Once a Soldier always a Soldier

The journey with my Uncle continues.

He is actually quite strong now – strong enough that the words “safety” and “caution” have become part of my thoughts on a daily basis.

He has gained weight which, up until now, was mass. But this week when we weighed him, it was definitely a fluid build-up. His ankles and calves showed major signs of swelling. This happened within a 24-hour period. Still, the body dealt quite well with this imbalance.

So the legs get raised, the foods get adjusted…I gave him too many yummy treats with wonderful spices that were to his desire.

The day the nurse came to check him the swelling had gone down. The nurse asked him to step on the scale to double check the situation. My uncle immediately jumped out of bed, without his cane and stood up tall.

This is a man who needed a walker only three weeks ago…

He proceeded to step onto the scale, stand straight up, chest up and out, hands behind his back holding the wrist, head tilted downward to see the numbers. I looked at this wondrous sight, attempting to keep my jaw shut!

Whoaw!

You would never know that this individual was 91 going on 92 in June.
He held himself like a proud soldier.
Happy to oblige the nurse.

His body, mind and spirit gleamed. This position was something that he and his body had known for so long, so many years.
From soldier to prisoner to police officer to accountant.
The first three of his lives shone forth in those few moments.
His pride and dignity rose to the occasion.

It was a sight to behold.

All that being said, I still had to cut his treats for the week!

[tags]soldier, taking care of senior, 92-years-old, taking care of my uncle, nursing at home[/tags]