I have always prided myself on my independence and have been loathe to accept help unless I really need it. In this latest chapter of my life journey, now more than ever I need to be more open to accepting help.
As mentioned in my last post, I had a fall on 30/12 and injured my back. I still, however, stubbornly want to do things that probably (more than likely) it is unwise for me to do. I don’t want to be a bother to others, to be a burden if you will.
This weekend we have had a barbeque for friends/workmates of my husband and I to celebrate our new home. It was planned long before my fall and back injury and I was determined to proceed. However, the practicalities of hosting such an event meant time spent in the kitchen preparing food and organising things in general. I found my back quickly became sore and I needed to take time out and sit on a regular basis.
I had also invited my cousin – who we now live quite close to – to come as a guest. Bless her, she was a life-saver and really she saved the day. It certainly wasn’t my intention that she was anything other than a guest, but – because she cares – she was in the kitchen organising and making sure I rested and didn’t overdo things. I don’t know how I would have managed, but still I felt guilty that she needed to pitch in so much!
This is when you know who your friends are. She is much more than family, she is a friend I treasure. In this journey, I need to learn to accept caring offers of help when I need them. To build a support network, not just for me, but for my husband as well. This thing with my back is a temporary thing, but it is a taste of what it means to know when to accept help and – I hope – to do so graciously.
My stubbornness and independent nature may sometimes try to get in the way, but I will try to recognise my limitations and to accept help graciously, especially when it is given so selflessly and with love.
Bless those that support us, for this journey would be all the more difficult without their love, help and support.
My journey with Parkinsons 