I haven't really realized how much help Jesse has been to me since he moved in four years ago, how I have gradually come to depend on him for certain things. But, as of yesterday afternoon, I'm on my own again. No, he didn't move out. He turned his ankle on the basement stairs, tore a ligament, and broke his tibia. So now he's laid up for a few weeks.
No, I'm not heartless. I didn't even think of taking out the garbage, lugging the groceries upstairs, or any of the other heavy-lifting, stair-climbing duties that Jesse won't be able to do for a while until we had been to the critical care, got him taken care, brought him back home, and put him to bed. Strangely when I finally sat down and got a deep breath, the first thing I thought of was not the groceries or garbage or the normal house-keeping chores--it was THE LITTER BOX! That has been Jesse's duty since Taco and Bella came to live here. I think that's going to be the hardest thing for me to handle. I'll do all right with the scooping; I do that anyway when Jesse takes a weekend trip for kayaking, buggy riding, etc. But I have not done the actual cleaning. The box is big, and the litter is heavy. I'm going to need some prayers and positive energy sent my way.
But mainly, Jesse is going to need the prayers and positive energy more. He's worried about getting back to work, and he's in pain. BTW, apparently doctors don't give good pain pills anymore; the doctor gave Jesse a prescription for Aleve. He just said no and took one of my Tramadols from an old prescription I have.
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On 09/26/2016, Trudy Abernathy-Neill said ...
Sure hate to hear this news. I can't handle the large litter boxes anymore myself and have several small ones for our cats. Usually the farmer will help me with them. I would think that that injury would require more than aleve and it is appropriate to ask for something stronger that is for sure. Will be lifting you two up from the farm.....all the best. xo Trudy
On 09/26/2016, Joanne Cage said ...
Wow! I'm so sorry for poor Jesse, and I'm sorry sorry sorry for YOU! Reminds me of a good reason why I don't have cats. At least you still have house-cleaners, don't you? My crew quit--Jennifer got remarried and lives too far away, and Dave finally got on disability and doesn't need my job any more.
I bring up the groceries one load at a time. First the cold and frozen stuff and vegetables, then the canned and dry stuff. Sometimes it takes 3 trips, with long stretches in between.
I wish Jesse wouldn't take unprescribed medicines. Make his doctor prescribe something more effective.
On 09/26/2016, JIll McCaughey said ...
You should look at the very lightweight litter made from corn husks or some other source--works like a charm, weighs very little, absorbs well, has no smell, and no dust!
On 09/26/2016, Jenny Jones said ...
All good wishes to Jesse for less pain and a quick healing. I think it's great how the two of you care for each other. It shows how much love is in that home! Get well soon, Jesse!
On 09/27/2016, Little Penpen said ...
Aleve for broken bones? that is terrible!!! I chuckled at the cat litter chore... I would feel the same way, I'm sure! Wishing you both well!
On 09/27/2016, Suze said ...
get a small trowel...and scoop out the used litter into a small bag..fill as many as you need to to be able to transport it to the trash can.Liners help with the clean-out part - I use heavy duty trash bags. Hopefully you HAVE replacement litter on hand - you can do the same thing in reverse to get enough to fill the litter pan. If not, get small bags of litter from the pet store - I use a clay from WalMart that is light enough for me to handle - I think the bag is around 7 pounds.
Good Luck and wishes for a speedy recovery to Jesse..sorry he is down for the count.
On 09/27/2016, Karen in Michigan said ...
Sorry to hear.
Here's my method for dealing with heavy kitty litter bags (with 3 cats, I buy the big bags!) I "decant" litter into a smaller container (old coffee containers work well) by scooping it with a plastic cup. An old coffee can of fresh litter lives next to each litter box to refill as required. And yes, the new light weight litters are helpful. True, it takes a while but I don't break my back carrying anything too heavy.
On 10/01/2016, Pat said ...
So sorry about Jesse! And your "extra chores!" There is a light weight litter I think. I know regular stuff is so heavy. Both our cats are outside now but it was hard cleaning when Lucy was inside. Hope Jesse does well. My daughter broke her ankle 6 wks ago & is still in a boot. Take care. One day at a time...
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