Hi Everyone,
Technically it was Memorial Day but for me it was Mother’s Day. The kids came home on Friday and declared “kids weekend”…no one under 30 allowed! I found a room in a small town near the Chesapeake not too far from home (just in case I had to get back ~ the God forbid rule) I had no agenda, a good book and not only slept through the night; I slept in!
The kids had a great time (of course I called and texted multiple times…a day). They played games, watched movies, spent some time on the back deck and kept busy. We did skype and Corey called me several times but she handled my absence well until Sunday when I returned. She welcomed me home, gave me a hug and said she was glad I had “Mom time” but then emphatically told me “you can never leave again”!
The most common advice shared to caregivers is the airplane speech about putting on your oxygen mask first. That’s much easier said than done depending on the circumstances. I was very grateful to go away and know the kids were capable of caring for Corey and Corey was not flipping out (they have learned the art of distraction!).
While I was away it gave me a chance to relax and reflect. I thought about where we are, how we got here and where we hope to be in the future. Reviewing Corey’s timeline and list of accomplishments is truly awe inspiring. Her recovery requires tremendous effort but it also demands rest. Her effectiveness of each is interdependent…so is mine. This concept was not a revelation discovered this weekend; on the contrary, it was realized because of our relentless effort.
I am so grateful that Corey was willing to “try” kid’s weekend. Thank you to JohnPaul, Jackie, Caitlin and Cory James (Caitlin’s boyfriend) and to our neighbor Suzanne; for checking in from time to time. I can honestly say for the first time in a very long time I feel refreshed, full of energy and ready to keep moving forward towards our next set of goals! Xoxo