Falling - Casualty and Liz's whacky humour.

[Kevin_1]

I've got to share this.

I had Liz home today and settled her onto the settee. I gave her a hug and then a cup of liquidised grapes diluted with apple juice.

The weather wasn't so great so I said, "Shall we watch some TV?"

She signalled yes and then took the phone from my pocket and pointed at the TV and the ceiling.

Eventually I worked it out... She wanted me to turn screen mirroring on so that whatever my phones camera was looking at she could see on the TV and she wanted to see upstairs.

I'm sure she thinks I don't keep the place tidy and clean. 🙀

So off I went pointing the camera at the upstairs rooms, showing her around including the furniture I recently bought for her room and inside her wardrobes and especially the moggie sleeping on her bed.

Then I came down and she had a small smile. Hurrah I passed muster 😸

Again I suggested we watched TV. The weather wasn't up to going into the garden.

She signalled for me to call the Moggie, which I did... Moggie came down ate some food, looked a us like we were misplaced furniture ( How do cats do that with just a look?) and then went outside to drink from the pond. She likes the water from that more than her bowl. Liz pointed at the phone again and so I projected Moggie drinking from the pond onto the TV.

I asked again what Liz wanted on TV, but the Moggie went upstairs and Liz's famous command finger pointed at the ceiling.

I dutifully followed the moggie and projected the image of her washing and settling down for another nap.

I heard a thump.

Went downstairs and Liz was on the floor. She had tried to stand and had fallen.

I checked her out and she was OK... She had landed on the thick rug.

She mouthed the word 'Casualty'. I was confused... "Are you OK? Do you want an ambulance? She pointed at the TV and smiled that small smile. I was now really confused. ?!!?

I worked it out eventually and we sat and watched the soap 'Casualty' together.

If a 6 foot grizzly bear walked into the house and asked for a cup of tea I think I would simply say, to anyone around, "It's OK - Probably just another PSP thing"... and then make it a nice cup of tea.

😯

We curled up together on the settee and she settled and reached out to hold my hand. So loving.

And Moggie slept on dreaming of self opening packets of treats and humans that were obedient.

And we watched 'Casualty' ... A lovely time together...

Waving

😊

Kevin

[daffodil48]

Awwww thanks for sharing. It's these little moments that help u through isn't it? Hi and hugs to Liz xxxxx oops! and you

[Kevin_1 in reply to daffodil48]

LOL

[daffodil48 in reply to Kevin_1]

how do u get happy faces etc on here????????? I am technically challenged.

[Kevin_1 in reply to daffodil48]

getemoji.com/

Highlight copy and paste (use right click)

[daffodil48 in reply to Kevin_1]

😮

[Kevin_1 in reply to daffodil48]

You got it

🖖

Lol

[daffodil48 in reply to Kevin_1]

are u giving me the V sign

[Kevin_1 in reply to daffodil48]

No - I think it's a split finger sign that some alien on a TV series used as a greeting.

Oops... looked better on the emoticon site.

😀 - Cheesy embarrassed grin.

These can be dangerous!

[daffodil48 in reply to Kevin_1]

i thought it was either the v for victory (Churchill) or the Scottish for get stuffed or up yours

😋

[Helen119]

Aww Kevin what a nice day, sounds like liz enjoyed it, and she kept you busy running roind the house with your phone, thank you for sharing always nice to hear good things.

Sleep well tonight

Love and hugs xxx

[Yvonneandgeorge in reply to Helen119]

Oh Kevin what a lovely day you both had , must of brought back memories, so happy you both had a lovely day, hopefully many more to come sending big hugs to you both. Yvonne xxxx

[doglington]

A demonstration of how to manage.

Its a different world isn't it ? Alice in Wonderland ?

Glad you managed to decipher her wishes. I absolutely understand her wish to view the house but I don't see it as checking on you - more polishing her memories.

love, Jean xx

[Kevin_1 in reply to doglington]

Hi Jean

No, I think you are right, polishing memories is a good way of putting it. A week or so back she saw her old walking hat in the peg by the door and signalled that I should pass it to her.

Then the tears rolled down her face as she remembered all of the times we went on walks together with her wearing it.

Damned illness!

xx

[raincitygirl]

Thats a lovely story Kevin 😊

I particularly love how you've figured out how to use the phone to communicate by camera. We end up trying so many ways to communicate with our spouses during this disease. While it was a stressful time for me doing that, I can say that I never felt a greater sense of purpose in my life.

...And always great how you're able to bring Liz so very much to life on these pages..🌟....I just love it ❤💛💙

Anne G.

[Beads0122]

Kevin,

What a beautiful day. Thanks for sharing.

