It was my first night caring for an elderly patient. When he was sleepy, I wheeled his chair as close to the bed as possible and, using the techniques I'd learned from school, grasped in a bear hug to lift him into bed. But I couldn't clear the top of the mattress. So I grabbed him again, summoned all might, and hoisted him into bed. When the night shift nurse arrived, I recounted what happened. "Funny," she said , looking puzzled. "Usually, I just ask him ti get in bed, and he does.
Credit: Erin Dockery.
Credit: Erin Dockery.