We had great plans for Saturday - drop off the box of presents to send to my in-laws in Vancouver, grocery shopping, laundry, and housecleaning. Not the most exciting plans, but I'm always happy to go out and feel like a productive member of society. Things started off well - we slept in a bit then had a relaxing breakfast of eggs and coffee. We moved to the living room to prepare the box for shipping. Scott bent over to tape said box and there was a 'snap' followed by an exclamation of "#@!* my back!". Scott fell back in to the couch, all colour drained from his face, and tried to find a comfortable position. Crap. This has happened before and is not good. He sat for a moment while I brought over my walker to help him up. He got up, took some back pills and made it to the recliner. Our plans for the day were done. Poor guy.
I switched in to care-giver mode and proceeded to do all I could to take care of Scott. I fetched water, made lunch and dinner, cleaned up a bit, brought him blankets, etc. It really sucks that his back went out and I hate that he is in pain, but I must admit it felt really good to be the one looking after someone for a change. I may not write about it much but I would be totally lost without Scott. He has done so much for me throughout this 'adventure' (and before). When I think back on how much I relied on him for even the basic things... Heck, he had to help me shower and help me transfer to the commode and wheel me over the toilet (tmi?) for months! Not to mention cooking, cleaning, driving and walking the dog. He has been through as much (maybe more) as I have through this and has proven to be the best husband and friend I could ask for.
Back to my tale. We spent Saturday inside, watching as the 'flurries' continued to accumulate outside. Thankfully Scott was able to maneuver the stairs to let the dog out when needed. We discovered that it is very useful to have a house full of horcruxes, err, mobility aids. Throughout the day Scott made use of my walker, cane, grabber, and grab bar in the bathroom. I also used all but the cane, though that is hardly unusual. As the day progressed Scott said that while he was in extreme pain, it was not as bad as a previous time and that he would likely be OK in a day or 2.
We woke up Sunday and Scott's back was still evil, though possibly a little better. He decided that he would probably be fine to go out for dinner that evening (this had been planned for weeks). Great. Only a few details to sort out: the ramp needed shoveling, my chair would need to be lifted into the car, and the dog was starting to go shack wacky from not having a proper walk. Well, ever the problem solver, I sprung into action. "I could probably shovel the ramp." I declared. "Are you sure?" replied a skeptical and protective Scott. "Sure. At least let me try." "OK." With that, it was decided. I bundled myself up and headed out the front door.
Turns out shoveling is totally doable! The snow was light and fluffy, which was definitely in my favour. I cleared the ramp as best I could. Not the job I would normally be proud of, but given the circumstances, I was thrilled. It felt so good to be outside doing something physical. I made it down the ramp and continued around the car. I got our brush out of the back seat and cleared the car as much as I could too. It felt great.
At one point my neighbour (a friendly and nosy 'good ole boy') came over. "Don't tell me he sent you out to shovel?" he said. Now, this is a guy who gives Scott a hard time if I bring out garbage or mow the lawn, so I was expecting this reaction. I explained the situation and he asked if we wanted him to plow our driveway again this year. I said yes please! We had a little more small talk and I continued my snow clearing magic.
I am grateful that my neighbour has a tractor and is happy to clear our driveway each year at a very reasonable rate. Today I am grateful that he did so at the same time as I was clearing the car. Despite my stubborn bravado I was finding it difficult to get back on the ramp from the gravel. This is a tricky spot at the best of times as any of my 'drivers' will tell you. He saw my distress and came over to help. I got him to pop up my front and get me on the ramp, then sent him back to his tractor. I pulled myself back up the ramp and into the house, where I melted on the front mat for a few minutes. Adrenaline was running high but I knew I probably pushed things a little. Totally worth it though.
As for the other problems - Scott figures he'll be able to manage my chair this evening and our most fantastic friend is on her way over to take Barney out for a walk. All is well.
As a reward for making it this far in my post... here is an action shot of shovelpalooza 2016.
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