I have had some nice breaks from caregiving of late. On Thursday night my husband and I went to our son’s family home for supper, as we often do on Thursday evening. It was a chance to hold my newest little grandchild and also interact with his sisters. Then on Friday evening I went to a high school play with my daughter-in-law and their two oldest daughters. I enjoy live plays, and it was fun hearing my granddaughters laughing at a funny scene in the play. Grandkids are one of life’s purest pleasures!
My sister-in-law is gone for a couple weeks, so the rest of us are sort of taking turns looking after my mother-in-law. My husband’s sisters have been doing more of her caregiving than I, however. I felt guilty about this first, but I think I have finally resolved that in my mind. My mother-in-law was at our place for lunch on Sunday, however. I asked her to come to our apartment, as it would be difficult for my husband to get into her house. So I was sort of doing double duty caregiving Sunday early afternoon. My mother-in-law still has not started her chemo yet , as she is not strong enough. She also has to get rid of a small blood clot on her lungs first.
Sunday was a good day with church, and I was also invited by a couple from our church to a wonderful men’s chorus presentation. The songs were so meaningful and they spoke to my heart about the hope I have in my “Rock”, my Lord God, in facing the difficulties of life.
My husband continues to enjoy his audiobooks. He sometimes falls asleep while listening to them, but he does seem to get enjoyment from them. My son’s family loaned us some more audio tapes too. Plus my husband still has some audiobooks out from the library, so he should be supplied for awhile. My husband’s spirit seems a little lighter to me since we have been doing the audiobooks.
One of the things I have been struggling with lately with my husband is his heavy snoring. This has become an especially obnoxious thing the last while. I’m thinking this too could be connected with his disease, and I am wondering what I can do about it. I am often either waking up at night from that or because of pain from my sciatic nerve issues.
There is absolutely nothing like the laughter of children. Infectious! I’m glad you reconciled how much you can do. You’re very much involved in caring for your mother-in-law, even if you are not in her physical presence. Your good thoughts and prayers and willingness to help mean a great deal.
Any ideas from his doctor?
Sorry about the snoring.
And, I wonder if one of the librarians at your library would also be a good resource for more audiotapes? The inter-library loan system can help if your library doesn’t have a tape you’d like.