My husband and I are blessed to have a Sleep Number bed, and we have enjoyed it for about ten years. We got it when I was in the height of pain, and I could not stand to be touched. All of those who have uncontrolled Fibromyalgia know what I am talking about. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I pushed the button to let some air out, and I had a rude middle of the night experience, which meant I had to wake up my husband. All the air had gone out of my side as I adjusted the bed, and I couldn't stop it. That is the only time that has happened to me, and I think it is because the plug to the air unit was knocked loose at the same time I was adjusting the air. We have one of the older models, so our beds air control is not remote. My sister has one that has a remote with no cord, and that is awesome.
In the process, I got a view of the unit that puts the air into the mattress. I usually cannot see it, and you know that old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." I bet I had not cleaned it off for five years. Gross, huh? It was so dusty, and I determined that I would do it.
When But I Would Rather Do It Myself Is No Longer An Option
However, in my wiser, older age, I knew that pushing and pulling the bed around would not be a smart thing to do. It's a very heavy bed, and I needed help; so, I saved the job for a Saturday, when my husband had time to help. Neither of us were thrilled about doing this any day of the week, much less on a Saturday. However, my DH (dear husband) knew it was the best thing to do for both of us.
I hope you have someone in your life that can help you with the jobs that are too big for one. If he had not been here to help, I would have not been able to clean as quickly or as thoroughly as I did today. I thought about the dust, and how often you will find an elderly person's home terribly dusty. It is probably because he or she has a hard time dusting, and can only do a minimal job. That may be me someday, but as long as I can keep the dust mites at bay, I am going to do my best. The job may not be perfect every time, but regular dusting and vacuuming make a difference.
Remember to ask someone to help you when you have a two person job. Even if it is just to help with moving a couple of things, speak up. You might be surprised if you ask a loved one or a friend if they have time to help. I also think it would be valid to call a handyman to do a heavy job. For those who cannot afford to call a handyman, perhaps your church has a deacon's ministry or a men's ministry that will help out their widows and widowers, as well as those who are disabled or quite elderly.
People do not know what you need if you are unwilling to ask for help. A good example of this would be one of my elderly neighbors. I know she grows weary of asking for help, but we want to help her. Recently, she called because her garbage pickup container had fallen over, and she cannot hoist that thing up. It is just two awkward for her, and she might fall. I knew I could do it, because I have washed mine out when it was empty, and I assured her I could easily do it. She is so sweet, because she was worried I would fall. What I notice about helping others is it makes me happy. So when you need help, remember that it is also a blessing to those who are willing to serve when you give them the opportunity to do that.