Bobby

[NannaB]

That’s so lovely Kevin. Every time I watch casualty now (I’m an addict) I’ll think of you snuggling up. May you have many more happy moments together XxxX

[Dickenson2]

Kevin glad you had such a lovely day. I had John out this week, went to the hospital first then to the garden centre for lunch and a look around. However getting back into the car I could not hold him and he fell, someone rushed over to help me and he seemed ok. Do you struggle to get Liz in and out of the car? I find he just freezes sometimes and cannot move his legs even though I try and get the wheelchair as close as possible to the door. Pauline x

[Marie_14 in reply to Dickenson2]

Pauline when he freezes try saying right, left, right, left. That worked for my husband and he was able to move his feet again.

Hope he is alright after his fall. Maybe you need some advice about some equipment to use to get him nearer the wheelchair when you are out? Anyone?

Marie x

[hubetsy in reply to Marie_14]

I'm told there is a slider board to transfer wheelchair to car. I'm scheduled to get PT or OT to learn how to do it once our "real" wheelchair arrives. (as opposed to the transport chair which does not have removable arms rests.)

[Kevin_1 in reply to hubetsy]

Good luck!

Other things which help are a black plastic bin liner on the passenger seat. They are slippy and so allow easy turning when the legs go in. Not as slippy as a bed slide sheet, which might be too slippy.

Do come back and post the solution you settle on.

All the best

Kevin

[Kevin_1 in reply to Dickenson2]

Hi Pauline

Thanks, maybe I should take Liz to the garden centre - Thanks

I had to stop taking Liz places because she played up so badly. Now her illness has become worse this is less so and so I am starting to take her out more.

Yes, the car transfers were very difficult for a long time. But Liz has lost so much weight they are again doable. I take the foot rests off the wheel chair and park it parallel to the car as close to the open door as I can. Then it is a case of standing her up and one tiny shuffle for her to turn through the 90 degrees and then sit.

Yes the freezing can be a problem for us too.

Kevin

x

[Hidden]

A pleasant day had by all.

[Pavaga]

Kevin, it is wonderful you have time together at your place and it is quite interesting how she enjoys seeing the house thru the camera phone. Hugs to both of you, Patty

[Cuttercat]

How wonderful. I treasure these memories. You are amazing. Tell Liz she is a darling for her continued effort.

Cuttercat

[Dadshelper]

Sounds like a very uplifting afternoon. I am sure you know we just exist in a cat's world for feeding and petting purposes haha.

Ron

[Kevin_1 in reply to Dadshelper]

Ron

Oh, so true!

[honjen43]

Hi Kevin and Liz! So good to get up this morning and read your lovely post.

So pleased you enjoyed your day at home together. And that Liz was able to check out the house without having to climb the stairs!

The picture that came to mind was of a puppy - home again after a break away, he rushes around checking out all the smells and memories; the bed he sleeps in; where you are; upstairs to make sure it is still there; where is the cat; favourite place, etc. Then repeat in random order!

Ring any bells? !! Think Liz' mind was doing all of that, and she found a way to make it happen with your phone! Liz, so pleased you found a way to exercise that "puppy" in you! You will take away for keeps true memories of what is "home". That is genius!!

It always amazes me how closely you two interact, and continue to communicate patiently despite PSP trying to get in the way.

I often smile at the pictures Kevin painted in his posts in the past; Liz falling into the new herb garden he made for you, Liz; and more recently, of Kevin struggling manfully uphill with Liz directing from the wheelchair so that she could go shopping!

Life has its challenges - and boy! how you both have risen to face them!! Hope you both have some while yet to enjoy each others company like this! Guess there may be other challenging times too, when you don't!

That's life! But not always with PSP in the mix!

Go you good things!!

BIG HUGS!!

Jen XXX XXX

[Kevin_1 in reply to honjen43]

Hi Jen

What a lovely post thank you

We get these odd wonderful days and they are so precious as you know.

It's the cracks that let the light in. (Thank you L.Cohen).

A big hug to you.

Warmly

Kevin

XXX

[HilsandR in reply to honjen43]

A great post - love paragraphs 3&4 - charmingly described. HilsandR

[Katiebow]

The ups and downs in a day of Liz and Kevin August 2018. Sounds a bit crazy but fun.

Love to you both

Kate xxx

[Kevin_1 in reply to Katiebow]

Hi Kate

Good one!

xxx

[hubetsy]

Thank you for sharing your lovely story.

[AnneandChris]

Kevin

You and Liz are inspirational. You both show us your ways of dealing with this dreadful challenge we've all been set.

Thank you for sharing and huge hugs.

Anne

[Kevin_1 in reply to AnneandChris]

Hi Anne

If only we always got this so right.

So many tears too.

Hugs to you

Kevin

[HilsandR in reply to Kevin_1]

You are so right Kevin, so many tears but just one good day here and there lifts the spirits. Sounds like a perfect day given the circumstances . HilsandR

[Kaylewis]

A moment to cherish. X

[crab2093]

Well played Kevin. Keep collecting these happy moments... val

[Hidden]

We all need a 'Kevin' in our lives.

