{"id":26244,"date":"2024-05-13T12:48:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T16:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/?p=26244"},"modified":"2024-05-13T12:53:55","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T16:53:55","slug":"episode-1056-andrew-tarnowski-a-step-at-a-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/?p=26244","title":{"rendered":"EPISODE 1056 ANDREW TARNOWSKI — A STEP AT A TIME"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/div>\n
\u201cAlan, Your may not walk normally ever again. \u201c<\/div>\n
“No hope?\u2019<\/div>\n
\u201cHope remains.  I have seen clients triumph but it takes a lot of determination <\/div>\n
\u201cI am 85 years old\u2026 is that a factor.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cMaybe\u2026maybe not\u2026depends upon your determination Alan\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
EPISODE  1055     ANDREW TARNOWSKI — A STEP AT A  TIME<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
alan skeoch<\/div>\n
may 9, 2034<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Today I managed to dress myself including my socks. The last time I did that was December 12, 2023.<\/div>\n
Socks remained the final frontier.   I had lots of complications.  And I also had  Several<\/div>\n
caregivers  but Marjorie was preeminent.  Not an easy thing caregiving.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Our hospital, Trillium of Mississauga,   sent word to the VHA that I was being released and would need help.  <\/div>\n

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“VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that offers 24\/7 health care and support services to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Founded in 1925 as the Visiting Homemakers Association, VHA\u2019s goal is to provide clients with spectacular service when, where and how they want it to support their independence.\u201d   VHA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED THE DAY AFTER MY RELEASE<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
1)  A  lady arrived to help  Marjorie with anything\u2026diishes, getting dressed, making a bed   <\/div>\n
she arrived early with words \u201cwhat can I do?\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
2) A nurse arrived to take my blood pressure and, I assume, to take a look at<\/div>\n
the living conditions.  Our house had been rearranged totally.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
3) George arrived tp give me a shower.    Both of us jammed into our shower stalll where he undressed<\/div>\n
me , turned on the shower after he stepped out then rubbed me down showing me how to <\/div>\n
put underwear and pants on at the same time    Over the top care on my first dayl<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
4) Andrew Tarnowski arrived to supervise my exercises and put me on track to a systemtic<\/div>\n
steady recovery.  I cannot say enough about Andrew TARNOWSKI.  Very professional.  No hurdle missed.<\/div>\n
Close attention to detail.  My fear of falling again was forgotten.  He knew every muscle in <\/div>\n
my body and patiently stretched some muscles to the pain threshold.  My self confidence<\/div>\n
returned in stages.  \u201cYou are not ready for a cane yet Alan\u2026you need a good walker<\/div>\n
and will do so for some time.   Do not rush things.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Andrew came every day for two weeks.   He demonstrated each new step as if he was<\/div>\n
instructing a ballet dancer.  I began to hold my head up as my pacing became automatic.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
ANDREW  TARNOWSKI<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Our dialofgue went something like this when we first met   Andrew is a physical therarpist who was <\/div>\n
assigned to my case the\u2019VHA charity.  I had never heard of the VHA  \u2014 <\/div>\n
but I sure learned a lot about it from Andrew .<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
NOTE:  there are two Andrews in this story.   Our youngest son, Andrew and my physiolotherapist  <\/div>\n

