h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Getting old is not the easiest thing in the world. One denies it, one continues thinking one can do everything, and then suddenly, like a bomb blast, one reaslises that one can no longer do what one used to do even five years ago.

It is difficult to accept especially if one's children are spread all over the world.

Howeverl something very special happened this last weekend. I phoned a friend of mine who had been exceptionally kind to me last year. I told her my problem, that I was unable to care for myself any longer, that I did not want to go into an Old Age Home, and did she know anyone who wanted a job as a companion to a "fractious" old lady. She phoned me back about three hours later, and "hey presto" introduced me to someone who fits the bill in the most perfect manner.

So I am now able to stay in my own home - and interestingly enough it must have been apparent to the staff at the hospital, when I had that very short spell in hospital, that here was an 80+ year old who still had ( I think!!) her "marbles", but who physically could not clean the house although she still enjoyed cooking and eating!!

Two representatives of social Welfare have phoned me, saying that they were requested by two different doctors to help me find someone to help me, As they felt I was no longer able to cope on my own. They were certainly correct, but an old Age Home was not the solution for me although one of my children had suggested it.

The result was the entrance of Joyce. A widow who comes from the country where I first lived when I was a young bride i.e. Southeern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

We share so much - a love of Africa, values and so many other things. I hope that I shall be a "good" and "caring "employer, and I am sure that she is going to be the same to me. So suddently, out of the blue my future seems to be assured for as long as I can cope mentally. I hope that the history of logeveity of my family, without senility, will continue. I am sure that we shall be a good companions.

So my dear friends, thank you all for your frienship. I am no longer alone physically, and I hope that she will also join h2g2. Last night I was introducing her to my many friends on this website.

With much affection

Christiane
AR80

24/II/2010 6.21 GMT

Hi Christiane,

I'm so glad for you. Say hi to Joyce for me.


HN

Hi Christiane and Joyce

What a wonderful solution to your problem

I hope you pass many happy hours with scintillating conversation.

I'm glad you've found someone to care for you after struggling alone. My mother is 90 and still in her own home because everyone does everything for her. I don't know if she appreciates it, because all she does is complain!

for you and for Joyce and big all round. Have a lovely day!

Wednesday 24 Feb, 8am

GB

Christiane, I am so delighted for you. I do hope it all works out for you. I don't think you realise quite how worried about you your friends on h2g2 have been. We are all so far away too! What an amazing stroke of luck you have had.

Please say hello and welcome to Joyce and wish her a long and happy association with you.

Just a thought, is she a bit computer literate Whether she is or not, two heads are generally better than one, as I know from personal experience

to you both,

Websailor

Fractious old ladies are the best kind.

It's great to hear that Joyce will be coming in, Christiane.

I was never a fan of the sort of institutions that collect older people. The last rehab hospital that my mother was in made me feel depressed every time I visited her there. She seemed overjoyed when they let her return to her home. She and my father have a Home health Aide who comes in a few hours every day. I think it's an ideal setup for as long as Mom and Dad are mentally competent.

I'm not all that fond of the idea of going into an institution when I get old--er, older--myself.....

Christiane, this sounds like t he perfect solution for you. Yay!!!!

Joyce, it's lovely to meet you.

Hyp

Thank you all so much. I also hope it is going to work out. she has a great many problems but hopefully we shall be able to solve them....
She comes from quite a difficult part of africa - where I uaed to live....

CME
AR80

24/II/2010 20.33GMT

Hello Christiane,

It is a wonderful solution and now you have a companion and friend in Joyce. And you have such similar interests and come from the same part of the world which is an added bonus.

It's great to be able to have someone to talk to and share interests with.

Katrine

Hello Christiane

Welcome to H2G2 Joyce, it's nice seeing you here.



Katrine