Accepting Help-
tips from Linda N/TX
Hello to all,
I have learned that a number of fuchssupport members have many concerns above and beyond the Fuchs diagnosis, such as needing someone to help before, during, and/or after illnesses or other setbacks. Some people need transportation to doctors, some just need a helping hand around the house, and that's not always an easy thing to resolve.
This may, or may not, be relevant to you, but I wanted to share a couple of possibilities for support if you're interested. I guess it proves we all learn from adversity, because if it hadn't been for "bad things" that happened to me, I wouldn't be able to share this with you. (You've probably heard the phrase "ABC = Adversity Builds Character.")
When I had complications years ago resulting in both a C-section and lumbar laminectomy within 5 weeks, I could not care for myself, much less my newborn son. After my dear Mom exhausted her self, I insisted that she head home and get some rest. I contacted the United Way Information & Referral Office in my area (at the time, Clear Lake area in TX) and they provided someone through their "homemaker services" who stayed with me during the day. We paid on a sliding scale according to our income, and it was wonderful.
Then after my son had a medical setback years ago, resulting in Lifeflighting to Texas Children's Hospital, I found myself ill-prepared to deal with his recovery. When we got back home (now about a 2-1/2 hour drive), I dispensed with all remnants of false pride, and began going through the yellow pages, essentially asking "Can you help me?" I was surprised how receptive people were, and willing to provide other suggestions. We were able to get physical therapy, speech therapy, and other services, some for free or on a sliding scale basis.
Don't be embarrassed to let your needs be known, whether it's with your church or other organization. My mother used to volunteer to drive cancer patients from New Braunfels to San Antonio for radiation treatments. She was more than happy to do that. She did this on her own, but sometimes there are Retired Senior Volunteer organizations that have people available to provide assistance.
I am just so grateful for the help I received that I wanted to share it with anyone/everyone. We are all so used to trying to manage on our own that it often doesn't occur to us that there are times we're on the "receiving end" of these services. I would not hesitate to call on social service organizations, the extended medical community, or calling even a "Hotline" as appropriate in the future if the need arises.
I hope I am not misquoting Chuck Swindoll in this instance. I saved one of his magazines from years ago with a quote that was meaningful to me that says, "Those who endure the [life's] stinging experiences are the choicest counselors God can use." That fact that you have joined this group is a very positive sign. Blessings to each and every one one of you.
