I asked my Mom if she could leave a popcorn pack out in front of the microwave with the big pot with the handle on the stove so I could pop popcorn later. She looked at me questioningly and reached into the cupboard to get a package of microwave popcorn.
As she did this, I explained how difficult it is to maneuver my chair back and forth to situate myself properly to open the cupboard to pull the rollout shelf where the popcorn is on it. I have difficulty pushing it back in in order to close the cupboard as well. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
As I told her this, to pulled a package out, easily pulled the plastic wrapper off and popped it into the microwave. What she just did in three minutes would take me at least another 10. She looked at me thoughtfully and she handed me the pot with the handle with the popped popcorn in it. I held the pot close to my chest and held the handle with my right hand while maneuvering my chair with my left hand to exit the kitchen backwards.
This morning my Mom apologized to me. I gave her a puzzled look and asked her why she was apologizing. She told me that she was sorry for the loss I experience as I witness other people do things that I can no longer do. Then she added that I still try my best to do them even though it takes me a lot longer.
I’ve always been an overly emotional person. I wasn’t prepared to hear apology. My eyes began to well with tears and I thanked her for her apology. It’s not often that I hear that. There are so many things that are more difficult for me all while dealing with my knee that is STILL killing me!
My Mom’s acknowledgment of my struggle and apology for it was very much appreciated but it made me think that it is really sad that an apology is warranted. Today, I miss my old life, before MS.