Regina kept me abreast on what was going on throughout the day. When the day was done, I called to chat with them and see if anything was needed. During our conversation, Regina told me that being there all day with Kerstin showed her how busy a single day can be. This was not the first time she's spent the day with Kerstin somehow, she really felt the love of being Kerstin's full time caregiver. She said it felt almost nonstop at times, by the time she prepped food, got the Kangaroo bag filled and pump ready then the medicines, it was time do something else. Keep in mind, Kerstin's medicines are staggered throughout the day with her having to take some every four hours. She said keeping Kerstin on schedule while doing laundry and other things, it felt like she would sit for a few minutes and have to go do something else.
"I get it, Mattisa!", to hear those words seemed exhilarating, because, someone took the load off me for a while and knew I needed it off! I cannot explain to you how overwhelming it was to hear those words. As parents of a child with extra care and needs, we often hear how special we are, how special our children are, and how it must be so hard. Or, can you recall the looks of pity, "Aww, bless her/your heart!"? It is welcome relief when it is gotten. It is understood.
We are in no way looking for pity, Kerstin is as bossy as they come! In fact, she was paid for having to be cared for and not the other way around. How bossy is that? I had never heard of the "babysitter" having to pay to provide a service! Kerstin, setting another trend.
Let a family member or friend know that you really get it. "How can I help?" May not be answered because I rarely answer when it is asked of me, just know that understanding the flow of a single day and jumping in without disrupting that goes an extremely long way! I'm thankful for the supportive circle around us, when things seem heavy, they load is quickly lightened.
More to come...
