Dr Kelly Fleming

I feel so overwhelmed lately.

Things were going really well at a steady pace for a few months. I was getting things done at home, taking care of myself and working with Bobby.

Then things started to crash. There was something wrong with Bobby but no answers as to exactly what it might be.

We ended up going to a different hospital and after many tests, it was concluded that he had Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). That gave me quite a scare. He will need prescription food for the rest of his life.

He’s still undergoing tests to find out the cause so he can be monitored and treated the best way.

Last month I had a minor accident and seriously damaged the front end of my power chair. I’m still awaiting the parts to come from the vendor to the company that I have to deal with to fix my chair. The way things are set up here, we have one program we are required to go through and only a handful of companies that can provide and service our chairs. So the closest company to me is in a nearby city.

Not only was my chair damaged, I hurt my driving hand. I already broke that wrist on a city bus 2 years ago due to driver negligence. Unfortunately, the city did nothing except say “sorry to hear you broke your wrist on the bus, we will monitor the driver.” Sure, that was helpful!

Bobby is continuing his training as a service dog. The doctor went through his skill training and said that the things he’s learning and the amount of time he needs to work for me are okay even with CKD.

So, we continue to work on his training.

I am just so tired and overwhelmed by everything. Trying to find things in my home that I can sell to pay for Bobby’s medical bills. Learning to accept help from others so that I can eat because there’s simply no money available to buy groceries.

My accessible van needs serviced and snow tires put on so that it’s safe to drive on country roads to go to church in the winter.

I’m pacing myself. Praying a lot. Trying to figure out how to make ends meet.

On top of that I am waiting to hear from the government program that I’m on to approve getting a new power chair. My chair is 10 years old. The things that will be fixed on it – the front end, new tires, and new batteries are Band-Aid repairs.

I feel like everything is an uphill battle. I’m exhausted. I can’t sleep. I can’t wind down. I try to do little things to help me feel better. I have a friend who braids my hair and it is funny how something so small can make me feel so much better about the day.

Things will turn around in time.

My faith sustains me. God will provide.

🙏🏽❤️🤟🏽🐾