Handling Stress
Sep 23 2011 in Blogs, Caring for Parents and Kids, Jo's Blog by Jo
We all know how to handle stress:
- eat, but not too much
- sleep
- exercise
- follow a routine but be flexible
- lean on others
- pray
- use the right tool for the problem (ok you might not know this one but it fits… trust me)
- eat some chocolate
I could’ve of used all of these today.
It’s been a long week and an even longer day today. The week had been extended by multiple away soccer games; average time getting back home all week long, 11:00pm. The domino effect has been no exercise for me in the mornings. Instead I’ve struggled to get to work on time and stay awake once there. The other domino has been not as much time with Mom and Dad. My plan was to spend both quality and quantity time with them today.
There was no game last night so I endeavored to go to bed early, of course I was awakened several times by my “tow-heads” and true to form since I went to bed early, I awoke early. 1:30am I’m awake, putzing around my bedroom, paying bills online, and reading mail that I hadn’t gotten to the day before and trying to sew a button back on my son’s pants.
After digging out my sewing kit (every Marine has a sewing kit and is taught how to use it), I realized I lacked the greatest invention known to man, the needle threader (remember my comment about using the right tool). So I hiked off to my local 24-hour Walmart and bought a pack of them… and some groceries since I was there. Returned home and finished my son’s pants and since it was only around 3:00am decided to read my email.
That’s when I learned that my brother was in the hospital, critically ill, possibly about to enter hospice.
My first reaction, I’m starving. It’s 3 a.m., I’ve just learned horrendous news, and I’m craving food. Recognizing that what I wanted to do was “comfort eat”, I fought the craving and instead opened my calender, wallet and began to plan. A couple of hours later I drove to off to work.
I didn’t try to do everything at once but over the course of the day, between meetings and work tasks, arranged travel plans, rearranged my family’s weekend, exchanged multiple emails with my brother’s family, enlisted the help and prayers of others and offered more than a few prayers of my own.
I also spent over an hour with Mom and Dad, neither knew who I was. Truth be told, today I wasn’t sure who I was either: son, father, brother, parent, caregiver, employee, I’ve been distracted throughout the day and more than a little worried for my brother and family. It is going to be a long weekend… and beyond.
Trish said on September 23, 2011
Jo, It just breaks my heart that you have to go through so much. Sure, you’re a marine so the stereotype is that you’re tough & strong (which, from what I’ve read from you, is actually true). But sheesh. Enough is enough. Count my thoughts and prayers along with yours for your brother, his family and, of course, for you. I’d send you chocolate too if I could because that is my personal favorite go-to for stress. Hang in there and please keep us posted. Take care.
Sharon said on September 23, 2011
Jo, I am so sorry for all the stress this week, and I am so sorry about the news of you brother. You and your brother and your families are in my prayers.
Denise said on September 23, 2011
Oooohhhh, Jo. I am just so sorry. I’ve been thinking of you today. I hope this post becomes the right tool for you as you head into the weekend. We’re all thinking of you. I’m grateful you let us know. Keep us posted as you can…
Bette said on September 23, 2011
Hi Jo,
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
Your family is so blessed to have you Jo. You continue to be there for each one.
I’m sorry today was a day your parents didn’t know you. Who you are shines in each post you write. They would be so proud to see how you truly take care of your family.
Thinking of each of you this week-end.
Jo said on September 24, 2011
Obviously although I may know how to use one, I don’t know how to spell one. Just caught that it is “sew” and not “sow”. A Marine never won a spelling bee.
My brother has officially entered hospice. One “success” I can record: I made my sister-in-law, who has been my brother’s caregiver for several years now, I made her laugh. She needed it. Caregiving hasn’t been easy for her. Of course you would all relate to her.
I’m a couple hours away boarding my plane.
Denise said on September 24, 2011
Hi Jo–It sounds like your arrival will be just what the doctor ordered.
G-J said on September 24, 2011
Jo, thank you for letting us know all that is going on in your life. Good grief.
I’m sorry to hear about your brother. I’ve been through hospice with my dad and it was very helpful.
I’ll keep all your family in my prayers.
Safe travels.
And I just thought that “sow” was the Marine was of spelling “sew”!
Kathy said on September 24, 2011
Jo,
How distressful.
I’ll eat a chocolate cookie for you if you think it might help.
I also hope that your time with your brother and family is quality time.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.