The day started out fine. Tina and I took my dog, Shasta to the vet to update her shots so she can go visit Clyde. Then we visited my brother and then had a nice lunch. It was cool enough to leave Shasta in the car. We then took Shasta to the groomer and did some shopping while she was being cleaned up for her visit with Clyde next week. Had a wonderful, relaxing day. This evening a friend and her husband came to take Clyde's recliner to him in their pickup. We were going to go out to dinner when we finished visiting with Clyde. It had started to snow before they got here. They were following Tina and I when a car spun out of control in front of them hitting their pickup and knocking it off the axle. Nobody was hurt, but I think their truck may be totaled. She called on the cell to tell me about it, so we turned around and went back to the wreck. I was pretty shook up. They then figured out if they took the back off the chair they could squeeze the chair into my trunk and back seat. By then it was getting late so we decided to come on home and take the chair to him in the morning. I decided to have Tina drive home because I was upset about my friends' accident. On our way home, about 5 miles from my friends' wreck, a car spun out of control in front of us and Tina braked so as not to hit it. Our car started fishtailing. She just about had it under control when it slid off the highway. We went down a steep embankment, very lucky not to roll the car. It seemed to just gather speed as it went down the embankment, and then we took out a barbed wire fence and ended up in a field. I can remember thinking, we'll still be okay if we just don't hit the fen-----crash. It flattened one time and I don't know how much undercarriage damage may have been done when we went through the fence. Nobody was hurt; just shook up a bit. As the car came to a halt in the field with barbed wire wrapped around it I just sat there and thought, Alrighty then! Here we are, and then suggesting that Tina turn off the car and shut of the lights. She called 9-1-1 while I called my son, Dennis. The person in the other got a ticket for driving too fast for conditions. (It was solid black ice). Tina didn't get a ticket but we did have to have the car towed, and Dennis came to get us. I have no idea how much damage was done to the car, we'll find that out tomorrow. Needless to say, we didn't get to visit Clyde, the chair didn't get delivered and we didn't get to go out for dinner. I am exhausted but can't settle down enough to sleep. When it rains it pours. The good news is that Clyde is adjusting quite well and all the staff just love him and his sense of humor. One of the caregivers said she now has a new favorite. That is a relief. And the really great news is that nobody was injured in either of the wrecks.
Gmaewok...you had a Murphys Law kind of day. So glad no one was hurt. Valuable lesson here though...the world won't fall apart if you miss a day at the nursing home. Hope the next time you don't make it it will be because you're getting a pedicure! So glad Clyde is adjusting well and hope you are too. xox cs
Well, that was an attention getter. What a blessing there were no physical injuries. I hope you have some time today to just "gather" yourself, fall back and regroup. It's encouraging that Clyde is doing so well. Here's to a better day.
My goodness, when it rains it freezes, I guess. Thank goodness you are all alright with now injuries. could have been worse. That's the only way to look at it. and better days are coming. Hope the car can be fixed without a problem.
Black ice is the carmakers solution to the current decline in auto sales....General Motors, Chrysler and Ford refined black ice when they discovered that it would boost auto sales, without having to spend millions on advertising.... I am just happy that no one got hurt.
So very glad nobody was hurt in the accident. And just as happy to hear that your DH is so far settling in well. Just to know that makes such a difference, doesn't it?
I do hope your car isn't too terribly damaged. I live on a hill above the Columbia River where we always have freezing fog and ice issues. Now you've got me thinking I may go to have my studded snow tires put on. We have possible snow in our forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. The black ice is worse than snow. My son is an inexperienced driver this winter and this worries me.
well those angles were on everyones shoulders glad no one was hurt, it`s good news to know Clyde is doing ok,i will be thinking of you as you get his recliner to him. (((((((((hugs))))))))))))
Be careful....if you are sore today, you might want to be checked out. You could have internal bruising. Sore for a couple of weeks. That happened to me a long time ago. We walked away without noticeable injuries, and were even checked out in the ER. But they gave us pain pills and said if we got sore to take them. Well, the next day I got up and got dressed and left with a friend to go shopping. I started getting sick to my stomach and emptied it several times on the way back home. We never made it to the store. I was in bed with my pain pills for days!
I am grateful that you all were not injured, and hopefully, not sore today either!!! I hope the car can be repaired quickly. Please keep us updated!
I do not believe I have ever read such a story. That chair has a LEGACY attached to it. (or else it's cursed!) I'd be afraid to sit in it. Thank GOD you are allright and everyone else is. I would have NO IDEA WHATSOEVER how to drive in ice and snow. Northerners have laughed at the excitement snow flurries and ice ccreated in Houston yesterday, but you story is a perfect example of why Houstonians were told to stay home, and employers sent workers home early..before the freeways iced over. Tomorrow, it will be in the 60's again. Just re-read your story ...absolutely AMAZING!
And Nancy . . . I heard on tv that there are not salt spreaders in Houston. We "northerners" are used to salt or gravel or something being put on the ice to make it easier to drive.
gmaewok, I am so glad no one was hurt. What a day you had! I hope you were able to calm down and get some sleep last night and that today was better.
Janet, they sprayed Magnesium Chloride on the overpasses and bridges which was supposed to prevent ice from forming. Don't know how that works, since it rained and snowed off and on, all day. seems like it would wash off. - I was so afraid the power would go out and I'd be alone in a dark cold house. Some areas reported ten thousand homes without power. It's messy and cold today, raining lightly all day long... My mother used to call this "pneumonia weather", ... just miserable, but mostly in the upper 40's and mid 50's.
