Hi Venson:
Ironic you would ask. Today at Mass, a handicapped friend [50-ish] couldn't make it all the way through to the end and asked me to drive him home. Middle of the consecration. I offered to take him to the hospital but he declined. Had a dachsund at home that he was worried about. He uses a walker and his entire right side of the body is paralyzed [from a recent stroke] including his arm which is unusable. As I assisted him into his ground level apartment, I spied a HOOVER EmPower upright in the middle of the living room. We talked for awhile, I made sure he had someone to look in on him later in the day, and he had food to eat, and I took off for another Church with a later daily Mass where I was able to receive Holy Communion. [I'm in the midst of the Divine Promise Devotion and today is day 26]
He doesn't know about my vacuum background and we didn't talk about it. We know each other from the Knights. In fact, the Churches I attended today for Mass and Communion are not my parish Church. We will probably see/talk again on Saturday. in the near future, when the opportunity presents itself we'll get about vacuums. Like you, I'm curious to learn from him his likes and dislikes about today's state of vacuums for users with physical challenges.
Carmine D.
Hi Carmine,
I'm glad to learn that you've taken an interest in this gentleman's issues. It's a big world out there and though most of us know we should love our neighbor as best we can, we quite often sort of stand around going, "Duh." Thank God you didn't.
It would be good to get the man fitted up for a vac that better suits his present state but first, as he has recently suffered a stroke, he's going to need some time for rehab therapy to help him move forward.
Just is absolutely right. For the present this man should be having someone in to help out with cleaning and meals until he's ready to take on things for himself. It makes for less to worry about and stress out over. I'm very sure he's also very concerned over his pet not getting what it needs as well.
If family is available or if that can be arranged through a city or state agency -- wonderful. However,if he's on his own or if the bad economy now prohibits that kind of offering through government, maybe your church or some local organization has a volunteer program.
Meals-On-Wheels is also a wonderful idea as I'm sure he must be having diffuculty getting around the kitchen.
May you also be well blessed for your kindness.
Venson
