Fit to parent a differently-abled child….
For the past month or so, Erica and I have finally found a way to divvy up Maxwell’s night time routine- we take turns each week, on who puts him to bed. This week (1/14/19-1/18/19) has been my week to give him his meds and put him to bed. However, in an effort to assist Maxwell’s nurse, who’s pregnant, we’ve now added a bath to his nightly routine, opposed to him being bathed in the morning by his nurse.
Thus, after giving Max his bath for a 2nd straight night, I’ve realized how big he’s getting. If you follow our family on social media, then you know that Max doesn’t walk yet, and you also know that he’s getting bigger by the day and seemingly the moment. So, giving him a bath is no easy task, when it entails picking him up out the bed, bending down to put him in the tub, picking him up out of the tub, and then putting him in the bed. It’s difficult because we have to pick up Max and his “live weight” with no assistance from him and often times, he may stiffen up and extend. That’s the bath routine.
Similar to the bath routine, is the task of putting Maxwell in and out of the car. Unfortunately, our family has yet to purchase a handicap accessible vehicle, and not only is difficult at times with getting Maxwell in and out of his car seat, it’s also the task of lifting his wheelchair in and out of the car. Needless to say, parents and/or caregivers to differently- abled children, no matter their age have to be “fit” for this lifestyle.
As I write this blogpost, my back is hurting and my neck is stiff and to be quite honest, I don’t know if it’s due to my workout today or, giving Maxwell a bath. I surmise, it’s a little bit of both. Whenever I feel these kind of aches, I always tell myself, that I must get in better shape, in order that I may be fit enough and strong enough to do what needs to be done for Maxwell, to live a Super Mighty Life.
In closing, if you are reading this as a caregiver to a child, spouse, parent, family member, or friend— how important is fitness for you? How could living a healthier and more fit life be beneficial for you? Also, are their trainers or workouts, that could be beneficial for caregivers to work on? Lastly, I ask that you keep all caregivers in your prayers! It’s no easy responsibility.
Peace ✌🏿
Brandon
Posted on January 16, 2019, in Disability, Maxwell's Story and tagged black with special needs kids, CAR SEAT, Dad, family, father, fitness, healthy lifestyle, life, private duty nursing, Special Needs, special needs parents, SuperMightyMax. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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