I just got back to my cell after taking another prisoner to the Infirmary for his treatments...
He's an older gentleman, but he's several years younger than me. I guess this makes me an even older gentleman.
Tony can be difficult at times. He survived a bad stroke which left one side of his upper body almost completely paralyzed. While he has come a long way, he continues to need daily care. Being that I'm a "mobility assistant" this is where I come in.
Tony needs help. So I will push his wheelchair wherever he needs to go, and assist him in getting in and out of it as well. Some days he and I will go to the facility's special exercise room which only the handicapped inmates are allowed to use. Tony makes a good effort using the Universal weight machine and the other equipment that's available. Much to his credit he is determined to become as self-sufficient as possible.
It usually takes Tony about 30 minutes to get dressed. I'm not allowed to dress him, and he doesn't want me to. So my part will be to lay out his clothes and make sure he doesn't leave anything off, which he's been known to do. Like forgetting to put on his shoes and socks. And one time, even his pants.
I think the Lord has assigned me to Tony so that I will learn patience. He definitely tests my "people skills" because he has a temper. At times his anger can be very expressive. And when he's pissed, Tony can sure cuss up a storm. But he and I have a lot of laughs, too.
I do, however, understand his anger. As a once independent and self-sufficient man, Tony has been reduced to a person who has to be escorted around the facility. This must surely hurt his pride. As the victim of a bad stroke, he can no longer stand on his own two feet without having to hold on to either me or a handrail.
Tony makes me exceedingly thankful to God for my health. Life and good health are gifts from the Lord, and I never want to take these things for granted.
D. B.
NOTE: Tony is not his real name.
Tony can be difficult at times. He survived a bad stroke which left one side of his upper body almost completely paralyzed. While he has come a long way, he continues to need daily care. Being that I'm a "mobility assistant" this is where I come in.
Tony needs help. So I will push his wheelchair wherever he needs to go, and assist him in getting in and out of it as well. Some days he and I will go to the facility's special exercise room which only the handicapped inmates are allowed to use. Tony makes a good effort using the Universal weight machine and the other equipment that's available. Much to his credit he is determined to become as self-sufficient as possible.
It usually takes Tony about 30 minutes to get dressed. I'm not allowed to dress him, and he doesn't want me to. So my part will be to lay out his clothes and make sure he doesn't leave anything off, which he's been known to do. Like forgetting to put on his shoes and socks. And one time, even his pants.
I think the Lord has assigned me to Tony so that I will learn patience. He definitely tests my "people skills" because he has a temper. At times his anger can be very expressive. And when he's pissed, Tony can sure cuss up a storm. But he and I have a lot of laughs, too.
I do, however, understand his anger. As a once independent and self-sufficient man, Tony has been reduced to a person who has to be escorted around the facility. This must surely hurt his pride. As the victim of a bad stroke, he can no longer stand on his own two feet without having to hold on to either me or a handrail.
Tony makes me exceedingly thankful to God for my health. Life and good health are gifts from the Lord, and I never want to take these things for granted.
D. B.
NOTE: Tony is not his real name.
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