In the past year, I've used the Mama's cane more than the Mama ever did in her 20+ years of owning it.
The Mama didn't believe in using canes. She said, "The more you use it, the more old you are."
I eventually learned to shrug off her ignoring the helpful tool as one of the Mama's vanity things. She may be ancient but heck if she was going to look it.
It was painful to watch the Mama slowly get up from a seated position, wobble immediately (because damn if she was going to stand still for a moment or two) into a walk, then oh so slowly make her way to her destination, using walls and furniture to help push herself forward. But, by golly, she got where she wanted on her accord. And, that was what was important and dignified for her.
As for me. . .how do I feel about using the cane?
As a young thing, I would get infuriated at drivers who paid no mind to pedestrians in the cross walk. Sometimes when I had my own close calls, I thought that when I'm an old lady I'd have a cane, whether I needed it or not, so I could whack on car hoods or bumpers of impertinent drivers.
The cane is a tool to help one be a bit more mobile. I get that now. I don't need it all the time, only when my knees scream out "Hello! Help please!"
So far I haven't touched a car with the cane.
Love your slippers...very colourful and sweet. If one needs a cane, use it and it’s a good weapon when you need it to be.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I was thinking about that guy's cane in The Avengers. I'd get me a bowler hat, too.
DeleteI occasionally extend my cane out a little further from it's usual range when I walk in crowds, or supermarkets, or anywhere I see someone coming towards me and not paying attention to their surroundings. i.e. me! Not to intentionally do harm, but rather as a teaching tool. :)
ReplyDeleteStumble, stumble. Trés bien!
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