Walker III

Dad's doctor is so great-she always talks directly at Dad as if he can understand everything she's saying, and she never talks down to him or is insulting. She carefully explained to him what she thought the problem was, that we all knew how he valued his independence, and that if he fell and broke a hip, his independence would be severely curtailed. She then said gently that she was going to suggest he use a walker. And just when I think Dad can't understand anymore what's happening to him... I swear I saw his face fall and settle into dismay, and I know I saw in his eyes the comprehension of yet another indignity being visited upon him. I think he understood very well what the walker meant, and I felt my heart contract with pity.