Chapter 6 - Dressing for Church
We have just returned from church after a detour for meds from our local chemist. She needed to keep walking rather than sit down for the ten minutes or so that it takes to have those little labels attached to the packets & bottles. We bumped into friends so our time was put to good use.
After we arrived home she needed help to undress. Partly because her blouse adhered to her moist skin (she was sweating a lot) and she often has difficulty raising her feet enough to put on or take off slacks. For a number of mornings this last week she has needed assistance to dry herself after showering, unable to bend sufficiently without overbalancing to dry herself below the waist. For the upper regions she wears a towelling bath robe, I rub a towel over the rest. Back in the bedroom I sit on the side of my bed while she stands in front of me. I lift her feet one at a time to thread each in turn through her under-mentionables. Then to raise the clothing I find my face buried in her cleavage; if I blow a raspberry she laughs then admonishes me. How do women ever join the hooks on a bra? I find the task difficult even when looking at the things. And I usually attempt joining the clips before the pockets at the front are properly filled. Back down on the floor to thread her feet into her slacks. Pulling these up is not as much fun as the bra is in the way. The slacks always end up twisted, so I wriggle them until the wearer is satisfied.
These are the issues that cannot be mentioned when any of you ask "How is she today?" We are thankful she slept better last night but is that the answer you need when you are unaware that most of her previous night was spent sitting at the table reading, sometimes interrupted by vain attempts to get into bed and sleep? Much like describing the local weather to someone on the other side of the world.
I am concerned for her well-being while this afternoon I drive to a place to photograph some old farm sheds. Lately we have not been apart for very long. My common sense tells me we have friends close at hand and communications enough to raise an alarm.
After we arrived home she needed help to undress. Partly because her blouse adhered to her moist skin (she was sweating a lot) and she often has difficulty raising her feet enough to put on or take off slacks. For a number of mornings this last week she has needed assistance to dry herself after showering, unable to bend sufficiently without overbalancing to dry herself below the waist. For the upper regions she wears a towelling bath robe, I rub a towel over the rest. Back in the bedroom I sit on the side of my bed while she stands in front of me. I lift her feet one at a time to thread each in turn through her under-mentionables. Then to raise the clothing I find my face buried in her cleavage; if I blow a raspberry she laughs then admonishes me. How do women ever join the hooks on a bra? I find the task difficult even when looking at the things. And I usually attempt joining the clips before the pockets at the front are properly filled. Back down on the floor to thread her feet into her slacks. Pulling these up is not as much fun as the bra is in the way. The slacks always end up twisted, so I wriggle them until the wearer is satisfied.
These are the issues that cannot be mentioned when any of you ask "How is she today?" We are thankful she slept better last night but is that the answer you need when you are unaware that most of her previous night was spent sitting at the table reading, sometimes interrupted by vain attempts to get into bed and sleep? Much like describing the local weather to someone on the other side of the world.
I am concerned for her well-being while this afternoon I drive to a place to photograph some old farm sheds. Lately we have not been apart for very long. My common sense tells me we have friends close at hand and communications enough to raise an alarm.
posted by Kilpike | 12:56 pm
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