Just running through the posts and getting the feeling that people are so very on edge during the holidays--this year especially as the dynamic of trying to be with family/friends is just not workable!
I'm seeing more and more deep frustration at aging family members who are really struggling with aging and covid and what they may perceive as abandonment b/c family cannot be there as much as they'd want.
My own mom lives with my YB and his family who ALL HAD COVID! Mother did not get it. Poor health and age 90+ and she was fine. And mad. She actually TRIED to get it, as she is ready to GO, already.
Being locked down with family, as much as you might love them, has proven to be such a stressful thing. My own psychiatrist called me out of the blue one day to make sure I was doing OK. His words were "I am not losing another patient this year to this stupid pandemic". Didn't take much thought to realize he's had to deal with more than a few suicides and hospital admissions due to the anxiety that does not end.
We are trying to navigate Christmas Day with 3 families, one of which never got covid, despite very poor isolation. We are getting together on Christmas, but DH and I have to stay away from 5 of the 'group' and we will leave early, b/c masking up gives us both raging headaches.
At least we DO get together! I spent the evening last night with a friend who has 5 kids and not one of them will come to see their folks on Christmas. 3 of them won't let them in their homes. Yes, these folks are 73 & 74, but in the best health of anyone I know. My friend is really hurt and sad.
I am hoping that we can find joy in the season, whatever it takes. I read so many posts that smack of total caregiver burnout and I KNOW if we were able to have 'normal life' it wouldn't be near so hard. Had we known a year ago that we'd be shut down for 42 weeks---could we have handled it differently?
Personally, being so grateful we have immune grandkids--makes me so happy. Both DH and I are high risk, so I know I am a third wave-vaccine recipient, as is DH. BUT, that won't be until end of January, or later.
The holidays bring out the worst in me anyway, my anxiety ramps up to an 11.
This too will pass. I just hope we've learned something good from it all. If it's just to not be so selfish and self-absorbed, that'd be good.
I wish all my friends on this board a Happy Holidays and a much needed calmer 2021. You've all been a godsend for me, as I vent away and read your posts and think "we're all struggling, it's not just me".
((BIG Cyber hugs!))
January, starting along about 10th to 15th will be a great national catastrophe. We are being told this right now. Triage is being mentioned but with pretty euphemistic wording. But I fear we are beyond absorbing it.
You are right, we are all losing patience with all of it. I suspect the Holidays put a huge burden on us in terms of expectations; I haven't ever much liked them and like them less this year. I know I have had it when all my answers are curt and short, and they are there today. I need to just stop till the holidays are over, hee hee. But you know me! I NEVER stop.
On the bright side, my bro's ALF has all its seniors vaccinated in So Cal. How is it going for other facilities we know of? My brother's facility stayed covid free for the duration, in both their So Cal towns.