Next? What do you say on a blog in times like these? Should I even say anything? I love my little blog but it can seem so inconsequential when faced with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Still, there’s a part of me that finds great comfort in this blog and its virtual community. After all, virtual contact is the ultimate form of social distancing, right?
Still…
As you may know, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my MIL Marian for the past 4 years. These last two years have been particularly challenging. Now, of course, I’m even more concerned than I’ve ever been about the health and safety of the woman in our care. Our household is ground-zero because we have an extremely frail woman who depends on other people and their close physical contact for absolutely everything. I hate to think about the consequences of a bad decision.
Ken and I can’t do this all on our own. I wish we could, but we can’t. This means we have other caregivers who come in for a few hours each day to give us a break. They’re professionals – I’ve seen them adhere to the highest standards of hygiene. Still, should I worry about bringing them into my house? I further worry about our financial obligations to them and their families. Where’s the balance? What is the right thing to do? Whose needs come first? No person should have to put themselves in danger just to pay their rent. Nor should Marian’s needs go unmet…
For now, we’re opting for open, honest communication. I don’t know what else to do. I need their help – but is it the best way forward? What’s next? I just don’t know. So it’s one day at a time just as it is for us all I suppose.
What does this have to do with my blog? Well, not much really. Except maybe it’s made me aware of how important this blog is to me. I think about it even when I can’t find the juice to cook – let alone the creativity to photograph and post.
Next?
There’s a further irony. I’m in the middle of a blog redesign. It’s something I started at the beginning of the year. It was intended to reignite my passion for blogging. Instead, it makes me wonder about my priorities in a time such as this.
Which is why today, I’m posting a few links to some of my favorite posts of the past four years. It helps me feel that there’s a future, not just for this little blog, but for us all.
Stay safe. GREG
You are asking all the right questions and I think there are no wrong answers. My mom is in independent living in her own casita and they are still asking that no one visits except for staff. It is hard for her as I know she is lonely. These are such strange times but I am sure you and Ken are doing the best you can. And can’t wait to see the new design. You never let me down!
I think we are all going through a lot of self-examination these days. But I need this virtual world of ours… It adds normalcy, and a community that is very important. Unlike you, we aren’t caring for an elderly parent… That does make things so different, and make you think about and judge every movement you make. Will keep you, Ken, and Marian in our thoughts… Stay safe, and keep blogging!
It’s a difficult time for everyone but especially for those taking care of others, I cannot imagine the stress you must be under. Try not to look at the news too much or stats and reports, it can make you go mad. The caregivers you’ve chosen have more than likely become a part of your family, and will take care of your family as their own. I recall the love and kindness the caregivers my dear Mom had and it still humbles me 15 years after her passing.
We are about to come out of our two-week isolation on Thursday and go grocery shopping, I’m feeling rather stressed about it but I need staples. It’s not the same as what you’re going through but I also worry about what we’ll bring home. When will it end and what will our world look like when it’s over? I’m afraid to think about it. I too am grateful for my blogging friends, thank you for bring my friend.
Stay well Greg, you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. XOXO
I hear you Ken, taking care of your mother in law is difficult. We love our blog, it connects us with the outside world. Keep on going, we get through this.
Goodness. I could not do what you do. At all. I really admire you for this. Definitely a hard decision. That chile Colorado looks good, I’ll check that out. Don’t stop blogging!
It’s tough at the moment, isn’t it? And you and Ken do face a dilemma with Marian. Just as a reference point for you, my father is 99 and is in an assisted living ++ community (the ++ is because it’s licensed to provide many functions you’d find in a nursing home should the residents need them). They’re not letting family visit at the moment (which is hard for him and us). But they are allowing their outside therapists and health care vendors to come in and do their stuff. Basically because these people have been trained what to do in these situations. So I’d probably choose to let your helpers do their stuff, too. Hard decision though. Anyway, good luck with the redesign. (I like your design just the way it is, actually, but I don’t pay a lot of attention to web themes anyway. I can certainly understand wanting to do something different.) Nice list of recipes. Thanks.
My thoughts exactly–things have escalated so much over the last few days. I started to write my latest post and couldn’t finish but like you, it’s one place I do find comfort. I’ve been most worried about my parents than anything else. Thinking of you, Ken and your mother in law. We’ll get through this and I look forward to your new blog design when it’s done. Stay safe.