ParentCareInsights.com

It’s been about 5 weeks since my mom transferred to long-term care. The stress of the holidays are now over and the anticipation of moving her are behind me. Since September I have been running on adrenaline, coffee, energy drinks, and very little sleep. I finally feel like I can rest and reset. I didn’t realize how much I relied on my daily routine until all this happened. I was very happy to get back to it after the holidays so I could feel “normal” again. Much of the worry of having to schedule home care, keep track of mom’s medications, order supplies, and answer endless phone calls and texts is gone. This doesn’t mean I still don’t worry about her or think about her, but I know she is receiving the care she needs.

My visits are every other weekend. It gives me a chance to see her and stay at our family home. I’m getting used to being in the house by myself without her there. It still feels different, but it’s getting better. I’m slowly bringing myself to cleaning out small things like file cabinets and closets. As an only child, I want to collect everything and keep it, but I know that is not possible. I have plenty of my own stuff. I’m sorting through pictures and knick knacks and deciding what I will keep and what will be donated or simply tossed out. The thought of selling the house is still looming over my head. I know sooner or later I will probably sell it, but I want it to be in my own time and not be forced to when I’m mentally not ready. That may sound selfish to some, but that is all I have left of my family. After that, everything is gone. I’m sure many of you are going through similar circumstances. I’m learning to accept that things will not be the same ever again. Change is hard especially when you are not expecting it, but mom and I will learn to blaze a new trail that we can navigate together for as long as I have her.