I didn’t write last night because we spent the night with Guy’s parents. His father had foot surgery yesterday, and was supposed to stay off his feet for at least a week. His father is about 6′3″ and weighs about 300 pounds. So it took some effort for Guy and his brother to help their father from the car into the house.
You would think that there wouldn’t be much to this story, other than a 6-8 week recovery time. But unfortunately, Guy’s father can be very stubborn and doesn’t always listen to reason. He continually attempted to get up and walk, move, etc…This created quite a lot of family tension, and his need to move about conflicted harshly with the family’s pleadings to rest so that he didn’t end up back in the hospital.
We visited this afternoon, and he was looking a lot better, and seemed more content. Still, I hope he will rest so he can get back on his feet soon. Guy’s brother is coming over from the Bay Area tomorrow and will stay the weekend.
When I compare his impatience with being confined to a chair or bed (he still got to go back and forth) for 24 hours, to my grandfather’s complete bedrest for 9 months due to his GBS, I am floored by the difference. My grandfather had no choice, but at least he listened to those around him - doctors, nurses, family and realized that they had his best interests at heart.
Still my grandfather is still not moving around without the help of a walker, and might never fully recover. Yet, he tells me he has learned to be patient. Well, I don’t think he had much of a choice, but I so admire him for this. Guy’s father should take notes. The lesson I take home is that I am thankful that I can freely walk about on my own two feet, and I am extra-compassionate when I see anyone less fortunate than myself, particularly when they have an obvious physical disability.
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