Hello to the Tenacious, Resilient, Strong, and Determined!
I have been away for quite a while now, Life has been lifin’! It’s been a rough six months filled with doctor’s appointments, hospital admissions, and more. COVID did a number on this household (again). We’re still here! Amen.
We’ve had many appointments to establish care locally so someone here can assist with my husband’s care. This means many doctors’ appointments and follow-ups post-bloodwork. It’s been A LOT! It’s been so frequent I’ve started taking my laptop with me so I can work from the doctor’s office.
We’ve had a younger family member who had a stroke. She was at home alone for two days after having the stroke. Fortunately, she was found during a wellness check. One blessing is it doesn’t seem like she’s lost much function. They said it was a large stroke, but she seems to have only lost a couple days. She’s not local. With his dialysis, my regular job, the side hustles, and previously scheduled events we haven’t been able to go see her much. That’s been another stress – not being able to be there for her. We are hopeful we will be able to see her SOON. We did go twice right in the days after she was found. That was a really rough week for me. Talk about WORN OUT. (Between the regular job, side hustles, and travel back and forth to the various places I’m really just now getting caught up on my rest).
I’ll admit I have had to pray many days since we last got together. I’ve also been so tired and stressed I have FORGOTTEN to pray. Only to realize and try to make up for it a day or two later. Hopefully I’ll get better about that. I’ve often resorted to praying after laying down for the night. I told y’all, it’s been trial by fire here lately.
One thing I learned from this most recent trial is I had to hire additional help. I was constantly moving and not sleeping well. When I did finally stop moving, my mind kept going, All I could do was think about what I still hadn’t done that still needed to be done. I couldn’t figure out how I would squeeze in what remained. Unfortunately, some things just didn’t get done. Like I said, “Life been lifin’.”
Two “new” employees later, and I’m really hoping this most recent hire will last. He seems to be a really nice guy and an excellent employee. He’s been really helpful to my employee who has been working a pretty big facility by herself. I previously helped her with the building, but it was too much. I was already doing more than one person should. I just couldn’t keep driving forty minutes (ONE WAY!) to assist with that building with all the other things I was working on. Please send positive thoughts and vibes this way that he works out and stays.
Anyway, I’m here now. Things aren’t perfect. Things aren’t normal. But we’re rocking it the best we can. We’ve changed dialysis centers and are getting used to the people at the new facility. We’re comfortable, but still staying on our toes to ensure my husband gets the best care possible. He no longer has to deal with super low blood pressure (which was an issue before).
I’m about to jump back in and work towards the desires of my heart. This means finding a way to write my (what is supposed to be) weekly blog. Hopefully, I will progress from there.
I didn’t really have a topic for this particular post. I have been missing y’all and wanted to reach back out.
Until next time. May you and your patient have love, joy, and the strength you need to get through this next week. I know you can do it! You’re a caregiver, and this caregiver life is not for the weak.