Shortly after I married I found myself standing in my new
living room with a hammer in hand about to bellow for my husband to come help
me hang a picture. Then I thought: Just because you now have a ring on your
finger does not make you incapable of pounding a nail into the wall. So I
hung the picture myself.
It's easy to fall into traditional roles and to make a habit
of being helpless. As a disabled stroke survivor, I have to remind myself to try
before I call for help; sometimes I surprise myself with what I can do.
Last week I assembled a new nightstand for our guest room. The last two steps were hard. I thought of asking my husband for help, but I wanted to be able to blog that I had done it ALL BY MYSELF.
To attach the wooden knob, I worked with the screwdriver in my good right hand while holding the knob steady in my affected left. I had to take breaks after every few turns of the screw because my left hand would slip and grow tired. But that knob is on tight now; I dare it to come off!
Last week I assembled a new nightstand for our guest room. The last two steps were hard. I thought of asking my husband for help, but I wanted to be able to blog that I had done it ALL BY MYSELF.
To attach the wooden knob, I worked with the screwdriver in my good right hand while holding the knob steady in my affected left. I had to take breaks after every few turns of the screw because my left hand would slip and grow tired. But that knob is on tight now; I dare it to come off!
Hammering in the 12 little nails to attach the nightstand’s
back required some creativity. I could not hold those tiny nails in my left
hand. I tried holding them with my right and hammering with my left, but my
left hand had neither the required aim nor power to wield a hammer. Finally I
used one of my wax earplugs to hold the nail steady. Once the nail was started,
the wax peeled away without a trace, and I pounded those puppies home.
That’s right, people, I built it!
Congratulations Marcelle, Since I am now living alone my attempts have to succeed. I spent 2 hours assembling a bed and was drenched in sweat by the time I was done. But at least now I can get out of bed and walk to the bathroom, before it was a thick air mattress and getting up from that was always a matter of swaying in the right direction. Dean
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how creative you can get when you have to get something done and there's no one around to help? I've lived totally on my own for the last 7 of the 13 since my stroke, and most of my one-handed "workarounds" are automatic now...after a lot of repetition and some frustration from time to time!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
How wonderful! You will always look at the nightstand with pride. The wax earplugs was a brilliant solution.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that "you did it yourself!"
You are awesome! I am going to get some wax for the next time I inadvertantly pull out the nail holding up a picture.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I love your determination and ingenuity!!
ReplyDeleteYay! That's fantastic! I'm proud of you for persevering and your ingenuity.
ReplyDeleteYou Rock Marcelle!!!
ReplyDeleteYou did an excellent job and it looks great. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your admonition to try before calling for help. I have been learning this once again in my new job this year, and, like you am often surprised on how I get the solution needed. There is a fine balance, I find, between solving something myself and when a little help is needed to get it done. But it seems things work out best when I first try myself. I am so impressed with what you are doing - you are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing combination of ingenuity, resolve and determination. Looking at all the number of pieces and parts reminded me of my own resolve to put together a 'store counter and cash register' for my son many years ago. I was fortunate to have the full use of both hands but I still recall how difficult it was; at one point in my obvious frustration, Jason said: "Mother has a problem?" Congratulations on Your success! I can just see your face breaking into a big smile every time you look at that night stand.
ReplyDelete