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Turn of Time

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In January, a series of events turned my life upside down, but I landed on my feet, as I knew I would, because I always do.

My two special needs kids (Karie with Prader-Willi Syndrome and John with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) were living together in their own apartment, with 4 support staff (and myself) providing them with 24/7 care. Karie was in a day program with a 1-to-1 support person, and John was in a supported work program with a job coach. Here's what transpired in January:

John had to leave his job program due to lack of stable work environment.

Karie had to leave her day program due to an unsafe program situation.

They both had to move from their apartment because new management decided not to renew any leases so they could remodel and increase the rent.

Two of our four staff left, one due to injuries at another job, one for better pay with good benefits elsewhere. They had been getting the kids ready in the morning and transporting them to and from their programs. So I could not initiate new programs for the kids, and I became their day program and job coach at home.

New apartment turned out to be a nightmare, with buckling floor, faulty electrical wiring, and roach infestation. Luckily we found out before they moved in, but after signing the lease and paying rent.

My son (Chris, the computer programmer) flew down to help with the move, and we put everything into storage and the two "kids" moved in with me.

By the time Covid-19 hit, we had already settled into an easy routine of sleeping in late in the morning, taking leisurely walks with the dogs, taking naps, watching movies and playing games together. I'm not driving much anymore because of my vision, so we were pretty much home-bound already. Our two staff come every afternoon to help out, which is a blessing, because each of the kids requires close supervision for various reasons due to their disabilities.

So, we are doing fine. Our two staff (a mother-daughter team who have been with us for 10 years) have vowed to remain in lock down, except for coming to our house, and we also are in lock down, so no one can spread anything to anyone. Of course, we take all the precautions necessary with getting medications and groceries.

My daughter is waiting for me to fix her a snack and watch a movie with her, so I guess I won't be solving any puzzles today. I'm glad to see so many of my Jigidi friends still hanging out here. And what a great place to hang out, don't you think?

The song I chose is "Turn Turn Turn" by The Byrds. Enjoy!
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fasstar

(✬‿✬)

RandomWorship

Aw. Your mum sounds like such a sweetie, Teresa. And yes, that fatigue is a funny thing. I put it down to a change in my work circumstances, but maybe it's partly related to the change in lifestyle associated with COVID-19 too.

So good to know that you are looking after yourself too, in amongst all the caring of everyone else! ❤❤❤

fasstar

Thank you so much, Kirsten. Your sharing your experience was really helpful. My Mom got so despondent and depressed, and stressed, my sister who lives there (who had two weeks ago rejected the idea of having Mom go live with her as "impossible") decided to bring her to live with her family. My Mom is soooo grateful and is always promising my sister that she will try not to be too much trouble and will try to stay out of the way. Bless her sweet heart. So I still call her every night after dinner, but now it is a more pleasant conversation. I'm grateful that she still remembers who I am, even though I live 2,000 miles away and haven't seen her for a year. She is so happy now. So the family is all happy that when she goes, she will go with a happy heart. She will be 101 next month.

As for energy to solve puzzles and write comments, I'm with you. There is a certain kind of fatigue that goes along with the social isolation, I think. I know I'm busy just trying to keep everyone happy. And I do love having MY time. I sometimes just read or nap then. Which is nice. Take care, dear friend. (✬‿✬) - Teresa

RandomWorship

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get here, Teresa. Whilts my challenges have been nothing like yours, I have found that since COVID-19 hit and I have had to work from home, that I am not feeling so motivated to solve puzzles. I think it's because I have to do so much communication in writing now, that I sort of feel empty at the end of the day, and barely able to type another word! I'm not moaning about it, just trying to explain. And I know that I am very fortunate to be healthy and still employed, and relatively happy despite the social distancing.

