0522 visiting old friends

I made a trip this afternoon to ADP, my former employer, where I first had some dizziness some 17 months ago that led to the stroke. I made arrangements to meet with Adrienne, my manager, to pick up some personal items they were holding in storage for me.

So after lunch, my father and I made our way there and waited in the lobby until Christine came down to get us. Adrienne was out of the building but would return shortly. I opted to shuffle through the visit with my walker, since I spend too much time sitting down.

We made it to Client Services, where not much had changed except for the faces. There were a lot of new people there but still a bunch of familiar faces. We gathered at Christine’s desk to catch up (there were about six people, coming and going). They asked me how the recovery was going so I told them.

At one point, I told them that my right leg and right arm were disabled. I explained the exercises and therapy that I was putting them through. My right leg was moving okay, but the AFO splint was necessary because the right ankle isn’t responding yet. Without the AFO, it would drag and fold under, making me trip and fall.

As for the right hand, I can get the fingers to grip but I’m putting them through daily exercises to teach them to hold a pen and write. The gathering giggled. I asked if I said something funny. One of them answered, “Well, Jim, your handwriting wasn’t great to begin with. But look on the bright side; this therapy could help to improve it so we can actually read what you write!” There was a lot of nodding and smiling.

Adrienne produced the boxes they were storing for me. There were four large boxes and one small one. I guess I collected a lot over the 10 years I was there. Fortunately, they were able to borrow a cart from Production to get it down to the car.

I didn’t realize how much I’ve forgotten until I listened to a friend assisting another rep. If I ever make it back, I have a lot to re-learn.