We operate an income tax business and yesterday was tax filing day in the US. Our tradition is to take everyone in our family out to dinner and so we gathered at a very popular restaurant near our home. It was so crowded that we had trouble getting Nick’s wheelchair through the tables to where we were to sit. One kind woman even stood up and moved her chair out of the way to clear a path. I sometimes get concerned that Nicks loud vocalizations and odd actions will cause others to feel uncomfortable. Friends of mine have told me to stop worrying about that, but it is just how I am.
So everything was going fine, Nick was being pretty good and we were all having fun. It seemed to be taking a long time for our food to arrive so the kids were getting antsy and wiggly. I was talking to my grandson explaining some reasons why it was taking so long to cook our order when I noticed unusual quick movement from Nick’s general direction. After years of being on seizure watch, I immediately feared the worst. Adrenaline flowing, I quickly moved from my grandson towards Nick to observe him. Yes Nick’s arm was rapidly jerking up and down in seizure like motions. But, he was holding onto his napkin, that was unusual. For a moment I couldn’t understand what was happening.
Arden must have noticed my expression because he said, “Isn’t Nick being so nice to Martha?” I said, ” what do you mean?” Nick heard me and said, “Martha is hot, I cool her off.” I guess that she had mentioned that it was warm in the restaurant and Nick decided to use his napkin to fan her and cool her off.
As my heart rate gradually returned to normal, I was able to congratulate him on his kindness and thoughtfulness towards Martha. It really was sweet. She appreciated it.
I also realized how quick I am to react to his possible seizure activity. I want to be able to be ready to take care of him when the occasion requires and I also hope to be able to scale back my knee-jerk reactions at the same time. It is a balancing act that I have yet to master.
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