Mar

29

Updates

March 29, 2006 |

Things have continued at marathon pace around here. I received the results from L and E’s preschool evaluation. As I mentioned in an earlier post, they would like E to attend class 3 times a week beginning in the fall to work on her “social anxiety” or “extreme shyness” - whichever term you’d like to use. I just have to call and confirm her place in the 4 year old class. L, on the other hand, tested well and there isn’t a spot for her at this time. They would like to re-evaluate her in a year when she is 4 and make sure she is still progressing. The real challenge will be in the fall, trying to explain to L why E is going to preschool and she isn’t. Oh well, all in good time.

My mother went back to the doctor for a follow up after her ER visit. My father explained to the nurse about the “panic attack” diagnosis they received. The nurse chimed in with some information about how panic attacks can wreak havoc on your system and cause all kinds of symptoms but nothing will show up in any tests. Apparently my mom liked this explanation as it places no blame on her. She told the doctor she was willing to continue medication if he could prescribe something that made her less drowsy. He concurred and also prescribed something for “mild depression”.

This is such a huge step for her. She has suffered from depression and anxiety disorder all of her life, in my unprofessional opinion. However she hadn’t sought treatment because she would never admit there was anything wrong. It was as though she felt pursuing treatment would be taking responsibility and her illness would somehow be her fault, something she should have controlled. I’m just glad that she’s getting help now and I hope that everyone will start to feel more like themselves.

My father continues to take on the bulk of the household responsibilities given my mothers weakened state. This has been cutting seriously into the time he normally spends on his land and has hampered his progress gathering sap from the maple trees. Every year my father taps a number of trees on his land and makes maple syrup. He generously supplies family and friends with enough to last the year, free of charge. The weather this week is perfect for sugaring too. Cold and frosty with below freezing temperatures at night and then warm with temperatures in the 50’s-60’s during the day. But my Dad just can’t seem to keep on top of it this year. So my husband volunteered to go up and help him. He left this morning.

This is such a change for my Dad. He doesn’t usually ask for or accept offers of help from others. He likes to do his own thing, his own way. So it was surprising when he emailed us that he would indeed like the assistance. Of course my husband isn’t allowed to drive the tractor to collect the sap, but he will be taught how to run the evaporator. This way the sugaring will continue non-stop and they will eliminate any backlog of sap that would have been created by a heavy sap run. My husband will probably be up there until Friday or Saturday as the temperatures are supposed to reach near 70 by the weekend.

Follow the links below and you can see some pictures of the camp my husband is staying in and the sugar shack. These are from last years sugaring season when the snow was a foot deep. This year there’s only mud to contend with.

The Sugar Shack

The Camp

So I will be on my own again for a few days. Funny how I was looking for a little space from my husband and now have more than I even thought necessary. It’s teaching me just how much I have come to depend on him. Maybe that’s why absence makes the heart grow fonder. Hmm…


Comments

3 Comments so far

  1. mrs. diamond on March 29, 2006 3:29 pm

    It is so good of your husband to go help. :)

  2. Aimz on March 29, 2006 3:51 pm

    Those photos truly show what beautiful countryside you live in. As for your hubby good for him in helping your dad, I’m sure he will be appreciated. He sounds like a good man.

  3. Theresa on March 31, 2006 9:44 am

    I agree with Mrs. Diamond and Aimz. He’s a good guy.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind

← Aging Parents Don’t We Care Anymore? →