Over time I have become less rigid and more forgiving as a parent and as a person. That's bound to happen when you have many children, I think. I have come to understand that sometimes this child needs a "mental health" day. That's why he perks up after a while...the mental break is working! It is a good thing!
Sometimes we all need a mental health day. A time to take the pressure off and just "be." Today is my mental health day. I'm taking this morning off. I swept and scrubbed some things this morning(another type of therapy, yes?)but I'm not getting on a bus to see the boys until later this afternoon.
Guilt? Yes, I did feel guilty for a little while. But here is the truth, I cannot help them much where they are anyway. All I do is mess up their schedule. Plus, our visits have been greatly shortened now that James is gone and I'm visiting only one boy at a time.
Also, things are not as well at home as I would have hoped. I wish that my poor husband could have a mental health day because he certainly deserves it. He has been tossed out of the frying pan and into the fire.
I'm going to go spend some time with my Lord. That is probably the best thing I could do for anyone else right now. I'll leave you with a photo of my beautiful Zhen Ezekiel. This boy is going to need many prayers, much support and understanding. More about that some other day.
hugs so glad you are having some time out (or in prayer)i've been sitting at home following along wondering when you might take some time. no need to feel guilty it all sounds so exhusting. will keep praying, been waiting word of what to pray for Zhen,though I think I might know.
ReplyDeletehope everything sorts out at home, must be so hard for you being so far away.
Cathy
Oh Stephanie I am praying for you. I pray that the time goes quickly - that peace will descend upon your household at home and that your husband will have wisdom as he parents alone.
ReplyDeleteJust popped on your blog for the first time. Will certainly pray for you and for all of your family. Your boys are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the dermatitis, my little guy who is almost 4 y.o. with Ds has that (looks the same) and we finally found a good trick. A&D ointment!!! Put it on before and after eating. It is not the white stuff, but the yellowy stuff! Put a lot on before they eat to protect the skin and then a little after eat. I'm not sure why(Vaseline does not work btw) and I have tried everything else it seems. Antibiotics make it go away beautifully but you can't keep taking rounds of that. We did for a while though. Topical anitibiotics didn't work, however. It is a strange thing.....
Blessings to you.
Ready4Ross.blogspot.com
Gretchen
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you are taking some time for yourself and with the Lord. I hope that helps refresh your weary soul. I've enjoyed following along on your journey, as - Lord willing - we'll be adopting Aloysha from #9 too. (Not sure if you got my email or not.)
Praying for you, these boys, your husband and kids at home.
Blessings,
Jill
pooping in before bed, hope yor day turned out well.
ReplyDeletenight
Why is it we moms feel guilty for wanting or needing a break? You deserve that break! I am sure this has been very emotionally draining for you. We're better moms when we get that rest.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for Zhen. I hope he gets acclimated to his new life soon.