Good grief!!!
It's only been 5 months since I became my Aunt's caregiver, and 1 month since I became Mom's caregiver.
I truly understand that it's a lot of stress, but I looked in the mirror today and feel like I have aged 10 years!!
Ugh!!!
God bless all of us that are dealing with this inexplicable situation!!
My voice has gotten better I think, I don't have that quiver sound quite as much. I was starting to sound like Katherine Hepburn in her later years. And I finally stopped panicking every time the phone rang.... in the past when I saw my parents Caller ID or later on the senior facility ID, I was a total mess.
At this point in my life if someone thought I looked like a "movie star" it would have to be Jabba the Hut .....Ok I am being a bit hard on myself. But if we can't laugh that is a sad situation!
Oh and I have to ask(no response really needed) how come everyone that takes a "selfie" looks good when I try it there is an old lady that keeps getting in the way?
Tell that "old lady" that she is beautiful on the inside!! And that she can Photo shop like everyone else!
You can't photo shop a beautiful heart!!
We're gonna get thru this!
I was pleased with my projects before. I wanted to learn a few new techniques. I am fortunate to live near a couple of places that teach the classes that I was interested in.
I was able to expand my knowledge and incorporate what I learned to create new designs. It’s fun!
Anyway, I have sold some of my work. It felt great to be selling a few things again but I have decided to give some pieces away to pamper others.
I am being coached by my millennial daughter that I am out of the loop and working on getting up to speed as far as social media goes. She has informed me that my business cards are out of date and has helped me set up an Instagram page to display my work.
It is therapeutic to create. It’s therapeutic to care for ourselves. When we care for others to the point of neglecting ourselves we are out of balance. God knows that I was in that place for way too long! It is wonderful to get back to discovering myself again.
I also feel it’s therapeutic to create and give some away to others that have neglected themselves.
I think are small town spas are still open!🤗
Seriously, nothing wrong with a little pampering from time to time. It can help us feel better. You’re not being excessive or vain. You are finding a balance in your life. Good for you!
Praying as hard as I can to have some semblance of my life from just 6 months ago!
I believe that I said that your husband was concerned about you. He may have seen the writing on the wall so to speak. You said your aunt was special if I remember correctly.
Others said to care for her at a distance because it would be too much for you. Your profile says that your aunt is in assisted living. Let them do the bulk of the work! I would have loved for my mom to be in assisted living. She wouldn’t agree to it.
This isn’t to say, I told you so or make you feel badly. Your heart meant well. In reality, it is a never ending job! I did it for 15 years in my home until I burned out. Long story but mom is now with my brother and sister in law.
So, how long do you think you can hang on? Sounds like you are on the edge now. Please don’t wait as long as I did to surrender. Go see a therapist and work this out in your head and heart. We stand behind you. Best wishes to you. 💗
By the way, I love my silver locks. I am 64! I earned every one of my silver hairs. I actually get tons of compliments on my hair.
You're correct on all counts!
Hubby and I are doing great now!
Things have kinda gotten into a groove with my Aunt. She's doing fine, however she has taken to hiding things. Especially her purse.
I had an awful day with with my Mother !!!
She is really pushing back on the boundaries I have set! A battle of wills!!
She's taken to complaining about me to my brothers (both in different states).
I started counseling last week!
My situation isn't nearly as bad as others. Sometimes you just need to blow of some steam. 😤
If you don't have them in the same facility... I suggest you do... It makes it a 'ONE STOP SHOP... '
It will take so much pressure off you.. I am the only one..My doctor saw me. and asked what happened.. I said I got them into one place.. Yes, he saw the stress lighten..
Mom and I had same doctor.. I scheduled our appointments together.. MOnday, I went in.. I told him: Mom died last night, but thought I should keep the appointment. He said sorry, she was such a hoot, she must have been fun when she was younger.. I agreed...
I just really looked at my hands.. they are withered. and wrinkly.. Thanks for making me look at my skin!!! UGH UGH UGH!!! No anti wrinkle cream will work on these digits... PLEASE DO NOT LET ME LOOK AT MY FACE AGAIN... MY HAIR!! I don't need to look in the mirror,... I just look at the drain.. :(
Sorry if I caused you any grief!!
Hang in there!
If you're doing it by yourself, and have no time to rest, renew and replenish, then the result is you're aging and dying prematurely.
Oh well... Lol