I am not sure why this story popped into my head recently. Maybe because I am heart deep into my book about Frankie, and thinking about the stories I want to share about her with others.
The first three months after Frankie’s accident were crucial in regards to the healing process. I decided to try acupuncture for her. It was a viable option and I was clear it may or may not work, but it was worth a try.
Frankie and I met the most wonderful Veterinarian who was retired, but was still doing acupuncture for clients he felt he may be able to help. He agreed to see Frankie and me. Dr. Charles Myer is a beautiful man of deep spirit and meeting him had a profound effect on me and the situation I was going through. He too, is in a wheelchair and at the time we met him, it had only been two years since his accident. We met with him for 90 minutes as he performed acupuncture on Frankie. It was an amazing thing to watch. After the treatment he discussed with me signs to watch for if the acupuncture worked. We left the room and I was content in whatever the outcome. I was so honored to have met Dr. Myer and glean some of his wisdom.
Now, let me back up a moment and fill you in that Frankie is not able to use her bladder on her own because of the paralysis. I learned how to express her bladder. As far as the ‘other end’ goes, well, that is a muscle and it reacts when it needs to. Timing it is something I work hard on, to avoid any accidents.
I carry my purse on my right shoulder and Frankie in my right arm like a football. I went to the reception desk to pay for the services. I switched Frankie from my right arm to my left. As I reached into my purse for my checkbook, I noticed something, well, rather ‘strange.’ In my mind I said, “What the heck is that?” And in that moment I realized, yes, you guessed it, a Frankie turd! I didn’t say a word and nonchalantly shook “it” to the side and rescued my checkbook from the oversized tootsie roll.
As I walked out the front door of the clinic and to my car, I started laughing and could not stop laughing. As soon as I got control of my fits of giggles, I called to relay the story to my husband, John.
And so my acceptance of Frankie and the situation that her “other end” may react when it needs to (even though I try my best to make sure that is all “taken care of” before we head out). I have a choice as how I am going to deal with it and to me, there are worse things in life, this is really nothing. Meet it head on with laughter and enjoy the giggles!