Thanks for sharing your story. It made me smile.

I think you two are an amazing couple.

Hugs to you both.

Sue x

[Hidden]

That was a lovely story. Cats make me laugh ours is a ginger Tom and sounds sooo like your cat xx

[HilsandR in reply to Hidden]

Cats are just brilliant, aren't they? It doesn't matter which chair I am sitting on, our Millie will want it and we have a stand-off to see who will give in first. She worked out years ago that I am such a fidget that I am rarely still for more than 15 minutes so just sits at my feet staring at me - the minute I am up she takes up residence regardless of the fact that there are 5 other seats in the room she could have picked. It never fails to amuse me. HilsandR

[NanBabs]

How lovely Kevin and it just illustrates how `normal` can become a rare treat. oh, for those days again - enjoy them while you both can.

xx

[JantheNana]

I cannot help thinking as I read these posts and responses,”What would we do without this forum to share all these things?” Although my beloved has passed away,and he and I are free from these experiences,it is heartwarming and brings back many memories of times together. Thanks to all of you!😀

[Motts]

Good Morning - Glad you and Liz had a good day - next time tell the weather to behave so the garden can be enjoyed.

Please tell Liz the axes have arrived and I am thrilled even though I mistaking order the wrong ones.

They are much smaller and actually will be so much better for me and my Alien arm.

I had two practice throws last night and the first one hit the board and stuck.

I guess I am just a natural at this HA HA.

Once a upon a time Alien hand tried to stick the tooth brush up my nose (I now use both hands for this dangerous job).

I have no business at all with an ax . . . but the game is on for Sunday.

Guess I am just about making silly memories at this stage of my life.

Will let you know how Sunday goes (if not in hospital).

Sending Hugs - Granni B

[Kevin_1 in reply to Motts]

Hi GrannieB

Just steer clear of the Australian brands. They have a funny habit of coming back at the thrower

I hope today is lots of fun

Hugs

Kevin

[daddyt]

Your post was my first morning smile today-

Tim

[wheelrace]

hi kevin must say your piece made me smile when we had cats our last one was almost 26 years of age when she died so maybe I wasn't a bad carer we decided not to get any more pets as we were both wrinklys but a young cat decided she quite fancied our house as a home she took to Geoff [clever cat] and she used to sleep on his bed in the last few weeks she would lay on top of him and purr at night when there was just the three of us there I would sometimes get on his bed and cuddle she [meg] didn't care for my company but heres the strange thing since Geoff died she will not go in that bedroom she sleeps upstairs its taken her over two months to decide she will settle for me as a food station if nothing else she prefers water out of our bird bath as well by the way the doctor arranged counselling with mind my first session is 22 august and michelle and paul [our son] are taking me to france in October for a week the dardoin don't know how to spell that sorry and I am going to holy trinity church in hull tomorrow a service for aden veterans I am trying to do the best I can I know its a long road and although I cry a lot I also smile when I think of him his favourite saying if asked how was that hed say middling I asked the family about what to put on his headstone son in law said yellow electrical tape because he used it on everything !!!!!!! anyway a bit better day today so not too much use of the stick hope you and liz are okay love doreen

[raincitygirl in reply to wheelrace]

Doreen, you're sounding a little bit better..I'm so glad Enjoy your time in France when it comes, and be patient with your cat...she's grieving Geoff too

Anne G.

[Kevin_1]

Doreen

Such a heartfull post.

Yes, our moggie was always Lizzie's. Never had time for me until now. She has been avoiding her since she went into a nursing home. She's coming round slowly and almost climbed onto her knee on the last visit. They're odd beasties.

It sounds like you're doing very well indeed. I cannot imagine how tough it is.

I had to chuckle at the yellow tape thing. Very good

I do hope you have a great time in France.

Warmly

Kevin

[nina72]

my cat pass 2 weeks ago her name was Nina she has cancer that spread but she was with us since she born She was our Baby for almost 19 years , she was so beautiful , that is so bad not to have her around , but she is in a better place , no pain and happy .she has surgery almost 3 years ago and we knew that she was not going to last to long , but she is in a better place , she was a preemie very small when she born , i fed her with a bottle and cat formula every 4 hours , she din't know how to walk and she learn she jump when she walk that was funny , but she was love very much

[Kevin_1 in reply to nina72]

Hello Nina

I'm sorry to hear that, but as you say her suffering is over.

It sounds as if you have many happy memories of her.

Do you have PSP or CBD issues in your family you are having to deal with?

Warmly

Kevin

[Janet5]

What a lovely story l did enjoy reading it

[Kevin_1 in reply to Janet5]

Great

It's a good example of how a nightmare can suddenly turn around with this crazy illness.

I do hope your still coping OK.

FWIW Liz, who is a lot further down the road than yourself is still able to make decisions about banking and all of the stuff going on around her.

Waving

Kevin