Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 01:30:01 AM Return to Full Version
Title: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 01:30:01 AM
Post by: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 01:30:01 AM
I know only too well the struggles we face, the frustration of waiting lists, the desire to be finally accepted and treated as a human being. But sometimes we do forget out triumphs, no matter how small. We quickly gloss over them in our rush to be us.
But life is a journey and progress can be slow and we do move forward. We can change things in ourselves whilst waiting for the big moves.
So what is triumph and how do we celebrate?
As many of you know my wife lives in a nursing home, essentially paralysed from the neck down. She can move her right hand. Her brain is fully functional, she can see and talk. Her life revolves around watching her TV, doing puzzles and reading. There is nothing else.
Of course she looks forward to my visits, I bring her some special food, tell her what I have been doing, tell her lovely stories from people here. She is so supportive of you all.
She was especially excited to see me this weekend. She was bubbling with excitement to give me her good news.
She had an assessment from the speech pathologist; she is now allowed to feed herself.
She was so proud of achieving that goal!!
So next time you are feeling down and life isn't moving forward as quickly as you wish - remember to celebrate the small stuff.
Because the small stuff can be pretty damn big!
But life is a journey and progress can be slow and we do move forward. We can change things in ourselves whilst waiting for the big moves.
So what is triumph and how do we celebrate?
As many of you know my wife lives in a nursing home, essentially paralysed from the neck down. She can move her right hand. Her brain is fully functional, she can see and talk. Her life revolves around watching her TV, doing puzzles and reading. There is nothing else.
Of course she looks forward to my visits, I bring her some special food, tell her what I have been doing, tell her lovely stories from people here. She is so supportive of you all.
She was especially excited to see me this weekend. She was bubbling with excitement to give me her good news.
She had an assessment from the speech pathologist; she is now allowed to feed herself.
She was so proud of achieving that goal!!
So next time you are feeling down and life isn't moving forward as quickly as you wish - remember to celebrate the small stuff.
Because the small stuff can be pretty damn big!
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: stephaniec on April 10, 2016, 02:24:33 AM
Post by: stephaniec on April 10, 2016, 02:24:33 AM
is she able to use the internet
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: Mariah on April 10, 2016, 02:31:09 AM
Post by: Mariah on April 10, 2016, 02:31:09 AM
So true. It's so wonderful to hear the good news in regards to her. It's something we take for gradate but something to hear that is really liberating in her situation. Hugs
Mariah
Mariah
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 02:33:14 AM
Post by: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 02:33:14 AM
No unfortunately, she can't move her hand to use an iPad and a computer is too restricting. It needs to be placed in front of her and the carers are too busy to be bothered.
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: Ms Grace on April 10, 2016, 02:49:47 AM
Post by: Ms Grace on April 10, 2016, 02:49:47 AM
Quote from: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 01:30:01 AM
She had an assessment from the speech pathologist; she is now allowed to feed herself.
That's great news Cindy, I'm so happy for her! :) :)
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: FrancisAnn on April 10, 2016, 02:58:57 AM
Post by: FrancisAnn on April 10, 2016, 02:58:57 AM
Cindy, Oh my, that must be so tough. My heart goes out to you & your wife. So sad. You are so right it's good to smell the roses & enjoy what we have. My mother was in a nursing home for the last 3-4 years of her life, bed ridden most of the time, so sad, she really enjoyed life & so wanted to escape that nasty place. It broke my heart to see her suffer. Take care & my best to you & your life. Thanks for your post. I know that hurt to even mention it.
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: V M on April 10, 2016, 03:54:01 AM
Post by: V M on April 10, 2016, 03:54:01 AM
Quote from: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 01:30:01 AM
She was especially excited to see me this weekend. She was bubbling with excitement to give me her good news.
She had an assessment from the speech pathologist; she is now allowed to feed herself.
She was so proud of achieving that goal!!
So next time you are feeling down and life isn't moving forward as quickly as you wish - remember to celebrate the small stuff.
Because the small stuff can be pretty damn big!
Good on her for staying positive and achieving her goal!!!
Yes, the things that are taken for granted by many can be pretty big to some folks
Sure, I'm still in allot of pain, have seizures and use a cane at times but I'm pretty darn thankful for the few abilities and things I have
I am especially thankful for the friends who have been there
Love you all
Hugs
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: stephaniec on April 10, 2016, 03:59:33 AM
Post by: stephaniec on April 10, 2016, 03:59:33 AM
Quote from: Cindy on April 10, 2016, 02:33:14 AMsorry to hear that.
No unfortunately, she can't move her hand to use an iPad and a computer is too restricting. It needs to be placed in front of her and the carers are too busy to be bothered.
Title: Re: When you feel that nothing is going forward - remember to smell the roses
Post by: Violets on April 10, 2016, 06:52:51 AM
Post by: Violets on April 10, 2016, 06:52:51 AM
When facing with the hand you've been dealt, you can either focus on the negatives (not conducive to happiness), or you can instead choose to focus on appreciating or even celebrating the positives. Cindy, it sounds like your wife has the right attitude to make the most of the tragic hand she's been dealt. She's an inspiration!
With regards to the trials and tribulations of transitioning, I saw a quote recently on Facebook which really struck a chord with me...
"I'm not where I need to be, but thank god I'm not where I used to be."
With regards to the trials and tribulations of transitioning, I saw a quote recently on Facebook which really struck a chord with me...
"I'm not where I need to be, but thank god I'm not where I used to be."