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\u201cTake a step or two,, Alan\u201c<\/div>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t\u2026.need (our son)  Andrew to hold me up;\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cSorry \u2026cannot do it.\u201d{ hobble)<\/div>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s OK, do not try anymore  Now I know what has to be done.\u201d<\/div>\n
(Andrew concluded my case would be difficult. Physical therapy works best<\/div>\n
closest to the operation. My knee operation was Dec. 2023.  I  met Andrew <\/div>\n
early in April 2024\u2026five months later.   Why  so late?  Many reasons latest of which<\/div>\n
was falling five  times in one week.  I would be a tough case for Andrew.)<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Any hope?\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cSome ,I suppose.   Depends on your determination. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
“first let\u2019s take a look at the house.  Seniors often resist the changes thst are<\/div>\n
necessayl\u2019\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
alan skeoch<\/div>\n
may 9, 2034<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Today I managed to dress myself including my socks. The last time I did that was December 12, 2023.<\/div>\n
Socks remained the final frontier.   I had lots of complications.  And I also had  caregivesr.   but Marjorie was preeminent.  Not an easy thing caregivig .<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED THE DAY AFTER MY REEASE<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
1)  A  lady arrived to help  Marjorie with anything\u2026diishesk getting dressed, making a bell   <\/div>\n
she arrived early with words \u201cwhat can I do?\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
2) A nurse arrived to take my blood pressure and, I assume, to take a look at<\/div>\n
the living conditions.  Ourhouse had been rearranged totally.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
3) George arrived tp give me a shower.    Both of us jammed into our sower still were he undressed<\/div>\n
me , turned on the shower after he steppe out then rubbed me down showing me how to <\/div>\n
put underwear an pjs on st the same time    Over the top care on thst first dsyl<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
4) Andrew Tarnowski arrived to supervise my exercises and put me on track to a systemtic<\/div>\n
steady recovery.  I cannot say enough about Andrew.  Very professional.  No hurdle missed.<\/div>\n
Close attention to detail.  My fear of falling again was forgotten.  He knew every muscle in <\/div>\n
my body and patiently stretched some muscles to the pain threshold.  My self confidence<\/div>\n
returned in stages.  \u201cYou are not ready for a cane yet Alan\u2026you need a good walker<\/div>\n
and will do so for some time.   Do not rush things.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Andrew came every day for two weeks.   He demonstrated each new step as if he was<\/div>\n
instructing a ballet dancer.  I began to hold my head up as my pacing became automatic.<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
\u201cClear some the clutter, push the dining room into a  pile ,install a hand rail from<\/div>\n
first to second floor, instal hand three  hand rails in the shower room\u2026forget about ever having<\/div>\n
a  bath in thte uspstairs tub, iinstal two hand rails on house exterior.  Move a bed into <\/div>\n
the living room.   Make sure we can push the walker in a circle in the house.\u2019<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Then began the exercises.  All focused on my new knee.  Bending exercises that were initially<\/div>\n
painful.   Andrew came each day forjrmore the two weeks.   On the third or fourth day he surprised<\/div>\n
me.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cPut on a warm coat.  We are gping for a walk.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
I did not expect that until the end of Andrew\u2019s visits.  His goal, however, was to get me out on<\/div>\n
the street as fast as possible.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cTake a rest whenever you want.  Short walk to first Stop sign.  Maybe longer walks later.<\/div>\n
Must get you out of the house.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cAm I ready?<\/div>\n
\u201d. See if we can improve each day.\u201d<\/div>\n
That is the way Andrew worked.  A step at a time.  But make<\/div>\n
sure the steps are taken   Scuffling steps with the walker at first..then no more scuffling<\/div>\n
lifting feet.  Then short steps became bolder steps.   Then I began looking ahead<\/div>\n
letting my steps became normal.    <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Evey time I hesitated Andrew had me pause.  He would demonstrate like a ballet instructor,…a rubber man who could mimic my hobbles and then show me the way.  Nice.  One of his<\/div>\n
steps was as smooth as a gazelle jumping across an African landscape.   He did this<\/div>\n
without being a taskmaster.  :He made me want to improve\u2026I looked forward to<\/div>\n
his daily visits.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cDo you think a cane will be possible Andrew?\u2019’<\/div>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s give it a try\u2026two canes first.  Like this.  Sartt here  in the kitchen and do same<\/div>\n
circle you did with the walker.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cNot wobbly.   Feel confident.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cDo the double canes in the house.  Not out on the street yet.:\u2019<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cAndrew, each day you come  i seem to be making incremental steps.   Step at a time.<\/div>\n
Heading for real walking.   But  I know I am not there yet.\u201d  <\/div>\n

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MUSUC <\/div>\n

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While I lay in my hospital bed at Trillium there was music softly playing al the time.<\/div>\n
Barely decipherable words.   \u201cI\u2019m on my way\u201d  Some years ago it<\/div>\n
was the featured gospel song in the film Elmer Gantry sung by Burt Lancaster.  The song<\/div>\n
was best done by Mahalia Jacksonl It is a wonderful<\/div>\n
song.   <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cI\u2019m on my way”<\/div>\n
\u201cI\u2019m  on my way\u2026on my way\u2026on my way.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
(chorus by many voices)<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s on his way\u201d\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cI’M on my way to Canen<\/div>\n
On my way to the promised Land<\/div>\n
On my way Home.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s on his way\u2026on his way Home\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
There are many choristers who have heiped me.. prominent among them is Andrew <\/div>\n
but many others.  Marjorie Stands highest among my  heroes as does Our son Andrew.  They have lifted me up. LIKE Maria, Eva and Susan at Queensway<\/div>\n
Rehab centre who  worked   hard to straighten my leg.  And Doctor Paige and <\/div>\n
Doctor Grant at Trillium Hospital who tried to fathom why I had fallen.<\/div>\n
And the Emergency wards at Toronto Western and Trlilium hospitals who<\/div>\n
tried to find a diagnosis that made sense.  <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Some chorus.<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\u201cI\u2019m on my way.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/div>\n

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\u2018ON MY WAY HOME<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
alan skeoch<\/div>\n
May 12,2024<\/div>\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n
Mahalia Jackson <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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 13 fans<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mahalia Jackson<\/a><\/h4>\n

Mahalia Jackson ( \/m\u0259\u02c8he\u026alj\u0259\/ m\u0259-HAYL-y\u0259; October 26, 1911 \u2013 January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel”. Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as “the single most powerful black woman in the United States<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


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It was spring time\u2026and I was mobile.<\/div>\n

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Notice the canes\u2026also notice the new handle\/bar on the wall<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cAlan, Your may not walk normally ever again. \u201c “No hope?\u2019 \u201cHope remains.  I have seen clients triumph but it takes a lot of determination  \u201cI am 85 years old\u2026 is that a factor.\u201d \u201cMaybe\u2026maybe not\u2026depends upon your determination Alan\u201d EPISODE  1055     ANDREW TARNOWSKI — A STEP AT A  TIME alan skeoch may […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26244\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanskeoch.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}