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Martin wants to rehabilitate his father. Henry (names have been changed) was an active 93 year old until he had a stroke last August. After hospitalization and a nursing home stay for rehabilitation, he returned home at the beginning of December. In spite of having physical and occupational therapy at home, Henry continued to decline. Martin works nights so he can be home during the day to care for his father. Martin is fortunate to sleep six hours a day. His wife works during the day while their children attend school. Martin's desire to care for his father has caused a strain on the family. The physical stress on Martin is visible.
But -- Martin believes in the value of life regardless of an individual's age. In the case of his father, he has retained assistance twice daily. The care not only includes personal care, necessary because of his father's limited mobility and inability to manage continence, but also exercise and speech therapy. Henry desires to improve and regain mobility and strength in spite of being virtually bed bound and nearly paralyzed on the left side of his body.
Henry smiles when his care provider arrives in the morning and again in the afternoon. He holds her hand as she reads to him and shows him flash cards to read to improve his speech. He willingly participates in each repetition of exercise. Progress is made step by step. The care provider smiles each time he repeats a new word and each time he performs an exercise. This interaction represents an amazing gift between two individuals. One who wants to please by doing exercises and improving. The other, a gifted individual, with a gigantic heart who is rewarded by each tiny improvement.
For those involved, there is beauty in the value of life. In Martin, in his father, in his wife, in his children, in the care provider and in the special relationship and desire of Henry to improve. For those with strong beliefs, there is beauty in the value of life.
There is the hope in the ability to improve. There is help in the ability to improve.
Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
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