I had to have it out with William yesterday morning. He refused to go to the pool. I told him that if he did not work with me then I would not be working with him.

I proceeded to toss his swim trunks and swim top into the trash can. I explained that if he was not going to do therapy then we could get rid of his stuff. He was not pleased. He said that he still wanted to do therapy and did not want his stuff thrown away.

I had to walk to the garbage can and pick his stuff out. He was afraid that he couldn't bend down and get his stuff out of the garbage. But, I refused to help. He did it.

Then he wanted me to turn the fan on. I told him "no". He had to get up out of bed and stand and pull the string to turn the fan on himself. I told him again that if he doesn't work with me then I will not help him. Again, he said that he could not reach that high. Again , he did it.

Now it gets really good. He had to have a BM. I told him that I hate being the butt wiper and refused to do that. If he could choose what he wanted to do then I could also make that choice. I choose not to wipe you butt anymore. He was devastated. I told him that he would have to get used to going around with a dirty butt. He did like that. But, he had to return to the bed dirty.

Finally, he agrees to go to the pool. I clean him up and change him and we are off.

We had a good workout.

Sadly, we have bouts of stubborness like this every few months.

I just have to be firm and stand my ground.

Today, there was no problem. He was ready to the pool and worked really hard.

I have even started some new exercises.

I have him stand with his right leg back and left leg forward. I just have him do a rocking back and forth rocking motion.

I have him do high knee lifts while standing at the edge of the pool. I am trying to get him to stretch his muscle in his butt. I help lift the weak left leg high and to the chest.

I have also tried a modified yoga move. I have him stand on his left leg and push the right leg back and up. This is to strengthen the left leg and stretch his body.

Then of course we change to the opposite leg and I help the left leg push back into the stretch.

William is now standing in the pool and counting my laps as I swim. He mentioned to me today that that is a workout in itselft. Keeping his balance and standing there and counting my laps.

On top of the stress of arguing with William. My co-worker is giving me a hard time.

I need to think about transfering to a different location or having it out with her.

She keep playing with my schedule. She wants me to accomodate her needs. At this point in my life I just am not as flexible with William's needs to take care of.

I told her that i would not change my schedule any more and she continues to do it. I had agreed to change my schedule in June to accomodate her vacation but not any other time. She just cannot accept that I have said NO.

Just what I need in my life. I think that I need to retire soon.

Fortunately I have the day off today.

Ruth