Thankful for what I have

This has absolutely been one of the most difficult times of my life. The stress of dealing with an elderly parent's care is great, especially when one is not wealthy. I have learned who my go to people are and some of it has surprised me.

My cousin in Vermont has been really so good about keeping in contact with me and not just to find out about how mom is doing but to find out how I am doing.

I have learned that some of my neighbors and co-workers are much more supportive than longtime friends. Weird about the co-workers as I have just started this job. We are mostly all women (one man in an office of 30). The majority is in our late 40's to 60's. We are all dealing with issues of elderly parents. Some have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Some are physically challenged and others are just down right mean.

I know that I have not been the most fun person to be with at times. People want to keep their hands clean and their lives neat and dealing with life isn't always clean or neat.

I thank Pat Friedman for taking the time to drop in on mom once in a while. I thank Janet Flint for sending mom little cards and calling (and for making sure I am still surviving). I thank the sweet and wonderful family of David and Jen Moye, best neighbors and raising caring children who always ask "how's Mabel?" I thank the women of Licensing and Certification for supporting me and teaching me what is out there and what I can do for my mother.

I will even be more thankful if I could get a little more sleep tonight.