Saturday, December 19, 2015



Katie is healing, getting better.  When we stopped by on Tuesday to check on her she had vomited everywhere.  Everywhere includes the walls in her case.  Poor bugger.  I changed her bedding and cleaned her room while her caregiver gave her a shower.  On Wednesday, her hand was still tender and she wouldn't take off her coat for her caregiver.  I convinced her to take off her coat by offering up a lovely, warm fleece blanket.  I haven't seen her since Wednesday.  Tomorrow, the big guy and I will pick her up and take her out for a few hours.  We'll drive, watch people, walk and have lunch.  And then we'll take her back home.  In my fantasies, I bring her home and she lives with us.  In reality, she pinches me, pulls my hair and bangs her face when she's upset.  She requires more attention than one person can give her and I still feel bad that she doesn't live with me.  I would love to tuck her in at night, but fantasies are not reality.

I took four hours off on Thursday and got caught up on life.  I shopped for last minute gifts.  Filled my windshield wash thing with fluid.  Bought cat kibble so that the cat doesn't starve to death, even though she is often convinced that her death from starvation is imminent.  Wrapped presents.  Cleaned the apartment.  Sent off a care package to my daughter in Vancouver which included homemade gingerbread men for her to decorate.  I feel peaceful.  I hate the feeling of undone things hanging over my head.  It causes me stress.

The laundry is done.  The apartment is clean.  Christmas cookies have been made.  Presents are wrapped.  Cards have been sent.  Snow has fallen.  And this morning we're off to see our granddaughter for a few hours. 

Life is not perfect or free of stress but it is good.  I'm thankful.

What are you thankful for today?

4 comments:

  1. This week I have had two different clients that are adult children being cared for by parents. I wished I could introduce them but can't because of confidentiality. Though Katie is not being cared for you directly 24/7, you are still her guardian and it is no doubt very lonely at times when you don't have support. The issues you face are not like any other.
    Again, I have no suggestions but honor and recognize the very unique and difficult job you do.

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  2. Good to hear that Katie is healing. Your great love for her is palpable in this post.

    I am thankful for so much. This morning I am thankful for having no plans for the day. I am going to read a book and avoid cleaning my house.

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  3. I'm thankful that I'm home, that my father is home from the hospital, that my husband is also home from visiting his dying father, that when I came home from my walk today it was this drafty old house, big Christmas tree in the living room, and a message on my phone from Jonah.

    So glad Katie is healing.

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  4. I'm thankful that I puttered around the house all day, that I have the financial means to order Thai food for dinner and that I'm easing into this new life very well.

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