I do have gas fireplace logs and a gas cooktop, so if the power did go out due to ice, as it did with the hurricane (RITA), I can manage. I just don't "want to" manage. Dreary weather is so depressing and I'm already off the chart in that department. But, I'm determined to "Marine UP" and get through this.
I sent your story to several of my friends and children. They all replied with amazement ...not believing what a day you had ...and the manner in which you told it. That one could go into the Reader's Digest, one said.
My goodness, JoAn! What a day you had. I guess the recliner's none the worse for wear, but you be careful...these things can bring injury on several days or weeks later. Glad you're all okay!
Okay, things have quieted down somewhat. Thank you all for your care and concern. We didn't have any aches or pains, which is good. My friends' pickup is definitely totaled. My car is waiting for the appraiser to look at it Friday. I don't know why it's taking them so long to get out to look at it. My older daughter, Jody came up (about a 3 hour drive) Saturday so we were able to see Clyde Saturday. I'm really surprised at how well he is adjusting. I don't know if he actually knows who I am, but he always seems glad to see me, and he seems agreeable when I have to leave. Today I took Shasta in to see him. He was pleased to see her and she enjoyed herself. Some of the other residents enjoyed her also. I'll probably take her in about once or twice a week. Saturday night both daughters and my son and I all had dinner together. Jody went home Sunday afternoon and Tina went home yesterday evening. My son is sticking pretty close to home this week to make sure I'm okay. And, yes, there are definitely guardian angels among us. I don't have car rental insurance so was going to be without a car till this is all settled. There is an advantage to living in a town that is just a wide spot in the road. The owner of the local service station loaned me a car to drive till mine is repaired. His sister owns the drive-in across the street and told me to stop by whenever I want when I go in and she'll send Clyde a milk shake; and invited me to come over, bring a book and just sit in front of the fire any time I want. For What it's Worth Department: The recliner is still in the back of my car. There it will stay until some brave soul decides to try transporting it again. However, I'm toying with the idea of just having an "unlucky recliner burning" party.
I'm relieved that no one was hurt or sore! I'm also glad your children were there with you and that you have such good neighbors and townfolk! That is a great blessing! Shasta may become the home's mascot!
Okay, now I can stop wondering if you are okay. Looks like you have been busy. I am glad you have family nearby to help you. That's what I miss most because I am holding down the fort alone.
gmaewok,I think we're all relieved that you've checked in and things are pretty much okay. How wonderful that Clyde is making such a rapid adjustment to his new surroundings. Having caring family nearby is a real blessing and it's good to know the folks in your wide-spot-in-the-road town are looking out for you. (((hugs)))
The recliner has made it into Clare Bridge, where it will reside for the rest of its life. The vehicle the local garage loaned me is a 1999 Ford Explorer, so Dennis and I were able to load the chair in and deliver it last Friday (just one week late). The insurance sent a check for $4500, but the local garage owner said he thinks he can get it fixed for about $2500 if I'm okay with after-market parts and if they can buff out the scratches. If he can do that I am thinking seriously of buying the Explorer I'm driving. It has 4-wheel drive and is much better for winter driving than my car.
Clyde continues to do well. I am seeing him in a new light, though, and realize he is much more advanced in this disease than I had realized while he was still living here. I think I was just so intimately involved in his care that I didn't or couldn't see him objectively. I've been going to see him about 4 times each week. It's a 40 minute drive each way. I've taken Shasta in twice so far. She is excited to see Clyde each time, but unfortunately he doesn't seem to remember her. He'll pet her and then ask whose dog she is. I'm actually feeling very depressed about going to visit. He has basically stopped talking, and doesn't make eye contact. He doesn't seem to know who I am and hardly responds when I tell him good-bye each time. The last two times I went he was napping in his recliner in his room and I just laid down on the bed next to the recliner and napped with him. That actually was quite relaxing and calming. I have such mixed emotions. I am happy he is there and is being so well taken care of, and seems content there, but at the same time, I want him to miss me and to be sorry to see me go. This is all so mixed up.
gmaewok I also have a long drive to visit my husband. He is usually asleep in his recliner. He doesn't know who I am and doesn't care when I leave. I am starting to dread my visits. I spend more time chatting with the aides. At least they know I am there and watching over my husband and his care.
gmaewok, I LOVED driving my Explorer until it got to hard on my bad knees to get into it. If you don't have problems getting in and out it is a great car to feel safe in.
gmaewok, I too have a 40+min drive. I often do as you do, nap on his bed while he sleeps in his recliner. It is comforting just to be near.
Bluedaze, I always go out of my way to chat with the aides, nurses, secretary, etc. The squeeky wheel gets the grease and chatty spouse keeps her loved one utmost in the minds of his/her caregivers. Please do not feel badly about dreading your visits. It is unimaginably difficult to watch someone we love decline. We are here for you. Arms around, Susan
when my MIL was in NH, there was a family council. My DH was president of it. We, of course, were there often and honestly, the more the help sees you the better it is for LO.
I only have a 20 minute drive and I go nearly every evening. I spend a lot of time talking with the staff and know that they are taking very good care of him. I think he knows who I am but he in unable to show much reaction. Except frustration. They put a restrictor on his wheel chair last week for safety reasons and he is angry. He pushes me away every time I get near him. I suppose he thinks it is my fault. I have left every night in the past week in tears and don't know how much longer I can take it.
It is easy for me to say this since my DH is still at home, but I don't buy the idea that we must constantly visit our LOs when it causes us, them and/or both grief, anxiety, frustration, etc. My heart aches for those of you who deal with this.