Thursday, September 23, 2010

Raising Cane





Today was a rather unsettling day for me. It was the day that I literally raised cane. Ever since I fell and my knee got worse, I am very unsteady when rising from sitting. My first few steps have me swaying to get my balance as the knee adjusts, cracks, and throbs. Something to lean on till I get my footing would help...so... We went to the home health store and I bought a cane. Not to use while out or anything, just to steady myself upon arising...for now, anyway. As you can see, the choices were good. Cat canes, dog canes, hummingbird canes, fall leaves, etc. The ones in the cases are collapsable canes, yikes! I thought the whole point was not to collapse! I wanted something that sparkled and shone, maybe with glitter, something that announced that I'm not really a geezer and I don't really need this thing, just being cautious!! My best friend told me a story that bothered me. She is a cancer survivor, weighs barely 100 pounds, and has side effects from chemo in her feet. She recently got a cane. Kind of like me, not that she really NEEDED it, but to be cautious! Well, I guess we all say that. Anyway, she told me that it was amazing how differently people treat her when she has her cane! They go out of their way to be kind and will do anything for her. She likes it using it now, and recommended it to me. I found it rather sad that you need a cane before people will even treat you decently or be kind to you. In fact, I found the whole day to be rather sad, so no one better mess with me, I'm wielding a cane!! Watch out, world!


"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1 thess. 5:15

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, My mother carried a red tipped cane for the blind and John now uses a cane. Here at home when John goes outdoors he uses a tall walking stick that has a carved bear head on it. Our kitten Magic just stares at that bear head!!! It's funny to watch! Sorry to hear about your knee and I surely hope the cane will make rising from a chair much easier and safer.

SquirrelQueen said...

Sorry to hear your knee is still bothering you Ginny. A cane probably would give you a little extra support when rising from a chair.

I love the last line of your post. Look out world, Ginny's got a cane and she's not afraid to use it. LOL!

SquirrelQueen said...

PS, which one did you get?

Remington said...

Sorry to hear you have an ouchie....there certainly are some fancy canes nowadays.... I hope you have a fun weekend, my friend.

Reanaclaire said...

hi Ginny..hope the cane works perfectly well for you.. as for me, i used an umbrella especially trekking up hills..it helps me in a way...

DawnTreader said...

Wow, I've never seen such colourful canes before. I could not figure out was the header picture was until I scrolled down. I thought it was rolls of gift-wrapping-paper! LOL I'm also curious what kind you got. The last picture + your friend's story made me think of the TV sitcom Frasier. His dad has one of those (but not sparkly...)

Neal said...

Sorry to hear about your knee. Getting older is not a lot of fun. My pains and aches don't go away as quickly as they used to. :)

Fred Alton said...

Ooooo! I hurt for you Ginny. Getting up and feeling that knee trying to find a pain-free spot where it can take the weight of our body is a horrible experience. I don't have the trouble continuously - but have experienced short bouts of knee problems. I'm sure the cane will be useful. Even in my younger years I would cut down a walking stick while roaming through the mountains. Very handy thing, a cane.

From the Kitchen said...

Those canes look like fashion accessories. Did you get one studded with rhinestones? I've noticed when watching old movies on television (from the 1940s) that many dashing men carried canes that they never seemed to really need. Hope it works well for you and goes with your outfits!

Best,
Bonnie

Mary Bergfeld said...

I didn't know you had trouble with your knee. I'm really sorry to hear that. Which cane did you select? I sure hope it's stylish :-). Take care Ginny. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

MadSnapper said...

so where is the photo of the one you chose??? i want to see which one! where or where is the new cane photo. Like that header. i had no idea canes came in colors and flowers. I have Daddy's here and it is he old wooden one. i use it for arm excercise for now. carry that cane and use it and if anyone messes with you whappum with it. so sorry your knees are not cooperating.

Velvet Over Steel said...

Aw.. Ginny, I'm very glad that you are being cautious!!
I had no idea that there were so many choices & would go with Glitter & pink probably. :-)

Very cute post! Now you be very careful and have a wonderfull weekend!!
HUGS,
Coreen

Stephanie V said...

Why not give yourself some help? And with all those gorgeous choices, it's a fashion accessory!

This will give you some added security - and a way to keep people in line. Have fun parting the waves.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ginny, I'm at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail area ---waiting on George. So--I thought I send a comment...

I am glad you got a cane. George had one from years ago --so I used it and loved it before and after my knee surgery. You are going to feel good with it. It's like having another leg.

Which one did you get? Hope you like it. We all hate to admit we need things like this --but I'm not proud. If I need it, I'll use it.

Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy

srp said...

My dad needs a cane. He is pigheaded sometimes... hmm... perhaps that is where I get it from... and has refused to use it. My brother got him a really nice cane, very sturdy and it just sat there. Finally, he has started using it... still leaves it a lot, but uses it. It makes me wonder if he fell back in his room and just didn't tell me. If you need it, use it.. so much better than trying to get up after an preventable tumble.

What Karen Sees said...

What a wonderful sense of humor you have, even under trying circumstances. I would have never thought to take photos of a wall full of canes, but what a fun post, and a bit sad as well. It is sad that one has to appear disabled or be older to evoke kindness in others. My mom used to say the older she got the nicer people became! On the bright side, you now can defend yourself if attacked by a rude person.

Karin said...

You have such a delightful perspective on what is a time of difficult change and acceptance. love that you're making the best of it. My cane was anything as classy as all these choices! There are days I feel I may need to use it again - especially with winter coming and sidewalks being full of ice and snow.

It is nice to hear that people are more compassionate to those with difficulties, but why aren't we kind to each other all the time!!

Karin said...

You have such a delightful perspective on what is a time of difficult change and acceptance. love that you're making the best of it. My cane was anything as classy as all these choices! There are days I feel I may need to use it again - especially with winter coming and sidewalks being full of ice and snow.

It is nice to hear that people are more compassionate to those with difficulties, but why aren't we kind to each other all the time!!

Rose said...

the photo goes well with your post. sorry you need a cane, but if it helps with mobility it's good. you are right, people seem more willing to help a person with a cane or walker, wheelchair. we should help anyway. rose

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Interesting post with an intriguing title.

Darryl and Ruth : )

P.S. - To answer your question on our post today, a catamaran is normally two pontoons with a canvas or netted floor that makes it lighter and faster than a traditional sailboat.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Do you take gloucasamine? I have been taking them since I was 50 when I was training. My knees didn't hurt though I was pounding the pavement every day.

Once, my Dad needed a 4 prong stick, and my sister got one for him, bought it in Singapore. I was visiting him and she asked me to take it to Borneo to him.

As I was checking in, the clerk said, you have a cane/stick, I will give you a front seat, so you can go in and out of the plane first. I sort of felt guilty, but I did have a sore ankle then.

Thanks for telling me about your Grand daughter. Your son and daughter in Law are doing a marvelous thing.

I actually asked because my husband asked if your DIL is a Chinese. You know what? The first thing my husband does when he comes home is to read my blogs and their comments.
Am I flattered or what?

Deborah said...

Hi Ginny, I am sorry you have to use a cane but all in good health! It is also a sad day when people are only kind because someone is holding a cane. Crazy... I'm wondering what is the name of the cane store? I have been looking for a pretty cane with feet. My Mom won't use the feet one because they are not "pretty" and I have looked everywhere!! I'm wondering if you could give me the name of the store and I will call and order one! I can see that they have one!
Have a nice weekend! Me email is dgm1930@gmail.com if you send me the name, I would love that!
xxoo
Deborah

Deborah said...

Hi again, correction here! "not me email, my email is"... LOL
xxoo
Deborah

Unknown said...

Hi Ginny!

*hugs* I'm sorry you've had a sad day. I am glad that you are taking steps (haha... steps...) to keep yourself safe though. I hope the evening is better for you! *more hugs*

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, I'll be praying for your knee and for you to have steady balance and ease when getting up. Your last couple of lines made me smile. Have a super good evening tonight and day tomorrow!

S. Etole said...

your sense of humor always wins out ... thanks for the smiles

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my gosh - hello. Doris is wonerful and no wonder you are.

I have the same knee problem - I know I will need it to have it replaced some day myself. I know you hurt - sorry.

And I already have a cane - nothing fancy like yours, but I also have a walking cane - (kind of for my pride - to be honest).

I had an experience when I was in Florida that I'm going to blog about - you won't believe it.

Nice meeting you.
sandie

George said...

Although it's too bad a cane is needed, I think it's a good thing that you got one. I've been using a cane when we go shopping for several weeks now. For some reason my right leg bothers me when we're walking around stores. The cane really helps.

ruthinian said...

those are awesome cane... so jazzed up. when my mom needed one we didn't have a hard time picking out the cane because there was only one choice... a silver one. if she was alive i pretty much sure she will pick the floral design with lots of pink and purple color.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Oh good..I'll pick one up for those bad days..tuck it in the back of my car just in case (ha ha)After all, who would know the difference? Good to have one on a walk too. I feel creaky sometimes just like a house too!! I honestly hope your doing better Ginny! Hugs))

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