I Need to Get This Off My Chest!
By
For the last month I have been in Ohio taking care of my very ill 92 year old mother. I am peaceful about my decision to be with her, to be her advocate, and make sure she has the best care. I believe everyone needs a patient advocate when dealing with critical medical issues and because of my 16 years in the medical arena, I am very qualified for that position. This blog post is about the attitude of not only the medical personnel dealing with my mom, but also almost everyone else, including my friends, concerning her age and what to expect because “She is 92“!
My mom is a happy 92 year old who sits in her livingroom, watching TV and eating pretty much whatever she wants. On May 15th she became very ill and ended up in the ER.
I was visiting so I was the one who took her to the hospital. I was immediately struck by the attitude of everyone who consulted on her case and took care of her. ”Well, she is 92! Her body is shutting down and she will be at a different level because of her illness. How can she possibly live alone at 92? It is just the beginning of other ailments to follow.” These are some of the comments I heard that really “pissed me off”! Excuse me, but I need to let you know my feelings at these comments and this attitude. Thank goodness I was there to “reset” these people and to keep their negative energy away from my mother.
Because of my profession, I know how important attitude, thoughts and energy are in manifesting your life and your health. My mother’s attitude is very positive. She wants to get back to her home and see her tomato plants and flowers. She is hoping that the house across the street, which is for sale, will bring nice new neighbors for her to know. She doesn’t think about failing health and doesn’t even think she is old!!!!! That is why my mom is still around and very sharp at 92!
It has been a month of hospitalization and tests, but she is now in a great rehab facility and doing really well. I took her hand weights for her to have at her bedside and use often. I trained her in deep breathing and relaxation exercises, which she does religiously. She is a star in PT and OT. She has a wonderful attitude and is worried about how she will get back into her house because she doesn’t have the key with her. Her focus is on getting back to Piccadilly St. and her neighbors and friends. Yes, she is 92, but to my mother, it is just a number.
This is a lesson for all of us. Do not let a number dictate how you will live your life! Make up your mind to live to the fullest no matter what age. Remember, attitude, your thoughts and your energy play a huge role in what you will manifest into your life. If you think you are old, you are old, even if you are 35!
How can this story of my mom help you to “reset”?
Rosemary, I totally agree with what you wrote. My dad’s wife was recently diagnosed with acute leukemia and given 6-12 months to live. She and her children have literally accepted that timeframe and everything they do now is based on “the little time she has left.” I want to scream. I tried introducing her to Controlled Amino Acid Therapy – CAAT. It’s used (very successfully) in conjunction with chemo but offsets the horrible side affects of it. AND it’s been proven to extend life well beyond the traditional death sentence oncologists give their patients. “Well, I’ll see what my doctor says.” “I can’t leave your dad and this facility is in Florida.”
Guess what? She’s been in the hospital now for 2 weeks fighting infection and taking chemo treatments – so she has literally “left” him anyway. This facility works with you from your own home too. Still, it’s “what my doctor says.”
Thank you for writing this and taking such good care of your wonderful 92-year old mother.
Thank you for your comments. I truly enjoy blogging and if I help one person, I am a success!