The garden, mother and me

Page 27 What cannot be cured must be endured. Because of mothers stubbornness Calling in on mother today I am greeted with “My foot really hurts, can you look at it” “Have you done something to cause it to hurt” I ask “No and it has kept me awake most the night “ kneeling down I had a look at mothers foot. There are no cuts or bruising, but the toe is very red and hot. It’s probably gout again. “I think you should go to the doctors and let him have a look” “I don’t want to go to the doctors” mothers being awkward. “Ask for a home visit “I am trying to reason with her, but it’s hard “No” “Well you never know it might drop off, what will you do then” mother said it too us as children. “Don’t be ridiculous” mother snorts. I decide to leave it for now and try later. With the ironing, bed changed and washing done, I have another attempt. “You’re finding it hard to walk why not, phone the doctors ” “No” short and sharp answer. ...

Page 26 Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But will mother agree. As mother has taken to using the walker in public now, when she asked me to buy her some more t-shirts, I suggested using the walker and choosing her own. That suggestion was met with some trepidation, which I suppose was understandable, as it would involve some walking. “How about we go to the bank this week see how I manage and the shops next time” says mother looking hopeful. “Alright, if that’s what you want to do its fine by me” So off we went to the shops. I drive now that mother has finally given up (people are safe at last) but now I have a front seat driver. “Stop I have forgotten my glasses” shouts mother just as I am turning round.  “How can I watch the roads without them” states mother. “You don’t need to, I am driving” “Yes but I am helping” (is blind folding her legal or classed as abuse) Instead I go back into the house and get the glasses. “Alright you can g...

Page 25 It is best to be on the safe side, As it might be easier. Mother has been finding it increasingly harder to walk round the supermarket with me and on several occasions has refused to leave the house at all. Her walking started to get worse due to her foot hurting and being unable to walk. This I do find worrying, as if I don’t take mother out she never goes anywhere. Infinitely boring for anyone. Time for some more persuasive talking, I really need to get her using the walker with the seat, round the shops. “Hi mother are you ready to go shopping today” “Not really I don’t feel up to it. “Says mother. I knew this would happen, once again mother will not leave the house, now I need to choose my words carefully to get her out. “How about coming out for the drive, you can sit in the car and wait while I do the shopping” (good start) “I don’t know” (that’s not a firm no) “You often sit in the car talking to your friends” (subtlety) “Oh ok ju...

Page 24 The end is in sight, Time for the clear up At last I have finished the hedge row, now the full length of the ditch can be walked down. Absolute bliss, the next thing is to phone the neighbours and get them to clear the larger wood, cut through a few tree trunks, that were a bit too large for me to tackle and that’s the field sorted, for now. “Heck there is a lot of wood to sort out, best get started” the neighbours are eager. “If you cut up the bits you want I will start taking the smaller stuff for the bonfire”  and so I left them to it. After all these weeks of being in the field by myself it was strange having other people with me, nice though. Hearing the chainsaw reminded me of helping dad sawing up the wood for the winter. He always said that wood warmed you twice, once in the gathering and once in the burning. I couldn’t help myself and relayed this to my helpers, “You know he was right, it’s a cold day but we are getting quite warm”  ...