Once upon a time there was a Princess called Nikki. Sadly she had MND and was confined to a wheelchair.
But she was most fortunate in that a man, whose children she had taught many years ago, offered to transform a bungalow in which she could live (by paying some rent). Part of the plan was to make the kitchen accessible, so that she could cook and feed herself. He did such tremendous work.. the sink had no cupboards underneath so she could drive under and wash up. The oven was low and even had a special work surface so heavy items could be placed carefully and safely. The hob was really special, it went up and down. It was down for when Nikki cooked and up for when friends cooked for her. It operated by a switch. The switch had a sensor which stopped the hob going too low and the designers said it would automatically stop at the work surface height.
Nikki found this so helpful. She could cook from her wheel chair , stirring and checking each pot and pan.
Well this morning when Princess Nikki woke. She was so bright. She had had a wonderful night of perfect sleep.
9:30 she arose , made coffee, got cereal and waited for Princess Laura... her PA.
Back at her castle inTod, Princess Laura had awoken and found her carriage had a flat tyre... she had to organise the safety of her family getting to school , fix the carriage and arrived at Nikkis home at 10:45.
Nikki greeted her with happiness. Her first task was to shut the loft, as the wind had blown it slightly open. Whilst this happened Nikki entered the bathing room. BUT she heard an amazing Crash!! Shout!! and Plea for help from Princess Laura.
Fearing that the loft ladder had fallen on the Princess , Nikki , as quickly as is possible in a wheel chair (facing the toilet) .. turned and investigated.
What a sight met her eyes! the Princess L was standing covered in glistening glass.
The hob had been moved to the up position whilst she was making a cup of coffee for them both.. (the usual start to their time together). The hob had gone up, then up more... crashing into the glass backdrop to the splashback.
The Princess Laura was so shocked... glass had hit her on her chest, and then she realised that had Princesss Nikki moved the Hob, then the glass would have hit her in the face.
Princess Nikki rang Lord R. He was shocked and frightened at the disaster that could have happened... he rushed to the scene, leaving the home he was painting for a cook who serves a pop-group on tour. (Sadly not the Rolling Stones !).
Princess L swept and Princess N attended the bathroom.
The two princesses then sat with cups of coffee. Meanwhile an emotional Lord R surveyed the damage.. and podiatrist Sarah arrived. She made special wedges to try to keep Princess N's toes somewhat straight. She left with a hug and a promise of a trial of a special sock and of rubber bands that might be hooked over the toes to give them a stretch as the Princess N could not longer reach her toes to stretch them and they caused tremendous discomfort.
BUT THEN
AHHH! Princess L exclaimed.. there is water seeping from the washing machine!! Lord R and Princess L investigated... it was found that the soap fill was blocked. They worked diligently..
Meanwhile the daughter of Princess Nikki, the princess Eliza rang.. Sadly there was no time to talk but they decided to chat later.
Simultaneously the physio M arrived, with a gift of a bed support... Princess Nikki has trouble turning in bed. Physio M fixed this on to the bed bed but was horrified that the bed was on casters... however Nikki ensured that the bed had never moved...
Well then she tried the new equipment and the bed shot across the floor. It was decided that there was a need for caster cups.. but as these were not provided by the health care people .Princess N would need to pay more golden coins... Princess N has few remaining coins but cant risk falling off the bed.
Princess N said farewell to physio M and returned to the kitchen where she found Lord R on his knees. She enquired as to whether he was praying or thinking. His simple response was , the hob is about to fall off the wall.. Im holding it in place, a joiner is on his way.
A flash of problem solving... in her chariot N retrieved a stool which stood on it's end should support the hob, thus releasing Lord R... but it was 2" too short.... quick as a flash, she found a Bible.. the exact height required.
The hob supported, Lord R was free to phone Howdens who designed the kitchen and too complain and explain the disastrous happenings.
This episode was resolved by an agreement between Lord R, the joiner and a Howdens rep meeting chez the Princess at 8:30 in the morn.
BUT... At this time N would be getting prepared for a visit to Hx Hosp to talk with/to a CBT psycologist, C.... what a lot to talk about... she had thought the agenda might be about the end of life thoughts of herself... but she now realises nothing as trivial can be on the agenda... it might well be about life as the Princess finds it.
So the visitors left and G arrived.. It was good as N was soooo in need of a cup of tea, ( and actually a cigarette... but G cant cope with N smoking.. so she didnt!!)... G left and Princess L returned to check on washing machine........ They had a cigarette ! YEY!!!
5:20 N called her baby Princess Eliza who gave her permission to have an early G n T... Princess N normally waits till 6:00.... N was very grateful that her son in law A had prepared stew so she will be able to eat with micro wave...
The day is not yet over. Princess N had hoped to have calm, ie prior to Thursday which she knows will be busy. She had hoped to paint... but had not managed to do this. She hopes for a peaceful day soon.... as she yearns to make pictures...
HUG ME,I'VE GOT MND
What a great story (shame it is non fiction)....no tears mentioned...I would have been in floods. You are so articulate Nicky in the face of adversity. I'd like to come and see you as I won't be at the Reading Group next week....WI Christmas meal (I'm on the committee). However I can see that you are busy, not all planned and if you aren't busy I can see that you will be painting. Will sound you out re a visit, can be a short one......hugs xxx
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