But you my friend, are amazing! You have such resilience and optimism. I think your family is so lucky to have you! And I hope you don't mind a small suggestion in regards to your mum. My dad developed dementia, and in the end was unable to stay in his home by himself. And we had to put him into residential care. He was incredibly unhappy about it, which broke our hearts. We would see him very day, and spend time with him doing things we knew that he enjoyed. But he would always ask why he was there and say he wanted to leave. So we would have "groundhog day" days of explaining the same thing, over and over. But he couldn't retain the information. So in the end, we deployed distraction. "Cup of tea, Jack" became our catch cry. He would always say yes, and get involved in making it, and it was enough to derail the thought in the moment. At first I didn't feel good about that technique. But I soon realised that no matter how often we had the conversation about why he was there, he couldn't hold the information or understand. So better to move on to something that was less upsetting for him. Although it was incredibly hard to know that he was so unhappy...

Yikes. Sorry. I feel like I went to a sad place, despite just wanting to help. Sorry.

I hope that you are deploying some good self-care in amongst taking care of everyone else, Teresa. You have a good heart - but don't burn yourself out. Take care. ❤❤❤

fasstar

Thank you, Suzy. I'm fine and happy staying at home with Karie and John. They really require a lot of attention, but they are both so sweet, I don't mind too much. I've been doing 2 hours a day of phone support with my Mom having recently moved into memory care in Wisconsin. She is a young 100, but can't remember anything from more than 5 minutes ago. I feel so bad for her because she does not understand why no one is visiting her, even though we have explained it to her every day. She feels so lonely and abandoned. My heart breaks for her. I really do have it made though, staying busy keeping my two "little kids" safe and happy. I hope you and your hubby are doing well.

pumpkinhead

You haven't been around for a while, and know you are busy. Do hope that all is well, Teresa. Enjoy the family time and take care. ♥♥

fasstar

Barb, thanks for your kind words. I really have it easy, compared to my good friends and several siblings who are going through serious crises right now. Other people's troubles make my life seem like a breeze, and so it is! (✬‿✬) - Teresa

fasstar

I just checked it out, Brightie!

sparklightie

@fasstar look at my face time today xxxx ♥♥♥ @sparklightie

SunnyBarb25

Oh, Teresa. What a terrible set of circumstances that hit your family. But I'm so glad you are handling it so well. I wish you continuing luck and good health. And also welcome back to Jigidi. Your puzzle is sooooo very beautiful. A pleasure to solve. Thank you and hugs to you (•◡•)

brightspark

Happy Easter dearest Teresa and may you and your beautiful family be double blessed xx ♥♥♥♥

sparklightie

Love you dearly Teresa ♥♥♥♥

fasstar

Thank you, dear Brightie! I'm so glad to hear you and your family are doing okay. It's really great to be back with special Jigidi friends, and you are one of the best! (✬‿✬) - Teresa

sparklightie

Absolutely gorgeous puzzle thx ♥♥

sparklightie

Dearest Teresa - sending you loving prayers and many blessings my friend xx your are an amazing mom and such a tribute to strong women - i am so proud to be your friend May you keep safe and all stay healthy during this trying time - thank the lord hubby and i and our kids are fine xxx ♥

fasstar

dbnc2, thank you for your good wishes and prayers. Being a good mom has been a priority ever since I held my first child. All the intervention strategies I instituted when they were young and continued through the years have paid off big time. They hardly ever have behavior issues anymore, but still require lots of personal attention. And I'm glad to give it to them. I wish all kids could get as much TLC from their families as my kids do. It all comes back to me! (✬‿✬) - Teresa

fasstar

JennQS, thank you for your sweet words. I wish the same for you. (✬‿✬) - Teresa

fasstar

Suzy, it's good to be back. That song fits so many situations, but I think it really can be applied to what each of us might be going through right now. I can't wait to see your puzzle series. (✬‿✬) - Teresa

fasstar

KOANO, you are most welcome. Thanks for your comment. (✬‿✬) - Teresa

Beautiful textures, pattern and colours! Thank you!

pumpkinhead

What a relief to have you check in, Teresa! You have had a rough go of things-but you are strong and do always land on your feet. The daily rhythm you have found sounds ideal.

Interesting you've selected "Turn, Turn, Turn" for your piece. I am currently working on a series of puzzles based upon the song.
Be well.
♥♥

I wish you continued courage and strength. To you and yours - stay well and safe!

dbnc2

love Prayers
You are a good mother
God bless you and your family

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