12:05: Water, snack for G. then back to work.
12:20: Break for G. to get ready for Zoom chat with co-workers. Lunch for me, letting the dog out in the back yard for his break.
2:40: Back to work after G. finishes using my laptop for her Zoom chat, then watching videos from others at work. Then she needs to use the bathroom, then wants a snack.
2:50: Back to work. I need a nap or a triple espresso, or a nap and then a triple espresso.
3:20: Bathroom break for G. We are going to walk around the block to get the mail soon, then I will help her take off her orthotics and put on regular shoes. Then I have a meeting at 4pm. No craft project this afternoon; maybe tomorrow?
4:20: Meeting done. Bathroom break for G. Quick break to open mail, rest a bit, start work on dinner.
The evening was slightly less problematic; my husband got home and we made dinner while G. was having another video chat with the residential program group. Then I had a meeting online at 7pm for the development committee in the agency for G’s disorder.
G. will get to bed by 9pm, and I hope she wakes up only once during the night.
The alarm goes off the next morning. Repeat.
This is A Time . . .
This is a time of lowered expectations. When I hear my inner critic saying that I haven’t accomplished enough today or that I’m lazy, I respond with, “I am doing everything I can, juggling increased demands. I’m not lazy, I’m tired.” I remind myself to take a deep breath (or several), get some fresh air, and spend a few minutes listening to soothing sounds on a cell phone app.
This is a time to slow down and enjoy the moment. My daughter and I watch a funny video and enjoy laughing. We share a pot of tea. I think about my next crochet project and a craft project with my daughter. When my husband gets home, we all work on dinner. Weather permitting, we go for a walk.
This is a time to remember that we’ve all been through difficulties. We will get through this with perseverance, a sense of humor, and patience. This too shall pass.
