General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Had a long conversation with my dad last night... [View all]leighbythesea2
(1,200 posts)I think they will make it back ok if they are cautious. My best friend is a frontline hc worker. As is her twin and other sister.
Their dad and step mom were on vacation in Florida. She pleaded with them to get out and come back to Michigan. 2 weeks or 10 days ago.
The stepmom was being treated for cancer, albeit with an oral med, the worst treatment behind her. They somehow were not understanding the gravity of their situation. So while my friend also had anxiety about traveling between fla and Michigan, she felt sure having family home with support nearby was critical. I hope your family makes it back safely and can rest a bit easier.
Second, my mom had polio as a child. Age 9. 1 year in a hospital. It affected her arms and shoulders. There are many things she cannot do. Relies on her lower body to compensate. But she never took disability. Not even a handicap sticker for parking. I didnt even understand she was handicapped until age 10. Never complained, or even talked about it. Like some kind of toughness in that generation beyond my understanding.
Fast forward she now has Alzheimer's and i am her caregiver. She lives with me. The compensations she made with her mind before she cant now.
Yeah, im terrified some days. My single goal is to keep her healthy. She did everything for me. So im committed to every measure, as we all are here.
I read Alabama saying sonething about those with significant intellectual impairment and those with dementia moderate to advanced may not be good ventilator candidates. A quote to that effect.
How enraging.
To have gone thru polio, to never take help, to work her whole life and pay in, to be a life long democrat who taught me you share, so the most vulnerable among us have help---- and to end up with dementia---so someone can decide you dont get to live in a pandemic?
F-ck the south, or at least those states not being proactive.
I lived in Florida twice. Glad im not there. Glad my mother is not there. Glad your family is not there. I pray for those i know there.
Your post was eloquent and thoughtful and a reminder to be grateful. Be safe.