I have had my MIL here at our house for the past week and 1/2. I enjoy her company and I get along with her really well. I admire her because, after all, she gave birth to the man I married and because she has had many health problems and has always managed to get through life by being independent, self-sufficient, and strong, and relying mostly in her faith.

She came here last week because her knee gave out on her and she lives on the upper floor of an apartment building. She lives in a different town about an hour away from us, and I have made 3 trips there in the last week- one to get her and bring her to our house, the next to take her to church and get some more stuff we forgot from her appartment, and the last to take her to the orthopaedic doctor. It turns out she has degenerative arthritis in her knee. So at least now we know it wasn't an injury and she can walk on it if she needs to as long as it doesn't hurt too much. She will quit her job (she was semi-retired anyway) and move to a bottom floor apartment, and until then I will go see her once a week or so to get her groceries and do her laundry.

It's just that it will be nice to get back to normal around here. Dh works nights, so I don't cook all that much for just ds and me, and lately I have been cooking 2 full meals each day for the past week, including washing dishes, and doing at least 2 loads of laundry every 2 days. I have spent an extra $80 for groceries this week, despite that MIL gave us her milk and eggs from her appartment since they would spoil otherwise. Before she went to the Orthopaedic doctor, I was waiting on her hand and foot becuase she was told to stay off of it totally until she saw the doctor. It's hard to watch TV or read or go on the internet becuase she talks SO MUCH (Well, she does live alone and needs the conversation and I have been very patient and polite with her.) She goes home tomorrow, and she is really looking forward to being "independent" again. *WHEW*

Just had to get that off my chest. I don't want to complain, because I love her and I know it is our responsibility to care for her. But it has been a long week.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 06:44 pm:

I can just imagine! Look at it this way - at least you don't work outside the home! That really would have been hard on you.

Hopefully things will get back to normal for you in the next couple of days.

By Emily7 on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 07:12 pm:

You have been a very good DIL. I am glad things will get back to normal for you soon. Thankfully it was a condition that would have kept her off her feet longer.

By Mommyathome on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 07:44 pm:

That is sweet of you to care for your MIL that way. She is lucky to have you.

By Wandilu on Friday, October 1, 2004 - 08:54 pm:

I know it's been rough,but I'm sure your mil feels very safe and loved since you took such good care of her.As I get older,I see how important that is.

By Feonad on Saturday, October 2, 2004 - 07:03 am:

Good for you. You did good! You can be proud of yourself for this.

By Pamt on Saturday, October 2, 2004 - 10:46 am:

I know you will be glad to have your household back to normal, but what a wonderful thing you have done for your MIL. She must be very proud to have you in the family!

By Dana on Saturday, October 2, 2004 - 11:25 am:

I just have to agree with the others. You are doing a wonderful job of caring for your MIL. I'm sure it is rough on all of you. I bet she can't wait to get home either. I just hate the feeling of not being able to get things done by myself and watching others have so much extra to do.

I'm sure she will cherish the love you have shown her.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, October 2, 2004 - 05:33 pm:

You are building your angel wings, feather by feather. And providing a model for your children of what families do when a family member needs help.

By Cocoabutter on Sunday, October 3, 2004 - 03:30 am:

I am so touched by what you all have said. I am in tears. I know she appreciates all the effort, but I hadn't thought of how this was impacting my son. When I read your post, Ginny, I recalled that when we got ready to leave yesterday (after we took her home and helped her get unpacked and relaxed a while), my son, for the first time, went up to her on his own and gave her a goodbye hug without even being asked for one, and he said he would miss her. *sigh*

So, today I cleaned the house (dusting, floors, bathroom, etc.) I didn't want to do it when she was here because I wanted to keep the house atmoshere as relaxed as I could. She didn't sleep at all Thursday night cuz she caught a cold Wednesday night when the temp here dropped into the low 40's and she sleeps with a fan on. So I just did the dishes and laundry until today.

I got her set up with all the cold meds and goodies before we left. We got her her own pair of crutches just incase she needs them, I got her a rubber bathmat and I gave her my step stool, which is what she was using at my house to sit on in the shower. (A stool for that purpose in a medical supply store cost $70!)*gasp* And I got her some more groceries before we left. So, I think she should be set for a while. But I'll check in on her anyway.

Thanks again for all your kind words!