[BetC]

With all the people with really serious problems, this verges on being trivial, but I'm running on empty and could use some prayers. Within a six week period DH has been diagnosed Type II diabetes, early stage and very treatable cancer, and has been told a knee replacement is imminent. I have been trying to help mom get ready for her move into retirement facility, she has 60 years worth of stuff (I call it trash, but that's beside the point.) I could not get her to make decisions on what to do with it all and even as the movers moved her to the new apartment, all the "stuff" was left behind - all over the place. She is too overwhelmed to deal with it and doesn't want things sorted without knowing what it is and where it is going. The house and not sold and looks like it has been ransacked. My brother helps when he can, but his work schedule prevents this most of the time. I could use some "buck up and get going" prayers. Thank you all so much.

[teecee]

Hi Betty, I don't think your problem verges on being trivial at all. You are dealing with a LOT right now. I'll certainly be sending prayers for you and your family. Please remember to care care of yourself too. Hugs!

[SodScrap]

Ahh...that's a lot to deal with all at the same time Betty!! Sometimes it's just hard to "pull up the boot straps one more time" when you feel like the "list" never shrinks!! I will keep you and your DH in my prayers along with prayers for wisdom and guidance (and strength and time and mental clarity and...) to sort through your Mother's things!! Hang in there! *hugs*

[Florida granny]

Betty, these things are not trivial in the least: they are major life changes! And you are under a lot of stress right now; don't ignore it. I'll be holding good thoughts for you. And I'm glad you reached out.

[Becster]

I agree with all the others before me. This isn't trivial at all! This is a huge task, having been there and done that myself, and watching a dear friend go through the same thing with his mom. Prayers for strength coming your way. Take time to stop and breathe for a bit, don't feel guilty about taking some "me" time because if you're overwhelmed and exhausted then you can't help anyone else.

[PBarnes]

Hugs to you, Betty. Just know that things will settle down eventually. Hang in there.

[ValerieT]

That's a lot to deal with, thoughts and hugs coming your way.

[JenniferZ]

This sounds very overwhelming!!! Take it one step at a time and don't forget that you deserve a rest every now and then! Hang in there!!!!

[April Showers]

Even one of those things can be a LOT to deal with. Thinking of you and wish I was close enough to help sort the stuff. (I know I'm nuts, but I really like helping with things that.) Praying it gets easier for you!

[LaLo1103]

Not silly at all!!! The purple prayer power goes a long way in helping to pull it all together! Praying that you have the strength and endurance for the road ahead!

[Cheri T]

That all sounds quite overwhelming and not trivial in the least. You sound like you are dealing with it all very well (ie stressed, who wouldn't be with all that?!) - In the midst of it all, try to find a few minutes a day to just sit and do NOTHING (unless you want to pray or meditate).

*hugs* Many good thoughts and prayers heading your way.

[mbc72]

Adding my prayers for strength during this busy time.

[Belle]

Your problems are not trivial at all. What a load you have to carry right now. You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

[AnnBK]

Wow, Betty! I got tired just reading about what you are facing. Having recently been in a similar situation, I can tell you that things will eventually get better. Just remember to set aside a little time EVERY day just for you....time reading, time scrapping, time sitting outdoors and listening to the birds, anything as long as it is strictly "Betty" time. Sending big hugs and prayers your way.

[CRS]

Hugs and prayers for you Betty! That is not trivial at all!

[Sherry Lynn]

Betty all of this definitely is NOT trivial --- you have had a lot dealt to you in a very short time AND I can surely understand why you are running on empty, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

[Sara Arell]

Oh, Betty - so not trivial at all - that is so much to manage all at once. Sending prayers and big hugs your way.

[diannecp]

Not trivial at all! That's a lot to deal with at any time, let alone all at once. Praying for strength and encouragement for you.

[Smiles]

Betty, your situation sounds like it could easily be a fast track to caregiver burnout if you are not careful. Please remember, "Self Care is Not Selfish." I recommend that as your mantra. I got a wonderful "prescription" from my doctor for caregiver burnout, which I highly recommend - Take some time for yourself each day. Do something creative once a day. Spend time with uplifting friends once a week. Get away, even for a day, once a month. The more closely I follow it, the better I do. We can rally ourselves for a crisis, but when it goes on for months and years, we need a better strategy. I hope you have a good network of supportive friends. I had a hard time learning to ask for help, and it's still not easy, but it's essential.

May angels of strength and wisdom guide you through this challenge.

[BetC]

Thanks you all so much for you wonderful, caring words and advice. I didn't realize how emotionally exhausted I was. Your kindness brought tears to my eyes - good cleansing ones. I do appreciate you all so much!
Betty

[jenrou]

Smiles, on 13 September 2012 - 03:53 PM, said:

Betty, your situation sounds like it could easily be a fast track to caregiver burnout if you are not careful. Please remember, "Self Care is Not Selfish." I recommend that as your mantra. I got a wonderful "prescription" from my doctor for caregiver burnout, which I highly recommend - Take some time for yourself each day. Do something creative once a day. Spend time with uplifting friends once a week. Get away, even for a day, once a month. The more closely I follow it, the better I do. We can rally ourselves for a crisis, but when it goes on for months and years, we need a better strategy. I hope you have a good network of supportive friends. I had a hard time learning to ask for help, and it's still not easy, but it's essential.

May angels of strength and wisdom guide you through this challenge.

I agree with what Smiles said. Take care of yourself first, otherwise you can't take care of others. This is not trivial, and I wish I could help you. I've had to go through something similar with my Mother. It's not easy! I've been thinking of you, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Talk to us now and then. sometimes it helps to just get it out, like you did today. We are your friends.

[Jo Corne]

your situation is not trivial at all Betty, and I am just so glad you had somewhere where you could unload and receive lots of love and support back, that is what makes SG so very special.

hang in there, cry when you need to and come and unload on us anytime

one step at a time, one day at a time

[tinkerbell11]

It sounds like you have so much on your plate, I will pray for you to find some peace and the courage to push through all of it. Hugs .

[AggieB]

That sounds like a huge weight! I'll add my prayer for you and do take some of the great advice above. Take care.

[BarbaraC1977]

That sounds like a lot of important things to handle. Try to be gentle on yourself, and rest in our prayers. God be with you, Betsy.

[DixieLee]

May the Lord give you strength, wisdom and friends who can clean the stuff and just box it up! I was so overwhelmed by my mom's hoarded mountains that we hauled 14 tons to the trash and finally rented the farm to a young coulple to shovel out the rest--they get free rent for a year. And may the Lord keep sending you reminders that He loves you and will get you through this and heal your husband. God is so good. Bless you dear!

[Scrappin_LYB]

I have to agree with April -- wish I could come help because I'm good at that!. Went through this SAME overwhelming sitution. Definitely tests coping skills!!

I can't add anything that hasn't been already said except prayers and peace for you...!

[Nica]

Betty, remember nothing is too big, or too small, for God. If it's on your heart, God wants to know. Saying a quick prayer for you and your family. **hugs**

[Jane in N.Z]

Never feel funny about asking for prayer and you certainly deserve it what a lot you have on your plate at the moment I remember moving my MIL into a retirement rest home and it was horendous sorting through all her stuff.
Prayers coming your way

[B&K Mom]

Praying for you right now, Betty. What a load you have right. Rest in the hand of the Lord.

"Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you." Psalm 55:22.