August 3, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
The Recipient of the Flying Shoe
Columns & Opinion
February 21, 2025
The Recipient of the Flying Shoe

You are a caregiver. That very much over-stressed, over-worked and under-appreciated person who along with probably many others, holds the anonymous title of World’s Most Patient Person.

You are a caregiver. That very much over-stressed, over-worked and under-appreciated person who along with probably many others, holds the anonymous title of World’s Most Patient Person.

There are likely very few families among our population who have not experienced the sudden disruption, and even heartbreak, when a person among you goes down physically, mentally or emotionally. No longer able to function in their normal day-to-day fashion for a while, they need help. And very often, that help comes from a household member who willingly - or not - rearranges their own routine to accommodate the ill-fitting and very unexpected role of untrained caregiver.

The word stressful doesn’t even begin to cover this new scenario. Not only are they suddenly pressed into filling a job that includes nurse, encourager, housekeeper, cook, counselor of the depressed and angry and dodger of the occasionally flying shoe, but they also have to somehow keep up with all their own regular jobs and activities. Because so often, their own daily workload goes on, even though they are now knee-deep in caregiving.

And if a caregiver happens to be one of those people who has never had to be responsible for the myriads of jobs included in keeping a home smoothly operating - because they were the bacon-bringer, while the now-incapacitated was the bacon-fryer? Then this new role is so much harder for them. Not only are they suddenly enduring onthe- job training while having to master new skills, but are probably being taught by a hurting, cranky, and impatient teacher.

I can almost hear the group sigh being exhaled among all you temporary caregivers out there. Frustrated and tired group that you are. Wondering if you can make it all the way to the end of your imprisonment.

The rest of us hear you, and we can see the tired lines on your faces. We notice when some of you instinctively flinch at the sound of a little bell tinkled somewhere nearby. We can almost hear your thoughts, “Wonder how long it will be, before I no longer dread that awful sound in the distance?”

Can anybody see the phrase ‘marital stress’ written on the horizon?

A smidgen of advice for all you heroes of the hurting household.

A warm soaking bath or relaxing shower while your charge is sleeping. Running shoes kept by the door for a ten-minute respite. A great friend, who will listen without judging. A cup of your favorite hot beverage while sitting at least a few minutes all alone. Sleeping pills if needed - you do have to rest. An anti-anxiety pill once in a while for you and your patient can help when the tension gets as thick as fog in the house. Develop the daily habit of praying for your patient, and for your own patience. And my last piece of valuable insight; develop lightning-fast reactions. Helps when dodging. If you know you know.

--- Podcasts are available at Coffeetimecolumn.com. Send any responses to andybowman839@gmail.com.

One Donation. Three Lives.
A: Main, Main...
One Donation. Three Lives.
August 2, 2025
Part 1- When Heather Houser talks about blood donation, she’s not reading from a script - she’s speaking as a mother.“My son was born with four holes in his heart,” she said. “He needed two transfusio...
this is a test
Beards, Bags & Brotherhood
A: Main, Main...
Beards, Bags & Brotherhood
August 1, 2025
Henryetta’s Labor Day Weekend just got a lot more exciting with the return of two crowd-favorite events: the 6th Annual Jared Been Memorial Tournament and the popular Oklahoma Beard Lovers Beard Conte...
this is a test
A: Main
Jam-packed Labor Day Celebration approaches
August 1, 2025
From rodeos to parades, ice cream competitions to baby races, Henryetta is pulling out all the stops for its much-anticipated Labor Day Celebration, taking place from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. This wee...
this is a test
A: Main
Time for School!
August 1, 2025
As the summer winds down, Okmulgee County schools are revving up for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. With school doors opening across the county in early August, families, students and educato...
this is a test
FFFCU a Proud Sponsor of Rodeo
A: Main
FFFCU a Proud Sponsor of Rodeo
August 1, 2025
One of the many sponsors for the upcoming Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo on Aug. 8-9 is First Family Federal Credit Union, who has been a supporter of the event for more years. FFFCU Represen...
this is a test
A: Main
Save Money, Shop Local
August 1, 2025
Okmulgee County residents are gearing up for a wallet-friendly weekend, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. This anticipated tax-free event present...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
07/20/2025
News
07/20/2025
August 1, 2025
2:34 p.m. - Public Service Assistance, Other3:46 p.m. - Gas Leak4:02 p.m. - Lock Out5:30 p.m. - Lock Out8:02 p.m. - Good Intent Call, Other10:54 p.m. - False Alarm or False Call, Other ---
this is a test
Henryetta Lions welcome local business owner
News
Henryetta Lions welcome local business owner
August 1, 2025
Henryetta Lions Club met July 24 at The Shack 2.0 for a meeting full of updates, community outreach plans and a spotlight on one of the club’s own entrepreneurs.Lion Erick Randleman served as Lion of ...
this is a test
Have you treated yourself and your family to that vacation yet?
News
Have you treated yourself and your family to that vacation yet?
August 1, 2025
Time is ticking to squeeze in that summertime vacation with your family. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, there’s still time to enjoy the outdoors, relax and create la...
this is a test
News
HOROSCOPES
August 1, 2025
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You’re on fire this week, Aries.Ideas are sparking left and right. Don’t forget to slow down before you burn out.You want to showcase energy without creating chaos.TAURUS – Apr 2...
this is a test
07/20/2025
Public Notices
07/20/2025
August 1, 2025
4:40 a.m. - Hwy 75 - Officer advised they were in pursuit of a suspect headed south at 135 mph on Hwy 75 past Glenpool.9:16 a.m. - 1400 Block N. Kern Ave. - RP advised a female was attempting to move ...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy