Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I Want to Leave Home

I never thought I'd live with my kids when they were grown. Guess what? I am. Maybe I've told you about Carol. She has Rheumatoid Arthritis and is seriously handicapped by it. She is a widow. She is 47. Her daughter is 23 and she lives with me too. Sarah lacks one class to complete an Associate Degree from Junior College. She is looking for a job.

I want everybody to get everything they need, but I want to provide some comfort and satisfaction for me, too. I have provided support and sustenance for Carol and Sarah for at least the two years they have lived with me. I have taken Carol to the doctor, paid the rent and bought groceries. 

Now I want to move. I will make sure Carol has a place that accommodates her needs with nursing care, a housekeeper, etc, but I don't want to do it anymore. I'm old and I need help, too. Sarah needs to take over her mother's care. Getting the job is the first step.

I need to look to my own needs for a while. I don't even think of this as selfish, but rather making provision so that others aren't burdened with my care. At least that's the way I'm seeing it now.