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DebbySue responded to a recent request to hear from disabled gardeners. She lives with palsy. Let's take a peak at her story.
I have a form of palsy that has zapped much of my hand/arm strength and limits my mobility. After many (who's counting) surgical procedures, I was able to regain some mobility and control. However, it is definitely a challenging condition. Sometimes, I think I have something in my hand, turn my head to look at something, and drop whatever I am holding without realizing I have done so. It is nearly impossible for me to move more than two or three pounds of anything around. But, the beauty of the plants and flowers (albeit a small garden) nourish me and so, I continue. What special tools have you found that help you overcome your limitations? My husband has created bigger and softer handles on my small gardening tools (all hand held). He did this with foam and tape. I can use a rake but it's a giggle to see the long handle that appears to have been wounded and bound in bandages. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. I believe that it is not how comical the tool looks but if it can do the job. Although I have one of those rollabout sitting stools, I find it easier to sit on the ground providing my hubby helps me back up. (He's a tease and has threatened to leave me sitting until my seeds sprout or the blossoms open or I weed the area I am in.) Has this limitation to gardening had a psychological affect on you? The biggest problem is frustration at not being able to do what your head is telling your body. The rewards definitely outweigh the frowns. To see a flower in bud and bloom would put a smile on almost anyone's lips. How have you changed your gardening to overcome the difficulties? Since I did not have a garden when the palsy started, it is difficult to say. I did continue to work, have an active social life, entertain, and enjoy life. There is no time to feel sorry for yourself and unfair to expect complete understanding from others. Be strong and look at all that you can do. When the weather report is *partly cloudy, * I see it as *partly sunny.* My husband recently retired and we moved to a quiet, lovely community. I can work from home (e-mail, etc.). I have no intention of lying back or down. Some days are a little worse than others. I garden early in the morning (hopefully, when it is still cool), after the sun sets in the evening (for the same reason), and whenever anyone is kind enough to come to help. Go To Page: 1 2
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