Take it slow (Let it go)

As has been mentioned before, Mum has some problems at mealtimes – mostly because she puts huge portions on her spoon and then keeps eating even though she hasn’t swallowed. Because her left side is paralysed, food can build up in her left cheek as she eats, leading Dad to call her his kangaroo.

The rules for eating are simple:

1. Take it slow

2. Double swallow

3. Sweep with the tongue

4. (if needed) check with  your finger.

Mum is so bad at following these rules that mealtimes are a constant nag session as everyone, including the speechie and the nurses, try to get her to put her spoon down between mouthfuls, swallow before she takes another serve and to check her mouth.

I ended up writing a small ditty to the tune of “Let It Go” called “Take It Slow”. Mum hates it so I threaten to sing it whenever she won’t follow the rules. It’s not a masterpiece but here it is anyway. It also keeps changing but here’s the original version.

Take It Slow (to the tune of Let It Go)

Take it slow

Take it slow

The nurses won’t let it go

Take it slow

Take it slow

Double swallow is the way to go

Here I am

In rehab land

I’ll sweep with the tongue

Aspiration never bothered me anyway