Thanks for the Christmas Present, VA!

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Wow, talk about fast service! On December 19 I had an occupational therapy appointment at the VA to see them about some help for my hands. Can you believe that, in less than a week, the devices they ordered have arrived? Pictured is what is called a “hot mitt.” It is heavy, and big enough for both of my hands. It goes halfway up to the elbow. And oooh, is it nice! The primary reason for this is to warm hands that have problems, like arthritis (which I have) or Reynaud’s (which I also have). It works. Splendidly. Backstory: I’ve had Reynaud’s all my life. I was telling my sister-in-law about how, as a child, I’d sit on the furnace floor vent after dinner because I was cold in the winter. (My brother was there to verify it.) Reynaud’s is actually great to have in the summer; however, in the winter, it’s a royal cold pain in the hands. I mentioned it to the occupational therapist and he told me something I didn’t know: they make mitts for treating it! You just plop that mitt into the microwave for two minutes, and then stick your hands in it. The heat, according to the instructions, lasts about an hour, but my hands warmed up (and returned to normal color) long before that. Thanks for the Christmas present, VA! My now-warm hands greatly appreciate it! So will my water bill because I won’t have to sit in a tub of hot water after dinner to warm up. From all of me to all of you, have a blessed Christmas, whether you celebrate it religiously, secularly, or not at all.