A Balancing Act

That's what this summer has been.

I'm grateful we have a pool. 

I love to go out late in the evening when the neighborhood has quieted down...

The air is hot and heavy and no breeze stirs the water.

I can't resist.

Perfectly still, perfectly quiet, until one foot breaks the glass-like surface.

The first ripple glides to the far side. 

The porch light now dancing on the water delights me.

I roll up my pants high above my knees and plop down on the hot cement.

I'm tempted to just dive in, clothes and all, but am too practical for that.

I settle for kicking both feet with abandon.

The waves are rocking, slapping against the sides and spilling water onto the sidewalk.

Pants soaked.

I stop and take a few deep breaths while the waves expend the last of their energy.

Quiet stillness again.

Then the screen door slams.

The dogs run out and nearly push me in.

Someone hollers, "mOm?"

They found me...

Rejuvenated.  

Parenting Article ~ The Never-Empty Nest

I  want to take a moment to let you know about an article I just read in the July 2011 issue of Good Housekeeping. It's called "The Never-Empty Nest" by Michael Callahan. I'm not sure if it's on news stands yet but it should be soon. The cover has Angie Harmon and is done in red white and blue.

Mr. Callahan is an uncle to two young adults with autism. Neither will ever be able to take care of himself. This article is interesting as it's from the point of view from someone who is close to the family, loves them dearly, but is still on the outside. One can't really know what it's like to be a full time caretaker unless you've been there. The author touches on sacrifice, fear and acceptance as well as the simple, happy moments that make life good. It also delves into the often unspoken feelings and perceived responsibilities of extended family.

Even if you aren't currently dealing with a developmentally disabled child this is a very interesting article. The issues of dependent adult care are being brought to the forefront more and more. Most people are aware of autism and Alzheimer's but other factors like traumatic brain injury can lead to the immediate need for home health care. While most focus is on the monetary cost the bigger issue for me is the mental and emotional toll on the caregivers. 

Just yesterday I stopped by "English Cottage in Georgia" to check in on my friend Lucy. I was sad to find that her husband Terry has passed away. Terry had suffered traumatic brain injury when knocked down on the sideline of a high school football game several year ago.  I left a note of condolence for this wonderfully strong, loving lady then clicked over to her second blog, "Life is Too Short". It is dedicated to Terry's journey. Her recent post there was about accepting her husband's condition and what it meant in her day to day life. Please stop by and offer Lucy a hug. You'll gain a new perspective on life in return.

Life's Plan B

Just a little bouquet

to show my appreciation

for the friendships and inspiration I've found

since starting my blog two years ago today.

Summer vacation starts in two weeks

and the kids always want to pack in

as much fun and adventure as possible.

Things are a little different this year though.

I'm going to use their initial enthusiasm

to sneak in some work on life skills and bus training.

They don't like riding the bus but if there is

something fun at the end of the ride

it should go a little easier.

My son is graduating and will be attending

a transition program next fall.

It combines work and social activities.

One of the goals is getting him comfortable with public transit so he

won't always be dependent on someone else to get around.

My daughter will be in a similar situation when she graduates in a few years.

We've known from the beginning that our children would most likely be living with us long into adulthood. Our lives will not follow the path of most families but we've done our best to adjust and plan for that. Still, it's daunting. A fellow blogger and mother of children with special needs recently commented that she feels like she needs to live forever to care for them. I can relate to that.  

I've been struggling for a while about my blog. My posts are more and more random in timing and content than I would like.  I feel guilty that I can't take the time to visit everyone I'd like to and respond to comments. Even as I started this post I was unsure about where I was headed. Then I re-read my last post, one thrown together just to have something to show. The quote was searched out just to have something to say but falls right into place with what I'm feeling now. "But a man or woman becomes fully human only by his or her choices and his or her commitment to them." Commitment. I don't feel the same excitement now as when I first started blogging. It was a wonderful way to tap back into my creative side and meet fabulous friends but it also became an escape from the everyday stresses. For the first year it was an like an addiction, taking all my time and attention, and as I tried to pull back and regain perspective I realized I couldn't do it half-way and be happy about it.

I won't say goodbye because I will still be lurking occasionally. I've become very fond of so many of you and will do my best to stay in touch. I hope to return to blogging in the future but for now I'll just say

Until we link up again...

Hugs,

Dawn

Someone Once Said...

“The acorn becomes an oak by means of automatic growth; no commitment is necessary. The kitten similarly becomes a cat on the basis of instinct. Nature and being are identical in creatures like them. But a man or woman becomes fully human only by his or her choices and his or her commitment to them. People attain worth and dignity by the multitude of decisions they make from day by day.” Rollo May

Growing from the shadows, an Oak reaches for the sunshine.