The " Patient ", caring for the " Patient "

So, I had a Phlebectomy yesterday, and came home with ace wraps from foot to thigh. It did hurt, not horribly, but hurt nonetheless. Now the other day I shared our emotional exchange, and my goal to not let my grandma worry, but in that exchange, I had let her in my pain for a moment. However that day, it was a personal, & deep exchange discussing love,loss, and the pain in your heart. My now throbbing leg, was not the same ! So when I walked in following my procedure, I was escorted by a friend, which made my grandma so happy because she was able to see a glimpse of the amazing support system our family has. But once Jen left the concerned face, with her iconic furrowed eyebrows began. " Z.Z that looks horrible you must be in a lot of pain ?! " No grandma, actually it feels pretty good.  " Really ? " Oh yes, the bandages are for pressure, and that's what keeps the pain away, you know from your P.E days what a wonder they are. (Her big smile remembering being a P.E. teacher ) " Oh yes, that would be right wouldn't it, those simple bandages do a world of good. Now how can I help you ? " Now the books, home health nurse, and her Dr. have told me I NEED to make her feel useful, she needs to KNOW she is needed. Now here is the tough part, we were all taught as children to respect our elders, to do for them, help them, mow their lawns, etc,  but yet here I am . I am supposed to ask my 89 yr old Alzheimer's grandma to  fold my laundry .......... big mental hurdle to be jumped here. Everything I/we were ever taught has to be re- aligned. Well grandma, I do have one load of laundry  you could fold . ( Her brow furrows ) " No ! How can I help my sweetie, what can I do for YOU ? " ( Thinking really fast )  Well grandma, the arch of my foot is a bit numb from being propped up, it would really help if you rubbed it. " Oh yes, now that I CAN do " Her look was so intent, so motherly as if I was 5 again, and had fallen off my bike, and needed an owie rubbed =) I included the photo below. We make quite the Duo actually, I lay their for a bit smiling, and she sits their contentedly, knowing that she has helped me, in some small way. I am up a bit more than the Dr. would like, caring for my grandma during this small recovery, but I doubt I will die from a little extra leg pain.I'm figuring out, that it IS possible to be needed, and need at the same time. ~ Z