March 31, 2010

Just Checking In

Guys, it's crazy around here. I'm working ten-hour days all of a sudden, to prepare to leave for ten days to go home. Of course, it's Holy Week. Holy cow.

My parents are not doing well. My stepdad had a stroke, Mom is mentally fading, and my sister is crumbling under the burden of caring for them. I will be going down to ask the hard questions about future care, living wills, and their ability to handle the fading years ahead. My stepfather is getting therapy with a reasonably good prognosis; we're going to have to wrestle the car keys from Mom's tight grasp; and we've got to find new avenues for care and transportation, since my sister obviously cannot do this alone.

Abe and Sheba will be heading out to the west coast for a few days. That means Ben will be alone. During spring break. Temptation, anyone? We are going to have to trust him to set his own boundaries. He's eighteen. Deep breath.

So my posting will be light as I garner all the facts and inform all the siblings (eight, in this blended family). At least there will be sunlight and heat.

9 comments:

A Lewis said...

Holy Smokes. Keep your head held high and shoulders back. Happy Easter.

Rox said...

Sounds like you could use a hug. (((((H U G)))))

Ur-spo said...

It is understandable. Blogging is a hobby - and hobbies are not supposed to be time-consuming but fun.
I hope you are doing well: I for one will keep checking in to see any updates.

bigislandjeepguy said...

hang in there.

easter just reminds me of my mom's last days (even tho easter falls at a different time every year and not necessarily around her date of passing). these next few months are a blur of mother's day and her birthday, too.

i can't wait for july :)

the hobbit said...

Crossing fingers for you honey. Sounds like you're going to need it over the next little while.

Patrick said...

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry Life has gotten a bit too INTERESTING again... I imagine deep breaths will be handy on many occasions coming up. Funny, I said much the same thing to Java earlier today. I'll be holding you and your family in my thoughts, Dear.

tornwordo said...

I don't envy you and I hope I've got many more years before dealing with the same hard things. Good luck!

Vic Mansfield said...

I remember tough times and tough decisions with my mom, years ago. My father is on his thrid wife, and she is much younger than he. Much. So, at least I have some help there.

I think this kid of thing is our ultimate test as an Adult. Or is it kids? Or both. Oh, the sandwich years.

Prayer ascend.

Java said...

Oh, dear. I'm thinking of you. I pray for strength for all of us.