It had been over two years since I fell. Because one of my legs doesn’t work so well, I use a cane and I walk slowly. I pay attention to where I place my feet and I work hard at lifting my feet so I don’t stumble and fall. Recently, I have been in a lot of places where the ground was uneven or where I did a lot of walking and standing and knew my leg could get weary. I was careful and did great!
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled and fell in my own home the other day! There’s something about that second when you realize the ground is coming up to meet you and there’s nothing you can do about it. You know you are in the hands of grace or angels and that you’ll be okay. Still, it’s disconcerting, to say the least. The first thought I had was to assure others that I was okay and hadn’t broken anything.
The biggest challenge when I fall is getting up. You know the saying, “I’ve fallen and can’t get up!” Because one of my legs is so weak, it’s difficult to support myself to stand up. Rhonda and I worked at it for quite awhile and were beginning to think we’d have to call 911 for help. We tried one more time in a different way and succeeded. I got up with her help and fortunately have no lasting effects. Whew!
My 86 year-old sister fell recently while shopping. She coudn’t get up. Two gentlemen came and helped her. She also had no lasting effects other than to continue being aware when out and about.
I know some people are annoyed with me and others who walk slowly. Like you, I used to be able to run in and out of the store quickly. I worked with older adults for eight years and know how challenging it can be to have to slow down for them. But here’s the thing. If you see someone walking slowly, realize there is a reason they are doing that and they don’t mean to slow you down or frustrate you. Take a moment to center yourself, be present in the moment, and be grateful for your ability to walk and run and jog with ease. I hope not, but someday you might be one of us.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Saturday, July 7, 2018
This is all about bananas
For the last year, I’ve eaten a banana every day - okay, I did miss a few days, but only a few. One of the medications I take causes a diminishment of potassium in my body. This wouldn’t be good. Instead of my taking a potassium supplement which I have been told is a very large pill and uncomfortable to take, I promised my cardiologist I would eat a banana every day. Although there are other good sources like dried apricots or V8 juice, I chose the banana route. It’s worked and my potassium levels are great.
However, eating a banana every day can get so boring. I’ve eaten them alone. I’ve eaten them with toast and peanut butter. I’ve eaten them mixed into yogurt. I’ve eaten them in a bowl of cereal, this way being the most frequent to date. Now I have found a new way to eat my banana, a way I won’t do every day but which I would like to share with you in case you need a new way to eat a banana or you just like trying new ways to enjoy food.
The recipe for Banana Pancakes with two ingredients:
2 eggs
1 banana
In a bowl, mash the banana with a fork or other mashing implement. Add the two eggs and beat with a fork or whisk. Fry in a skillet with oil or butter so the pancakes don’t stick. Turn when the edges start to turn brown. Put on a plate and enjoy alone or with honey, maple syrup, yogurt, fruit topping, a side of toast or whatever suits your fancy.
The first time I made this, I made it as one big pancake. That was difficult to turn so now I make it into three or more and pile them on the plate! These aren’t vegan but they are vegetarian and gluten-free for those who avoid wheat products.
Yes, I am painfully aware there are more important issues facing us than the one of how to eat a banana every day without getting bored. Yes, I know there are people who would love to have this challenge - they would love to be able to have a banana once a week, much less once a day. I know some people will think this is a very shallow issue for me to write a blog about. That’s okay. Here it is anyway - do with it what you will!
However, eating a banana every day can get so boring. I’ve eaten them alone. I’ve eaten them with toast and peanut butter. I’ve eaten them mixed into yogurt. I’ve eaten them in a bowl of cereal, this way being the most frequent to date. Now I have found a new way to eat my banana, a way I won’t do every day but which I would like to share with you in case you need a new way to eat a banana or you just like trying new ways to enjoy food.
The recipe for Banana Pancakes with two ingredients:
2 eggs
1 banana
In a bowl, mash the banana with a fork or other mashing implement. Add the two eggs and beat with a fork or whisk. Fry in a skillet with oil or butter so the pancakes don’t stick. Turn when the edges start to turn brown. Put on a plate and enjoy alone or with honey, maple syrup, yogurt, fruit topping, a side of toast or whatever suits your fancy.
The first time I made this, I made it as one big pancake. That was difficult to turn so now I make it into three or more and pile them on the plate! These aren’t vegan but they are vegetarian and gluten-free for those who avoid wheat products.
Yes, I am painfully aware there are more important issues facing us than the one of how to eat a banana every day without getting bored. Yes, I know there are people who would love to have this challenge - they would love to be able to have a banana once a week, much less once a day. I know some people will think this is a very shallow issue for me to write a blog about. That’s okay. Here it is anyway - do with it what you will!
Monday, July 2, 2018
It’s the meanness that hurts the most
This whole immigration mess - and it is a mess - hurts at a very deep level. Everyone I know is aware that most of the world suffers from the issue of people caught up in wars, people who are trying to escape to other countries where they hope to be safe. And we’re aware that this influx of people is causing stress to the countries not involved in the wars. I don’t pretend to have all the solutions because these issues are very complex. However, I do see something that I find hurtful and below the United States as a country. It’s this.
It’s possible to respond to this issue without being mean. Right now our country is being mean to people and this is not necessary. I have deliberately chosen the word mean because it so expresses what I am seeing - meanness. As a country and as a people, we can uphold our laws without becoming mean and acting in an uncivil manner.
We don’t have to be mean to people. Yes, I know some will immediately counter me with, “But some of these people are criminals who intend to hurt our country and we have to show them our strength.”
My response? “Yes, but most of them are not criminals. Most of them are people just like you and just like me, people who are fleeing their homeland due to wars and violence. Don’t these people deserve to be treated with respect? Do we have to be mean to them?” And all the money we’re spending to build tent cities, couldn’t it be better spent on homeless vets, hungry people, and other worthwhile social issues we face in today’s world.
As one woman who lives on the border between Mexico and the United States said, “Instead of spending the money to build a wall, instead of rounding people up like animals, we need to work with these other countries to create an environment where the people don’t want to come to the United States, not because they fear us but because they can stay in their own country and lead peaceful, prosperous lives.”
This is the long-term solution. We need to approach the issue on a global level. Instead of putting out brush fires, we need to address the fact that the entire forest is on fire and do something about that. And with the right people in power, the United States could be a leader in a compassionate response rather than a leader in being a mean bully.
It’s possible to respond to this issue without being mean. Right now our country is being mean to people and this is not necessary. I have deliberately chosen the word mean because it so expresses what I am seeing - meanness. As a country and as a people, we can uphold our laws without becoming mean and acting in an uncivil manner.
We don’t have to be mean to people. Yes, I know some will immediately counter me with, “But some of these people are criminals who intend to hurt our country and we have to show them our strength.”
My response? “Yes, but most of them are not criminals. Most of them are people just like you and just like me, people who are fleeing their homeland due to wars and violence. Don’t these people deserve to be treated with respect? Do we have to be mean to them?” And all the money we’re spending to build tent cities, couldn’t it be better spent on homeless vets, hungry people, and other worthwhile social issues we face in today’s world.
As one woman who lives on the border between Mexico and the United States said, “Instead of spending the money to build a wall, instead of rounding people up like animals, we need to work with these other countries to create an environment where the people don’t want to come to the United States, not because they fear us but because they can stay in their own country and lead peaceful, prosperous lives.”
This is the long-term solution. We need to approach the issue on a global level. Instead of putting out brush fires, we need to address the fact that the entire forest is on fire and do something about that. And with the right people in power, the United States could be a leader in a compassionate response rather than a leader in being a mean bully.
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