I also like the way the Message Bible expresses friendship, 'A friend loves in all kinds of weather ... .' Proverbs 17:17