This morning I got dressed just like I always do except I put my shirt on upside down. Before you think "uh, oh" is up. This one had a printed tag and a "floppy" tag. I followed the floppy tag and to my dismay it was a Chinese Finger Trap after that. Fortunately Bob was there and helped me out. But I was stuck which brings me to I’m glad I now have a roommate for the times Bob is away.
About two months ago, I acquired a roommate. She was a past driver/caregiver who was looking to move closer to town while she goes back to school. At first I really didn’t know how this would work out since I am used to being on my own now for 9 months. We had a typical startup relationship-- “bumps” One night I came home late and really tipsy after an annual girlfriend Christmas party. I came inside and went back out to close the garage door. Upon reentering, I fell and yelled for my roommate for help. I did not realize she had to get up the next morning at 4:00 am and she was angry with me that I was insensitive to her schedule. She was also worried about what I would have done had she been not been there. I apologized and we moved on.
I am happy to report after two months it is working out to have a roommate. I appreciate and like the company; I enjoy her youth (she is 19) and perspective. I have a sense of calm knowing she is here and Bob has a sense of calm knowing I have support in the event of an emergency. The point is that stroke survivors need a support system and need to “think outside the box” when it comes to support with a focus on not leaning on my spouse for 100% of my care. Support systems for stroke survivors come in all shapes and sizes.
