nanny lives at home

all those small things

Another year and another Christmas for my Nanny.

The vast majority of those have been spent within ten miles from where she was born. She’s ninety three and still in her house living pretty independently. A homecare worker stops by daily. They give her a LOT of support.

More importantly though?

My aunt and uncle live next door.

My other aunt and uncle are living up the hill.

And my mom and dad?

They have their own place up the hill too.

She’s pretty supported.

When she couldn’t do the stairs, her laundry was moved to her spare room. When she couldn’t keep the woodstove running, she got an oil furnace. Just recently, her roof was reshingled, she had a window and doors replaced.

And I think the kitchen has had the cushion floor replaced in the last few years.

All of this work gets done because family are there looking after her. Some jobs they do - small plumbing and, electrical repairs, keeping her dryer vent clean and the place kept safe and cared for. Other big jobs like the roof and picture window? They contract out to specialist who can be more efficient.

Years ago, everyone thought I oughta be in an apartment, where someone can take care of me. I like it here just fine. When I go, they’ll wheel me outta here feet first.

I smiled and shook my head: That’ll happen when you wake up dead some day?

My nanny didn’t have her partial in. I could tell. She tried hard not to smile. I could clearly see the place where her teeth could have been.

We live in the best part of the best part of the world. And I’m lucky to have so much family around. I can’t imagine what people do who don’t have anyone to take care of all these little things.

Whether it’s keeping hand rails safe, or preventing water damage below the sink, little things sure can make a big difference over time, the difference of a lifetime.