“Be prepared” may be the Boy Scout motto but I’ve found it’s a good idea for me, too. Recently, I drove to the grocery store and purchased what was on my list. After returning home, I carried the supplies from the car parked in the garage into the house and set them on the kitchen table After removing the goods from the bags, I began putting them away. When I swung the eight-pound jug of milk off the table, it altered my balance and I fell. I was sure nothing was broken but I banged the back of my head against the bathroom door frame. It was bleeding heavily as a head wound always does. Ken was driving a buddy to the VA Hospital so I was home alone. My phone was still in the back pocket of my pants. I called our son, Kurt, who was here in a few minutes. He stopped the bleeding, determined I didn’t need stitches and cleaned up the mess.
A few days later, Ken was working in the garden and stopped a couple times to chat with neighbors. He recounted my little adventure. Both of the people told him I could always call them if I needed help. I was glad to hear that. As I thought about it, I didn’t have their cell phone numbers. The next day, I knocked on their doors to make sure they meant what they said and add them to my contacts list.
Younger folks have made their cell phones an extra body part. People of my generation are more apt to bury them in a woman’s purse or leave them on the end table next to a man’s recliner. I’ve started making sure I have my phone with me at all times.
We’re all familiar with the TV commercial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” It’s advertising an emergency alert button that older people can purchase to wear at all times.
Are you prepared to call for help if you need it?