Routine and a Sense of Humor
My grandmother just came back from a vacation and something was amiss because she could barely climb up one flight of stairs to our apartment.
Her left leg appeared to be in a lot of pain and after a doctors visit we realized she has fractured her femur. The thigh bone that connects the hip to the knee. After much probing she told us she had a fall ten days back! Ten Days ! the doctors said it’s impossible for her to walk, let alone pack, unpack, sit in a car for 6 hours etc etc.
Routine gave her the courage.
The reverse action that everything was okay because the routine never faltered.
The routine and laughing off the pain is what let her be carefree for 10 days without any pain medication or heat. And Delhi just witnessed its coldest day in 40 years. She packed her own bags. Bathed herself. All with a severely fractured femur and she’s a mother of four, a grandmother of nine and a great grandmother of three.
And it doesn’t stop there, she forced herself onto the dining table after throwing a hissy fit at the thought of her being fed on bed rest. And laughed loudly when the doctor advised her to wear an adult diaper at night because she couldn’t walk to the bathroom.
Lessons from my grandmother:
1. When in unfamiliar surroundings do what you can to get by and never let anyone in on your weakness.
2. When in presence of family and close friends let your guard down, but never let them decide what’s best for you.
3. When down and out, routine is your only savior. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Including yourself.
4. Everything has a funny side and a loud laugh can help you get out of everything.
