Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Home, Home on the Range

I'm pretty sure that great American anthem was not written for a daughter-in-law who found herself having a "moment" while sitting in the uncomfortable chair of the local pharmacy's waiting area for her mother-in-law's RX to be ready. But it may as well have been.

Home, home on the range...

Where the deer and the antelope play

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

And the sky is not cloudy all day.

[I also just discovered that this little diddy is the official song of the state of Kansas...oh, there is so much to learn in this world!]

See, this is what sleep deprivation will do to you. At least when you have a new baby to bring home, you're prepared...somewhat. Alright, strike that - I had no idea with my first but darn it, I read a lot of books and had a large number of babysitting hours logged into my childcare repertoire. We're only on day 3 folks - with who knows how many days to go. And I don't want to appear to be ungracious, or angry, or unforgiving - because I am none of those things - but I do want to say (out loud here, where nobody can hear me) that it is not easy. I also wanted to say that I never saw this coming.

Maybe I should have been reading books on how to care for mother-in-laws after stroke (in my home) instead of those hilarious Jen Lancaster books that make me laugh so hard I pee my pants. On second thought, no way. Nothing can come between me and my Jen Lancaster...

Stay tuned for more randomness from the deep, deep recesses of my brain.

Home, home on the range...

7 comments:

Lisa said...

I just read that there are only 4 kinds of people in this world: People who used to be caregivers, people who are currently caregivers, people who will soon be caregivers, or people who will need a caregiver.

It is a hard job for sure. I'll be praying for you that it goes well and that your MIL regains her health.

Carrie said...

That does sound tough for sure. We'll be here for you on the internet to listen on the tough days! And I'll be praying for all of you.

Kyla said...

Hang in there!

monstergirlee said...

Oh crap thats tough!
I'll say Prayers for her and everyone.

Unknown said...

you rock, sister.

Kendra said...

My father-in-law stayed with us for a while several years ago after a stroke, and a couple of years later, when we bought a house, he moved in with us. People tell me all the time that they don't know how we do it, but honestly that's because they haven't met him. He's completely unobtrusive, likes his own space and stays there, and is utterly welcoming to the kids when they pop into his room for a hello and a cookie.

If it were either of my parents, it would be an entirely different story. So my heart goes out to you as I imagine what it would be like if you were living with my mom. : )

I hope you can get some time, some space, some relaxation, and that things (including her health) improve quickly.

Gingers Mom said...

Wow, God bless you for taking that all on!

Jen Lancaster....gonna have to check that out....