Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What Not to Do!

Picture this...

A woman (my MIL) who is vertically challenged deciding to climb on a chair to take care of something above her washing machine. She grabs the chair beside the basement stairs. Upon looking at its condition, she decides not to step on the chair in the middle - it didn't look like it would hold her. So, she places the chair in front of the machine placing one foot on each side. Climbing on the chair she places her right leg up on the washer. What happens? The chair kicks out because her weight is no longer balanced and throws her forward and to her left.

I got the phone call at 4 am -- will you take me to the hospital after you get off work?
Me - Ah, yeah - do you want to go now?
MIL - No, I want to wait to call the doctor.
Me - Are you ok?
MIL - No, I can barely walk. Getting up or sitting down is unbearable. Going to the bathroom is nearly impossible.
Me - You want to wait?
MIL - Yes, come down after work.

And after 3 hours in the doctor's office -- no breaks but a MRI on Friday.

Please - do not climb on unsafe chairs or stools. You don't bounce at 68 like you did at 28!

And that is today's Public Service Announcement!
Be safe out there - Denise

15 comments:

gracie said...

I will remember not to dtand on a chair!

paula said...

Family phrase, "Hey Dad . . don't step back to admire your work" was a common phrase when Dad was painting . .which was seldom because of his "climbing" skills.

Pumpkin said...

Thank goodness she didn't 'really' hurt herself!

Parsley said...

OUCHIE!

Catherine said...

Ouch! I hope your MIL is okay!

Anne said...

Sorry to hear that Denise. I hope she will be ok!I won't stand on unsafe chairs from now on!!

Teresa said...

Sounds like you had a crazy day.

Lesleyanne said...

I hope your mil will get better soon.

Poppypatchwork said...

Sending huggsxxx

Jane said...

Good advice Denise but even the safest looking things are so easy to fall off ~ frightening for you both and sending best wishes for the aches & pains to disappear soon xxx

blue star stitcher said...

oh no! Hope her bruises heal quickly!

mdgtjulie said...

Awww, your poor MIL. Sending prayers her way Denise!!

rosek1870 said...

Something my mom would have done! Last time was as we were moving her to assisted living and I came in and she had decided to close a curtain behind a bunch of boxes fell over a small table and broke it, covered in bruises and never called me. I found out the next evening after work when I went over and the table was broken! Hope she feels better soon and the MRI doesn't show anything! Hang in there pal! - Rose

Deb said...

I hope that she will be okay.

Kind of reminds me of something I saw on TV called Planking. A woman was horizontal with her legs on a counter and her arms on an over. She put her hands on the over rail, the door opened, she fell into the oven and then the whole oven fell over on her. Different situation, but we never think of the consequences when we do something.

Anonymous said...

I just want to say as a 28 yr old (almost) that you don't bounce so well at 28 either!! lol my ankle falling through that step is proof and point! :)