Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Movin' In

Finally, after nearly 18 months of planning, building, and paying we are moving into our new addition!!

We've slept in the new bedrooms for half a week now and are still not used to them - it'll take some time. It's like waking up while on vacation in a strange new paradise. Pretty nice.

Still working on the closet rods, touching up paint that was nicked during the long months after the paint was spread, and sorting out twenty years of stuff from the old bedrooms. Don't want to take a bunch of dusty has-been type stuff into the new room. Toss it out!

Interesting thing, I've found I'm not so drawn to the computer these days. New creative projects leap at me and I catch their energy, responding with ideas and joy. I guess I don't need the creative outlet from the blogs that I did all these months when I've escaped to them during the hassle and strain of a huge building project.

Not a bad thing, and I burn waaaay more calories moving stuff around, shopping for furniture, and walking through a twice as big house.

Mom is still trying to get her legs under her with enough strength to hold her up. Parallel bars and therapists are her support now as her arms are still quite weak. But steps are being taken. Baby steps. We cheer her on.

Dad is exhausted. He's more of a worry for us now as he is just lost without Mom. Anxiety and panic have him in their grip, squeezing away sleep, appetite, and peace of mind. He's headed for the hospital himself if we can't find some way to calm him down. His mind keeps looping through the same worries, from beginning to end, no matter how many times we explain things. Very troublesome.

So that's my life these days - sweet and sorta sour. Isn't that everyone's life though, really, to certain degrees?

The Dalai Lama says that when we are faced with a problem we can ask ourselves two questions. First, is there anything I can do to help the situation? If so, do it. Second, if there is nothing I can do, will worrying help? No, it will not.

With that in mind I keep tabs on my folks doing all that I can for them right now. And I move into the new 'wing' of my home with happiness in the hopes that they, my parents, will get to visit us this summer, enjoying the bounty of our labor with us.

10 comments:

thebookbaglady said...

Congrats on the remodel/addition! We did a little remodel here this winter and I have loved the result! Sorry to hear about your dad. I'm sure that is very disconcerting.

deanna said...

I don't blame you for not being drawn to the computer these days. Enjoy this process, Cherie, you've earned it! Your dad and mom are in my thoughts, and you as you go against worry's flow. Good for you.

Cherie said...

Thanks, BBL and Deanna. It's nice to have the communication of friends via this blog. THAT will never get old. :D

His Love is the Theme of My Song said...

Congrats on moving in! That must be so rewarding and refreshing! I applaud you all as you've accomplished a great work. I share with you the burden of Dad and Mom. I know the Lord will reign victoriously through this season. I love you, Sister! (Yes, I have a blog now...truly does help to vent and ponder...it will never be as creative as yours, though!)

Sandy said...

Well, when life gets too busy, we know that blogging will just have to wait. It's one of those hobbies with low priority.

I'm glad for your mom, but I hope your Dad settles down. I know it can be tough when they face some of the reality of life.

As for the new addition, yeah! Have I seen pictures yet, I think not. When will they be posted?

Is that your true sister that has a new blog? I should visit.

Congrats to you Cherie on all your accomplishments!

Ann said...

I'll be thinking of you as you navigate this up & down, winding, & often bumpy road.

My version of the Dalai Lama's question(s) is: How can I make things easier?-- even if just for an instant. Usually the answer involves a joke, a treat, a hug, a compliment-- anything to remind us (but mainly ME!) that life is still good in spite of it all.

Cherie said...

Sandy, thanks for understanding. I shall have to post pictures, now, huh. And I will. Yes, that's my little sister.

Ann: You have been in my mind much these days as the situation I find myself in reminds me of you with your dad - and now dear Aunt Netsy. Thanks for your wise, encouraging words, my friend!

tshsmom said...

Working on our yard in the fresh air and sunshine has revitalized my energy too! I have a suspicion that I was suffering from vitamin D insufficiency because of the lack of sunlight.

Blogging is sporadic for all of us during the summer months, but don't let that stop you from posting pictures of your new addition! I can't wait to see your handiwork!

cecily said...

Congratulations Cherie! Happy house warming.

Now don't worry about blogging too much because I don't have much time to read at the moment ok?! ;-)

Mike S said...

Sounds like a well-deserved change. Blogging is nice, but can be more tiring than rewarding if it becomes a chore.

Best of wishes in your struggles to help your parents. Having been twice down that road(mine & the wife's) I know it can be exasperating when you see a solution but can't convey it to them in a way that they'll react as you'd like, like stopping the worrying.
We recently moved my wife's mentally & physically challenged 50 yr old sister into our building right below us and it's been a rocky road so far, but patience and consistant guidance learned with our parents is really helping us a lot.

Sometimes the most you can do is watch, advise, help, and pray it all works out well and for the strength to cope. Best of luck.