Every experience teaches me something. For this trip, I didn't let Sid try to do or be responsible for anything. Whenever he scrunched up his face, started to get stressed, and tried to remember something, I told him not to worry about it - that I took care of everything. Which I did down to the smallest detail, and surpirse! Less stress on both of us.
I also did not realize how tired, stressed, and tightly wound I was until I started to unwind. Everyone else, especially our son, is tending to Sid, and I am as relaxed as a wet noodle.
No more updates from me until I return home. Just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy thanksgiving joan and enjoy your family and the ability to unwind.:) and to all of the friends here, a special prayer that we continue to make friends who understand, tolerance for our spouses and for ourselves, kindness and compassion for those around us while we trudge thru our many caregiving duties. happy thanksgiving to everyone! divvi
Joan, I am thankful for you and what you have given to me on this site. I am thankful for all of you brave spouses from whom I have learned so much. I am thankful to know that I am not alone and often this gives me courage to face another day or long night. Happy Thanksgiving!
Joan-enjoy your family and your rest...come back refreshed. We don't do Thanksgiving down under...but Happy thanksgiving to you all my dear friends. Being here helps me so much to get through the day..
Really good to hear. Everybody needs a break. I went through a long period where I didn't want one because I didn't believe there could be one and then when I came back it was always re-train myself to get pushed back down into this little box where I don't exists but do what I have to.
Looking back I can see that I wasn't ready to give myself a break because I'm lucky enough to be able to have one here and there if I want. But now I'm learning to enjoy my time a little more. Another step of acceptance of where I am and another step towards empowerment.
Everything sounds easy in the rearview mirror. It sure isn't.
Dear Julia - since you don't do Thanksgiving "down under" can I eat something for you? ;) - Have a nice day, Joan. enjoy your time with relatives and friends.
There is a lull here today. My son left this morning to return to California. My brother-in-law is driving his mother back to Ohio; the nephews, wives, and my great neices and nephews ( ages 5 weeks, 7 months, and 2 1/2 years) are all in their own houses for the moment. My sister went into work for a few hours, so Sid, Rufus (the dog), and I are alone. I'm catching up on e-mails.
Absolutely fabulous being with so much family for the holiday. Especially since they're all so understanding about Sid. My brother-in-law's father had Alzheimer's.