We keep a supply of ice packs on hand at all times.  Balance and mobility are not Dear Hubby’s strong suit.  His neurologist and I want him to keep a cane or walker by the bed but he’s stubborn and seldom does.  At least twice a week I hear him take a tumble upstairs after he’s gone up for the night.

     My heart does a rabbit run and I bolt up the stairs to find him sitting on the edge of the bed.

     “You okay?  What happened?”

     “Yeah, I fell onto my knees getting up is all.”

     “You scared me to death.  Did you hurt yourself?”

     “Nope, I’m fine.”

     My heart settles back into a normal rhythm again.  I stand there and watch him for a bit, drinking his image in.  I love him so much that when he hurts, I hurt. 

     We keep a mobility cart out in the yard so he can play with the dogs, but it’s only good in the spring, summer, and fall weather.  Once winter hits the cart becomes a useless thing that takes up space on the back porch.  He doesn’t get out as much and often becomes more depressed than usual. 

     The pups and I do our best to keep him smiling.  A laugh or two a day does him good and even eases his pain.  Friends, who remember him and visit, especially during the winter months, are like precious gems.