Blessings

     Those of you who read this column regularly know that I’m recovering from a broken kneecap.  Since the middle of January I’ve been in a hip to ankle brace which I wear twenty-four hours a day.  I take it off only to bathe.  Hopefully, it can come off for good next week.

       To say that I couldn’t have gotten through this without the help and assistance of friends is an understatement.  I don’t know what I would have done without their support.

       First there was June who took me to the emergency room the Sunday night of the accident.  When I called her, she came over to check out the damage and said, “I think you need to go to emergency.  I’ll drive you, let me go get my keys.”  And she did.  She left once to go turn off something on the stove, then came back.  At 90 years old and after having been up till midnight the night before, she stayed till 11 that night, waiting what seemed like interminable hours while I was examined, xrayed, splinted, and finally sent home.

       The next day I told the friends I play word games with every Monday that I wouldn’t be joining them and why.  “We’ll come to you,” they said.  And they did.  When they heard I’d be having surgery the next day, one said, “I’ll drive you there,” and another said, “I’ll pick you up and drive you home.”  Now one of them picks me up and another brings a footrest for me so we can play at our traditional place and favorite café, Park Avenue. 

       Since the accident, I’ve received food, flowers, rides, and help of all kinds.   Most of it has been offered without my asking.  When friends come to visit they usually make their own tea in my kitchen.

       At other times, I call North Oakland Village, of which I’m a member.  Patte from NOV has taken me grocery shopping, Nancy took me for an eye appointment and I have drawn on the Village for other support.   I haven’t missed any committee meetings because someone has always offered a ride.  One NOV person even did my laundry.

       My neighbors come by frequently to see if I need anything.  Dottie is making sure my garden stays watered and my worms get fed.  Other neighbors visit and catch me up on local gossip.  They invite me to watch a DVD.  Margaret had me over for the Oscars.

       Having this broken patella has been no picnic, but it has made me acutely aware of what a supportive community I live in.  I think I would have ended up pounding the walls or collapsing in helpless tears without this helpful network.

       Thank you all.