Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2009. Mattie was in the clinic that day, sitting at the art table with his buddy Brandon. It was Brandon's birthday and despite being in a hospital, it was a very festive occasion. In fact, it was on that day that Mattie created Dr. Crazy Hair. This doctor even had a sea shell in his pocket, that Mattie said resembled a toenail! For the longest time this statue of Dr. Crazy Hair was in our living room on display.
Quote of the day: I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me. ~ Dr. Seuss
I took my dad to see the podiatrist today. We see him every 90 days. Given my dad's history with diabetes, it is important to manage his foot care. My dad has very sensitive feet and I wouldn't attempt to cut his toe nails. Which is why I am thankful that Medicare covers these visits. In fact, I cut my dad's finger nails every two weeks, and all I can say is WOW! You would think I was killing him when I do this, but despite his fuss, it just has to be done. I plow through all his moaning sounds.
This spring my dad's podiatrist retired, so we transferred over to his colleague today. I find it fascinating when a doctor interacts with an older adult. Frankly before moving onto an examination, I think it would behoove the doctor to find out a little more about the patient in front of them. Or how about introduce themselves to me! He never even asked who I was until the end of the visit. Of course, I was speaking up throughout the appointment, otherwise it would have been a one way dialogue. I am quite certain that even after this appointment was over, the doctor didn't quite register the fact that my dad can't live independently and that he has dementia. So truly talking to my dad about his foot care is hysterical. I know that a few minutes after leaving the office, my dad won't remember the doctor or the appointment. Case in point, my dad doesn't remember the podiatrist who just retired and he has been seeing that doctor for over a year, every 90 days!
After the doctor appointment, I ran some chores with my parents in tow, and then took them out to lunch. Every Thursday, we go to Mattie's favorite restaurant. I know many of the servers and management at this location. In any case, when we arrived today one of the managers told me that I must be an angel because he has never seen a child care for both parents like I do! He was smart enough to deduce that I have NO OTHER life than what I do for them daily. I of course tell him I am only human and have my good days and bad, but I am always amazed what people notice and observe.
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