I come here weekly simply sharing what’s happening in my life. I wish every blog I write wasn’t about multiple sclerosis, but it is. It’s hard for me to discern where MS stops and I start. We are forever intertwined. I’ve got to accept that.
But not today!
My husband and I are still unpacking from our latest relocation. It’s been a learning process. I now know it’s okay for me to stay in the background. I remained out of the way while practicing patience. I sat on the side watching in silence. I didn’t unpack or pack a thing. I didn’t lift a finger. Doing nothing proved to be very difficult for me. I guess in hindsight I could have completely left the scene, stayed with family a few days and returned to the finished product. But, if I had, I wouldn’t have learned my newest lesson.
So far the best thing that has come out of this ‘grueling’ move is my new bedroom set. You see my last bedroom furniture was rather tall. I had problems reaching the top drawers on my dresser and my bed was so high it actually came with stairs. No joke. I think it’s a southern thing. Each night my husband, Tommy, had to physically put me in the bed. Under normal circumstances this would be deemed romantic.
Not in my case.
The new bed is a platform bed with a mattress and bunkie board instead of a box spring. It’s much lower to the ground than common beds and it definitely does not require steps of any sort to access. In essence, it’s like you are sleeping on the floor. It’s definitely not for everyone but just right for Tom and I.
I got in bed last night with no assistance, no need for anyone’s help. I felt capable and independent. I was so excited. It made the whole move worthwhile. Maybe adapting to MS instead of continually fighting is the way to go? I’m not sure if I will be able to continually do that but it definitively worked out for me this time. What a great way to start off the New Year. I couldn’t be happier.
Happy New Year!
Yippee! New digs!
Sounds like a great way to start the New Year.
Like the steps leading up to the bed….another thing for one to fall off of!
Sock, That’s why I got rid of them!
Nicole, I had the same issue with the height of the bed. We got rid of the box spring and use wooden slats instead. Then I bought a bed rail so I can lever myself out of the bed. A big improvement. Yay!
Love your blog. Thank you.
Roberta, Yeah, the wooden slats are basically what the bunkie board is. Now, I can get up with the use of my scooter sometimes. Thanks for reading and sharing!
congratulations on this new place! Thank you for being here!! Your go girl!!!!!
Paula, Thanks for reading. I don’t plan on going anywhere!
Nicole,
I am new to your blog (and the blogging world, for that matter). I’ve been going through your posts and absolutely love them! They are a great combination of “dose of reality” and humor. At the risk of sounding creepy, I feel as if you’re an old friend! That’s a testament to your warm and familiar way of writing. So, thanks and please keep it up!
Happy new year – and enjoy that new bed!
Susan, You tickle me. No you didn’t creep me out. Instead I’m flattered and eager to let you know I post every Tuesday. Welcome and thanks.
Just found this site. Good evening all. My daughter has MS and I have been spending quite a while “nagging” her about life change/health/good eating etc and now realise from reading above that she still isn’t at the stage where she is “adapting”. Thank you for this as I now realise that my way of dealing with this isn’t necessarily right, or should i say, coming at the right time for her. I will have patience and look to another path to help her.
Maxine, Thanks for reading for your daughter. As a mother, you have one of the hardiest jobs out there already. It sounds like you are adapting to MS as well. Please know that I release new posts on Tuesdays, they are realistic and true.
Happy New Year Nicole!!! Happy trails and sweet dreams in that new bed! Independence is good and learning to ” go with the flow” isn’t all that bad. May your year be one of good health!
Tim
Tim, Thanks. I wish you the same also!
Great start for the New Year! Enjoy your new bed Nicole!
Lorie, Thanks and I will!
Adapting is key to accepting.. and each of us have to do it in our own time and in our own way! by the way the bed is beautiful.. our surroundings make such a difference to our attitudes!! by the way..did you get a good nights rest.. you and Tom? Be well Nicole and Happy New Year to you as well! Ella
Ellajean, “adapting is the key to accepting” I need to get a sign put up!
Good morning !!
My husband has MS 🙁
I am new to your blog. I opened my email this morning and noted a entry from you. I decided to take a peek and I am glad I did !!! I agree with the adapting instead of fighting. I will have to say that it is the hardest thing for my hubby to accept. We are 6 yrs. into Primary Pregressive. The past year has been his worst ever. He is to the point of accepting MS but no so much to adapting. I know this will come in due time.
I am going to share my blog reading with him. He doesn’t really like to read to much pertaining to MS. He feels that it brings him down on occasion when he reads some of the horror stories pertaining to MS. I remind him there are positive ones as well. I know in due time this may change.
Blessings in the coming New Year !!
Phyllis, Thanks for reaching out for your husband. I can already tell he’s got a good one on his side.
Happy New Year Nicole, You hit the nail on the head. Acceptance is the key. Go with the flow and be happy. Small victories everyday are a reason to be proud.
Lisa, Key.
Happy New Year to you. 🙂 Happy that you’re happy with your new bed. A small thing can mean a lot to one’s self esteem. Here’s to 2013
Deborah, yes it can!
Congrats to you on “stepping up” to your bed. We tried taking the box spring off of ours, but then it was to low. Either way I need assistance getting into bed. thank goodness we got rid of our calif water bed years ago! that thing was abt as high as your old bed but w/o steps!
I know completely how you feel abt “letting go”. It is very dificult to do, but it does get easier over time. Trust me! happy New Year!
Kim, Be careful I’m going to hold you to it! Thanks for reading.
Happy to hear of your new digs, Nicole. Enjoy that independence!
PS … I borrowed your sign for my own blog post 🙂 It is just right.
http://terrysthoughtsandthreads.wordpress.com
Terry, I do love it and the pic really isn’t mine to give anyway! But I still consider it a compliment!
That has been my hardest thing to do, adapt! But what are the other choices? Lol
Kshanski, Not good, whatever they are!
I am so glad you have learned the lesson that people are good and want to help. Now sit back, be the supervisor and enjoy your new bed and home 🙂
Anne, Yes they want to help the only way they can sometimes.
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now- I look forward to each post. This is the first time I’ve written you but I have to ask about this “bunkie board” thing. What is it? And if it makes your bed easier to get in to doesn’t it make it harder to get out of in the mornings?
Happy New Year Nicole,
Heidi
a BUNKIE BOARD, BACK WHEN MY CHILDREN HAD BUNK BEDS, WAS A SLAB OF WOOD ABOUT 1-2″ THICK & JUST A TAD WIDER THAN THE MATTRESS, THAT WENT UNDER THE MATTRESS….NO BOX SPRING NEEDED & IT GAVE EXTRA SUPPORT SUPPORT.
Heidi, I may have exaggerated a bit. It’s not really like sleeping on the floor. it’s just noticible lower than a regular mattress and box spring. I can still lift my self up with the use of my scooter. I keep it close by.
I’m waiting for my husband to retrofit my toilet! I’ve been waiting 5 years for him to build me a ramp! Oh to have that independence again!
Sandi, It’s worth asking for.
Simplify! seems to be our watchword!
Kit, I never thought of it like that. Your right though.
The little things mean a lot. Happy New Year !
Dominic, yes they do!