The exciting news is that my grandpa is coming to live with us! Now, I understand that some folks might react with a sigh at the prospect of their elderly grandparent moving in, but let me tell you, I’m genuinely thrilled about it. My grandpa and I share a special bond – we engage in hours of chess matches, indulge in heartwarming conversations, and his wit is nothing short of remarkable. He’s a treasure trove of captivating stories from his youth that leave me pondering the tales I’ll one day recount to my own grandchildren. While his intelligence and humour remain intact, the passage of time has led to some mobility challenges. He now relies on a wheelchair, prompting us to ensure our home is fully accommodating for him.
Presently, my uncle is at our place, assisting us in orchestrating a disabled bathroom layout and design for the bathroom he is going to be using the most. My grandpa, seated in the doorway, is offering an abundance of suggestions – quite possibly too many for my uncle’s taste. It’s worth mentioning that my uncle is a seasoned bathroom designer, well-versed in the rigorous Australian standards for disabled bathrooms, making the extra input somewhat unnecessary.
Observing my grandpa from behind, I watch as my uncle gracefully kneels in the bathroom, meticulously measuring with a vibrant yellow tape. His examination leaves no corner unturned, even scrutinising the tiles by swiping his thumb and gently rubbing them together with his index finger. The purpose of this gesture escapes me entirely. Emerging from the bathroom, I request a glimpse of photos of a bathroom refurbishment company based in Melbourne to mentally prepare for the impending changes. My current bathroom has a distinct charm with its fish-themed wall decor, which I find oddly soothing during my showers. Hopefully, these beloved decorations won’t face eviction. My uncle extends comforting reassurance, unveiling that the modifications will primarily be discreet, such as adding railings and introducing new shelving. A sigh of relief washes over me – subtle transformations sound just right.