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Care & carers

The lighter side

(42 Posts)
Aka Sun 15-Sep-13 13:20:25

Pushed my MiL to the local supermarket earlier today. She is suffering from advanced vascular dementia and though she has the odd moments of lucidity these are few and far between.
As we crossed over the 'in' road (a one way system operates here) using the marked crossing a 4x4 came out roaring up the wrong way trying to exit (despite signs saying no exit, and a no entry sign) and nearly took us out.
The idiot driver then rolled down his window and started to shout abuse at us....whereupon MiL set up such a shrieking and wailing and caterwauling that shoppers stopped in their tracks and the driver visibly started to shake.
A young woman and her partner berated the driver and an elderly man threatened to call the police.
MiL was shaking visibly.
It wasn't until all the furore had died down and we were inside the shop that I had a chance to sooth her and realised she was shaking not with fear but with laughter.
"He'll nay dae tha' agin" she whispered! The old minx!

NfkDumpling Sun 15-Sep-13 13:24:46

grin Wonderful!

Greatnan Sun 15-Sep-13 13:24:51

Lovely - good for her!

thatbags Sun 15-Sep-13 13:25:05

grin

Movedalot Sun 15-Sep-13 13:28:25

Wonderful! grin

Gally Sun 15-Sep-13 13:33:03

So funny! grin Hope the 4x4 driver has learnt his lesson!

Ariadne Sun 15-Sep-13 13:54:53

Good for her! and you, Aka. smile

Ana Sun 15-Sep-13 14:05:18

She sounds like a real character, Aka! grin

Nelliemoser Sun 15-Sep-13 14:07:53

Aka Power to her elbow! grin grin grin

kittylester Sun 15-Sep-13 14:50:34

Fabulous. brew

Galen Sun 15-Sep-13 15:05:04

Wonderful!

Iam64 Sun 15-Sep-13 15:25:16

Aka - fantastic - what a riot that must have been.

Grannyknot Sun 15-Sep-13 16:01:53

aka there's a fabulous French film with subtitles (it's quite new) entitled "The Intouchables" www.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/?ref_=sr_1 - "The film begins at night in Paris. Driss (Sy) is driving Philippe's (Cluzet) Maserati Quattroporte at high speed. They are soon chased by the police: when they are caught, Driss, unfazed, doubles his bet with Philippe, convinced they can get an escort. In order to get away with his speeding, Driss claims the quadriplegic Philippe must be urgently driven to the emergency room; Philippe pretends to have a stroke and the fooled police officers eventually escort them to the hospital. As the police leave them at the hospital, Philippe asks what will they do now, to which Driss answers: "Now let me take care of it." as they drive off.

The story of the two men is then told as a flashback, which takes up almost the rest of the film."

It's one of the best, entertaining and most uplifting films I've seen in a while.

Grannyknot Sun 15-Sep-13 16:04:17

I just copied and pasted that and realise it may not make sense re your OP - to make it more clear: the two main characters, the quadriplegic and his carer, have a lot of fun! That's just one example above.

Aka Sun 15-Sep-13 17:10:14

Thanks GN grin it does make sense.
Now altogether
'Always look on the bright side of life (whistle)
Always look on the light side of life (whistle)
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.....'

Marelli Sun 15-Sep-13 17:13:44

How right you are, Aka!

Tegan Sun 15-Sep-13 17:28:17

Yes; it's a brilliant film Grannyknot. And they're both living happy lives and are still friends which makes it even nicer [or so it said at the end of the film].

Aka Sat 21-Sep-13 17:01:57

Noticed a new, slighter leaner, more toned me in the mirror this morning and thought I'd share with you my new hobby.....wheelchair pushing.

Apart from a good pair of walking shoes, you will need a wheelchair obviously but these can be hired, borrowed or bought second hand if on a budget. Some even come with the occupant supplied. I'd suggest starting with a lighter model (occupant I mean) as while a larger person may burn more calories you can reach greater speeds with the former, especially downhill. This is fun.
Do check the brakes work though and watch up for uneven pavements on you may catapult said occupant out. Not to be recommended.

You can combine shopping with this form of exercise if the occupant is willing to hold a wire basket on his/her lap. My favourite occupant is not adverse to stopping at a local hostelry for a sweet sherry (note to self..must check for side effects re medication). In the interest of Health & Safety use lap-strap on sleeping occupant on homeward journey.

kittylester Sat 21-Sep-13 17:05:30

Aka grin

Last time I went to see my mum she was standing at her window stark naked - waving to anyone who passed. Laughing is the only way we cope smile

j08 Sat 21-Sep-13 17:32:41

So good for her Aka. grin

flowers (for you)

gracesmum Sat 21-Sep-13 17:33:28

Aka and kittylester I am full of admiration that you can see a funny side to life and stgill raise a smile and I'cheers wine to mum and MIL - what a star!!

Lona Sat 21-Sep-13 17:37:34

Wonderful stories sunshine grin

Zengran Sun 22-Sep-13 07:42:12

grin

Aka Thu 26-Sep-13 10:22:03

MiL just now

'Can we have fish and chips for tea?' 'OK'

'Can we have fish and chips from the fish and chip shop for tea?' 'OK'

'Can we have fish and chips from Rick Stein's chip shop in Padstow for tea?' 'Not OK'

(We live in the West Midlands!)

MiceElf Thu 26-Sep-13 11:10:50

Full marks for being aspirational.