After we got the news that they were going to fire Martin, I became ill. I tried not to, but my nerves are shot, and my stomach is paying the price. So far, he is still employed, but let me tell you what has happened. Someone gave Martin the name of yet another attorney that might be able to help us. For a year now, everyone we have tried has not been interested as it is very difficult to litigate a state agency. I had very little hope that this new one would be helpful, but as it turns out, he is a specialist in ADAA (American Disabilities Act) violations! He has jumped right on it and had us in for an appointment the very next day. He listened, asked questions and in general, made us feel that someone out there might feel that Martin had been wronged. Finally, some help! I have been especially anxious because Martin CANNOT be stressed at this time. Just last night, I awoke to Martin poking me frantically and gasping something I could not understand. Finally, I figured out that he was asking for his Nitro Spray, which wards off cardiac pain and is to be used with heart attack symptoms. I ran outside in my nightshirt and undies to the car and got his spray, and quickly dosed him. It took 20 minutes for the pain in his arm to subside, and boy, I was so frightened. I find myself looking at him in the middle of the night, checking to see his tummy going up and down when he breathes. Sometime, I lightly rub his arm, hoping it will not be cold and clammy. The doctor told me today that the next time this happens, with the cardiac pain, if the nitro spray doesn't relieve it in 5 minutes, spray again and wait another 5 minutes. If it is still there, call 911. I asked the doctor what we could do, and again he reminded me that Martin cannot have bypass surgery, as his lungs are just too weak. We have to wait and hope for the best- We will know on January 5th when they will try again to fix that artery. I still can't believe that this had happened to Martin. He has always been the rock in my life, ape-strong, calm, confident and cocky. His sense of humor is getting us through this, thank God that we can openly discuss the situation and make little jokes about it. Martin has always been sensitive to the fact that he is dyslexic, and when he was little, he was belittled for his inability to learn to read. It took my a long time to help him realize his worth, hold his head up and understand that the great store of knowlege and experience are priceless. Once, someone asked him what it would cost to repair a vehicle. Martin did not quote the standard price, but indeed, gave the man a great deal. The man thought it was too much, and said, "I don't know how you can try to wrangle so much money out of me, after all, you are only a grease monkey!" Not missing a beat, Martin replied, "that is professor grease monkey to you!" For those of you who are unaware, Martin teaches automotive instruction at a local community college, has 3 degrees including automotive repair and instruction, diesel repair and instruction, and welding instruction. In addition, he is fully ASE (automotive service of excellence) and has countless hours behind him in on-going instruction training, as well as another countless hours of instruction in new information in the automotive industry. He has 20 years teaching in the automotive field, and a whole lot many more years teaching those who came to him for advice, of course, never asking for a dime. The tale I like to repeat about him is when someone asked his opinion about a car, and Martin gave it. The other man said, "why should I take your word for it? After all, how much can one person know?" Another friend of Martin's who was listening turned suddenly and told the man, "listen buddy, if Martin says your engine trouble is because a blue bird flew up into your tail pipe, well then you had better be looking for a blue bird in your tail pipe!" So you see, it is the most difficult thing to see him unable to do the things he loves to do. He has to take it easy, so easy for now. He is going to work but he is just sitting at his desk, and on occasion, assisting other instructors when asked. I keep the phone in my pocket, and each time it rings, I jump, so afraid it is bad news. I wish he would stay home, but he is worried about not making the income because he has exhausted his sick leave. He says he can sit and think about it at work as well as at home.
Today, he went to the Farmer's market and brought home and entire bushel of giant sweet potatoes. We love them, and eat them often. The best part of getting a farmer's market bargain is sharing the goodies. You always have lots to use and lots to share. These sweet potatoes look like small hams. We can share one between us and they will last a long time.Unfortunately, Martin can't have real butter anymore, so that kind of takes the shine off the experience. No matter, there is always Promise margarine.
We had fun at Walmart tonight too. We went to get some milk, (and other stuff) and I told Martin to get in an electric cart, because I didn't want him getting tired out. He said, "I will if you will!" I was feeling quite exhausted, and in my case, exhaustion, hunger or heat will throw me right into a seizure, so I happily agreed. I don't use those carts, because you may have noticed that very few normal-sized people ride on them. Usually, the very well fed will use them, but I know my limits. Anyway, we rode all over Walmart looking at the Christmas stuff and really had fun. For a little while, it took my mind off the little difficulties we are having.
On Wednsday, the teenage girls and their leaders from church came over. They wanted to do something to help me, and with a huge grin and total joy, I told them that I needed my cookie jars dusted. That doesn't sound like much, right? Have you seen my cookie jars? Anyway, all 186 of my cookie jars got a good dusting, and my spirits got quite a lift. Then the girls gave me a lovely basket with a poinsettia, some fabulous cookies, (gotta get the recipe) and some hot chocolate along with marshmallows on a skewer, that were dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint pieces. I realized as I watched those precious girls and women that I would never be alone, and indeed, if the unthinkable happens, I would be exponetially blessed by the love that is so abundant in my life. It is late and I will close,
No comments:
Post a Comment