The Help

Friends are great, they are and will do many things for you, however there is a limit. We have two friends in particular that could use a little extra cash. So, in return for staying with Wally for a few hours  each week to let me get out, we gave them some cash. Not a lot of money, thirty, forty dollars for a few hours of spouse-sitting at a time but it hasn't really worked out.

Here is our  dilemma,  it was a rather startling awakening. Wally, a few years back suddenly became short of breath, and I took him to Kaiser emergency. They kept him for a week in the hospital and because I didn't want him tied down, his dementia and he wanted to find me, I stayed with him on a very uncomfortable lounge chair. During our stay at Kaiser in Woodland Hills, I have to mention the particular hospital because it is one of the nicer Kaiser's facilities and you would think be of better service.

Not so.

While there, we had a nice large room with a shower and separate toilet and sink. Large window that had no view but that was okay, what wasn't was the help. Those people with mops and brooms that keep the floor of the room clean was to be done by a woman from Poland. Nothing wrong with that but our room began to stink of piss. Wally, in the middle of the night would get up to use the toilet and of course pee along the way. Not a lot, but dribble that over days of not being mopped began to stink.

When I complained about it they sent this woman to our room who began to lecture us on the evils of homosexuality. In her country it would not be tolerated and it was against god. She did clean the floor during the entire lecture and it was obvious why she didn't before because we must be infected with AIDS and god knows what sinful disease god rendered unto the wicked, as she put it. Wally and I are both HIV neg. If it would matter in a fucking hospital.

After that experience, I didn't want anyone taking care of Wally unless we knew them or they were at least gay.  Oh, old gay people? If you're reading this, and suddenly find yourself in need of care, slash your throat rather than go to straights for it. Especially religious heterosexuals.

I put an ad on Craig's list. Twice actually but the second time brought a very nice young man. Gay, he goes to the local university, CSUN.  After having him over and watching him handle Wally, I can now go for a bike ride or a movie and know Wally will be fine. They got along very well. He is a very consciences young man, strong too and had no problem getting Wally up or walking him. 

If anyone thinks that because of a religious point of view, it is okay to deny treatment, mistreat or abuse someone because that particular religion does not tolerate them,  I say this.

GO FUCK YOURSELF!