A few notes on the background.
The reason I want order is because we are still working there and have more projects to do. Disorder is also affecting Carole's mental state which is already fragile. Right now, her focus is adjusting to her new life and if I can help ease some anxiety, I will. The look on her face shows how unsettled and lost she still is so after two years of terrible stress and responsibilities, I can handle a few weeks more of non-critical help. I'm sure once she gets her bearings, she'll be spouting marching orders. The real stress has been the kids well being, they are doing better after court ordered custody, and we feel will continue now that it is almost over.
Harley was adopted months before Carole announced her homecoming, no one was expecting that. By then, Matt and the kids were attached and Carole is smitten with the big galoot too. A PITA at times, she is still a puppy although monstrous, and pups love to play.
I am great at organizing and giving orders, enjoy doing so, and refuse to give up my rank. We just spent another four hours there jiggering the trapeze aid over the bed and fixing the sliding barn door. Several smaller projects to do that will offer more storage space and solve the kitchen/food clutter. Bathroom will have woven stacking organizers tagged with everyone's name, big enough for all essentials plus. The kitchen counter will also, and those tags will make it easier to see what favorites need restocked for who. When we walked in today, all was neat, swept, orderly. They knew I was coming.
Once we get her bedroom arranged, a bookcase built, and fabric bins for her mess to hide in, Tracy should be full time and take over. We've worked out a wall surround for her TV that will offer a great deal of display area for her angel collection and photos in her personal space rather than the living room. That will probably be the end of our projects which have been numerous to help her adapt. Harley will miss seeing us so often!!
Any conflicts or issues will be solved among themselves. I am the Clutter Colonel. Carole will still expect me to continue handling finances, bills, appointments, phone calls, but I will explain that she is perfectly capable to handle such matters very soon.
I have not stitched, can't decide on fabric or count, and this needs remedied quickly before I decide it's time for a break.
Have a fabulous weekend folks. February! Getting closer and closer to spring.
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8 comments:
You explained yourself wonderfully. It seems you have everything planned and in order. Being a caregiver is hard work and you have been doing it for Carole for quite sometime. Good luck on figuring out your fabric.
Marly I wish you can be my sister! You are such a lovely person with a big heart and care for other people!
Congratulations with doing this for Carole and taking a step backwords when all is finished, but still doing some jobs for her.
It will be good for your own health too to do it in this way.
Hope you will soon find the right fabric for your sampler and enjoy stitching again.
Big hug, lots of love and prayers, Truus from Holland
Thumbs up for being there for Carole, Marly. Cannot express how much I admire your attitude and concern for your sister and those around you. I hope there is someone there for you as well. My best to you and Mark. Happy stitching. -sandy in Kentucky
I'm glad the disorder is slowly being brought under control. Especially with the kids, once they learn they're safe and how to not add to the frenzy things will improve greatly. A place to put one's own things, even just a toothbrush and comb in the bathroom, can be the start of a whole new outlook.
You and Mark have done so much for Carole and her family, I certainly hope karma kicks in soon and sends good things your way for a good long while!
Will you serve as my clutter colonel too? You never know...you might even get a promotion to general. On a serious note, I can tell that you have things well under control - and just the organization of your thoughts in this post reflect the order you are bringing to Carole's household. It does sound like it is appreciated - and sometimes, all it takes is the planting of the seed. They may appreciate, respect, and continue the "order" seedling you have planted and continue with it and grow it in time. Like you said previously, they don't recognize order because that wasn't their norm. And delegating the duties of finances, appointments, etc. back to Carole will, perhaps and hopefully, give her a sense of power back and ease some of the helplessness and hopelessness that has settled in. ~Robin~
The Great Dane is still a puppy? Excellent-- puppyhood is the best time to start training so it grows up into a well-mannered, easy to control animal.
I know, from personal experience, that it will take Carole a while to feel like she is at home. She will have so many memories of the past that will take time to leave her mind. You have been an angel for her. God bless you with some peace now.
Looking forward to Spring and some balmy breezes.
Hugs,
Charlotte in Va.
You continue to amaze, dear one. That outline of your "orderly orders"says it all and, if followed, should establish peace and form
in their lives. Glad to see that Carole will be given a sense of
steering her own destiny while she undertakes the responsibilities
you laid out. Your remarkable "Come to Jesus" forum may resolve the
havoc that weighed upon you and allow you and St. Mark to pick up where you left off. That whole personal organization routine you both formulated is great. Then back to stitching,healing and caring for yourselves.
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