Battling On
Some days feel like they will never end - you just keep wishing it was time for bed for no other reason than being able to say that the day is over. In fact, sometimes it’s not just a day, but days that turn into a week or more.
Gloomy as it seems, this week has been a huge week of challenges, and being Friday night here in Australia I have to admit I’m counting down the hours until I can say, “this week is over”. I’m putting my hand up to say that this week I have struggled, often feeling overwhelmed, but mostly feeling incredibly tired.
Parenting any child is hard work, but add autism to the mix and life becomes a different ball game. Like other parents with children who have special needs, life is extremely busy and never what you could call easy. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t give my kids away for anything in the world, I love them both to bits. But sometimes I feel like it all just gets too hard.
So I’m having a ‘fall in a heap’ weekend. Chocolate is definitely involved, and my wonderful husband is taking some time off work next week to spend with me and the kids. Life will go on, and I will battle on. But days like today remind me that I’m only human, and it’s okay to say “I’m struggling right now, I need help”.
A task for everyone today - ask a friend if there is something you can do for them?
Elissa
October 26th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I so understand what you are saying and am feeling that way myself at the moment. But like you say we are only human, its not just cos of our kids its everything else as well.
And you are very fortunate to have a husband who will take some time off to be with you all.
Its not a gloomy post, its reality!
More chocolate and coffee!
x
October 26th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Thanks Casdok, you’re right - it’s not just our kids, it is everything else as well, and it is reality.
And where would we be without chocolate!?!
xx
October 26th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
And yes I am extremely lucky to have Steve - I count my blessings every day!
October 26th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I so completely understand where you are coming from! I hope you have a restful night and weekend. My mom is here this week, and tonight my husband and I get to go away by ourselves! Yay for that! It is much needed
October 26th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I also see a a weekend looming with choclolate being a big part of it.
I hope your weekend is good
x
October 30th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I have not popped in for a few days, wow, a lot has been going on for you all! I can relate and just wanted to say I think your “fall in a heap” weekend is a great idea. We did it once. It was our 20th anniversary (yes, I was a child bride and infertility was an issue). For the first time since our son’s dx we let someone else stay with him overnight, our blessed SIL.
We didn’t have the money to go anywhere, but my husband’s parents offered their lovely vacation home which is a short drive away. What did we do? Sleep late and eat, watch adult TV. Not too romantic, but much needed. It helped. Don’t know if this makes any sense to anyone else, but it probably will to you. Hope it is not another 20 yrs. before we do it again!
About chocolate, it’s “that time of the month” and though we are GFCF, my darling husband felt I REALLY NEEDED CHOCOLATE and brought me lots of it. The dear. It did tame the savage beast in me. I am grateful, I say, as I eat another bon bon.
Hang in there. We all need these little breaks from time to time and it doesn’t mean we love our ASD kids any less. It just makes us better parents with more to give them.
Katherine
October 30th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Hi Katherine,
Thanks, I appreciate your message! Yes it is wonderful to have a weekend that is pretty much just sleep, eat and watch TV / movies - and of course, indulging in chocolate.
You’re right, breaks and weekends like these do make us better parents with more to give in the long run.
I really hope you don’t wait another 20 years before you do it again!
xxx