Tonight is my last night at the "home." I've made quite a few friends here. I started a little group that I call the lucidity club. There's 4 of us who eat meals together. We have a lot in common: we all have injuries that need rehab and we still have most of our marbles. We even played cards a few times. I'll miss seeing them every day.
I decided that I would move from my apartment at Marvel 29. It's still full of a lot of boxes. There is only a bathtub, no accessible walk-in shower. I did put a riser on the toilet but that is not enough for safety. I'm just not all that steady on my feet yet. I have progressed to a 4 wheel walker that has a seat, basket and hand brakes. It's mine to keep. Since I got it, I haven't used the wheelchair anymore.
I have practiced using a ramp here. The ramp at Marvel 29 is pretty scary. It's steep and is close to a busy intersection. I don't know when I can drive my car again. That means I would be home bound and alone most of the time.
I decided to break my lease and move to an over 55 independent living community, Russellville Park. The average age there is about 80. I'll bring the average down a little bit. My doctor wrote a letter stating that I needed a safer environment. Hopefully I can get out of my lease without penalty.
The only 2 bedroom apartment available is a remodeled unit with all the fancy bells and whistles - fireplace, corner location, washer and dryer, etc. It's a lot more than I'd like to pay but I will be safe there. There are 4 alarm cords in each unit plus someone checks on you once a day. The complex has a physical therapist on staff plus a heated pool.
As I get better I will be looking for a permanent home. I prefer a condo because I do not want to do yard work. Houses here are tiny and very expensive. I'm sure that I will love living in a community like Russellville Park. Unfortunately, it would devour my savings quickly.
Kevin will pick me up tomorrow. We'll go to Marvel 29. I have to pick up my important papers and whatever else I can carry. I need to get Stella kitty into her cat carrier. She and I will move to Russellville Park. I don't know when my things will get moved. I'm going to rent a bed in the new place. It has air conditioning. Tomorrow it is supposed to get to 101 degrees in Portland. My Marvel 29 apartment does not have a/c and neither does Kevin's house. But Stella and I will sleep comfortably in our rented bed in an empty apartment.
Sweetsie can move in after I improve. I miss her but I'm not ready to take her outside using my walker. I'll have to train her to walk on my right side and stay away from the wheels.
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