Tomorrow is Jeff’s birthday. He reminded me that his driver’s license expires this year, and though he wouldn’t pass the eye exam for driving, we went anyway because he needs current photo identification. The lovely lady that waited on us quietly asked if he understood he would need to sign a form relinquishing his driving privileges. Indeed, he did.
Jeff handled today’s encounter just like he’s handled this whole illness—with graciousness and humor. He joked that maybe we should let him take just one more spin around the parking lot. Jeff has a way of making people feel at ease. When the ID form asked for “hair color,” we chuckled a bit. I wrote “red” because that’s what it was. (He hasn’t had any for years.) The clerk hesitatingly told us that the system would accept “bald” as an answer. “Oh. Well, ‘bald’ it is, then.” ☺
I am so thankful for the grace that God has given my husband to accept this loss of independence. It wasn’t gradual. He really did not have time to adjust to the idea. In July he was driving himself to and from radiation. In August, I drove him to his chemotherapy appointment, and he never drove again after that.
I just think his positive attitude is inspiring. Right now, that’s just the way things are, and he accepts that.
We really do have much to be thankful for, and we are counting our blessings.
May each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
8 comments:
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy your day! You inspire me to be a better person :)
May God bless you and you family. Happy Thanksgiving.
What an exceptional man you have been blessed with! Praying God would bless your family with a wonderful day of love, laughter, sweet times, and joy knowing you belong to the King!
It is that positive attitude that will pull all of you through this! Humor makes everyone feel better and I am happy to hear that despite these hard times, you guys can still laugh.
My husband has not been able to drive since July. Because of his seizure he is not legally allowed to drive for 6 months. He has handled losing that independence well like your husband but I know it is frustrating at times. He does get to drive his tractor so that helps! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and enjoyed being together.
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers often!
I don't think time helps much in giving up your independence. It really is a matter of accepting the inevitable with bad or good humour.
Or grace- you do have much to be thankful for in the measured and mature attitude your husband has shown during this time of duress.
May God grant you the opportunity for many more moments of thankfulness together.
Thanks for the story about the driver's license. We are about to embark on a similar journey -- chemo and radiation at the same time. It is difficult to watch someone you love who has been so strong and well his entire life to go through this.
Wishing you, your husband and family, well.
My husband's birthday is November 24. It falls on Thanksgiving sometimes. Does Jeff's? I was thinking of him a couple days ago, wondering how he's doing, and I said a prayer for you guys. I've been remembering to pray for you several days a week when I go to bed at night.
This made me cry and cry. You are so strong. And you have the best attitude. I am so sorry for all you are going thru. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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