Socialized with a fellow dialysis patients attentive wife. She, like my husband, patiently sits through her spouse's full treatments.

Soon as I entered unit, I immediately noticed her sitting in her chair (brought from home, like my husband brings his) next to her husband. There she was knitting a basic, but gorgeous yellow scarf.

After weighing myself (dry weight), considering my usual earlier, punctual arrival time, I went over and chatted.

Cast on 35 stitches. Basic seed stitch pattern, back and forth. I shared with her the project I brought to work on. Which was something easy too. A basic knit black scarf using Homespun yarn.

Asked her if she attended local yarn socials, shared with her the ones I frequent weekly or monthly. Unaware but curious, she was. I went on to discuss they are free and fun gatherings where knitters/crocheters of all levels randomly sit around and laugh and share and joke, and knit/crochet whatever projects they choose to work on. Some people show up to learn. And when they do, someone in the group will freely share their knowledge.

Once I saw her openness to what I was sharing, I told her about the coupons I get for certain craft stores which also carry yarn and needles. Delighted and surprised, she was happy I shared, yet expressed her inability to participate in such activities.

With her understandable and admirable commitments towards her husbands care, there is no free time for such gatherings. Instantly I was reminded of what life is really like for my husband and I. Not much time or energy for extra things. People share with me certain events and I sometimes feel overwhelmed just hearing about what they are talking about.

Like I've mentioned in previous blogs. Hands are most beneficial when they are helping. Easing the load of the caregiver, at some point can be of tremendous help. I feel for my husband every minute of every day since my illness (February 2014). He does so much and complain so, never.

I try my best to do what I can when I can. For example, he reminds me to rest when I can, which is oftentimes hard, but what I'm doing now. Times when I fell to get enough rest, I stumble in thought, stumble in speech or in my movements, eventually the stumble worsens -- collapsing or falling. This can make things harder and more stressful for him. So typical busy-body, superhero(ion) me, I've learned to take it easy. And welcome any extra helping hands when they avail themselves.

Helping hands ~

It could be the littlest thing. Pick up something from the grocery store. Help prepare a meal. Sit with a dialysis patient for a couple of hours. Run an errand. Help with a household chore. Et cetera.

Right then, I wished I could sit next to her and knit. Talk, laugh, share and joke with her. But, I had to cut my chatting short. Hurry and get to my chair. Prepare. Be ready for "my" treatment for the day.