A Fall

Consider Flower and his wife Lucy lived quietly and happily in Lynn Haven for over a decade, at least according to Lucy.  That changed on December 16, 1923, when returning from a dinner invitation, Flower went to get out of car, but found himself unable to stand. After being assisted inside, he vomited, and was left with paralysis on his left side.

The doctor who examined Flower when he applied for a pension increase in light of his fall reported that he had suffered a stroke, and had poor hearing and eyesight, and was generally debilitated due to age. Since the stroke Flower had been unable to dress, prepare food, and get to the toilet without help. His wife Lucy confirmed that she was having to nurse her bed-ridden, 82 year old husband.

In 1926, Flower requested a further increase in his pension.  Lucy reported that her husband's condition had worsened: "He can barely walk at times. He also loses control of his body and bowels, simply lies in bed, and his bowels are running and makes a terrible mess of himself and the bed. These latter occurrences are becoming more frequent." His pension was not sufficent to provide for his care.

The Pension Bureau did not see Flower's conditon as warranting an increase, judging him to not be totally helpless or blind. Dr William Lowe, the family physician, wrote in support of an appeal of that decision that Flower was so nearly helpess that he required constant attendant. The Bureau confirmed its rejection in January 1927.