Just because it feels like time stands still inside, the fact is that the world outside our safe haven continues on. And the stressors that affect you have not gone anywhere.
The biggest realization of life moving forward was seeing the changes brought about in my son by my NOT being there. For weeks he had been walking, but only holding my hand. Let go and down he went. He just wouldn't do it, much like he wouldn't sign for me.
The first full day Hubby was home P started walking on his own, and all of a sudden would sign "please", "more", "all done". It nearly killed me. Why for someone else and not for me? What did that mean for me? What did it mean regarding my mothering skills. I wasn't there. It hurt. So badly.
And going home? I felt so stable before I left Horsham that I was shocked at the fight I had in front of me. Nothing had been resolved, and that stress was still there. I wasn't prepared for how hard I would have to fight.
Every time I cook, I am faced with a drawer full of knives. My niece's birthday party was chock full of beer. My bottles of meds taunt me. Just because I was doing better, I was NOT better. Not remotely. The fight I have ahead of me is daunting.
Group therapy 3x/week. One-on-one therapy once a week. Clothes that need to be washed. Diapers that need to be washed. The list goes on. Back home it's no longer just about me.
Hubby is dealing with some of the difficult things, financial stuff. He is religiously doing the dishes (I wish I could convey what a miracle this is!).
I speak with T nearly every day. She gets it. I speak with J 2 or 3 times a day based on the phone times in Horsham. I can't wait for him to get out. These people, I need them. More than I did on the inside. I mentioned it before. Who else will understand as much as the people you went through hell with?
As much as I hated the restrictions of Horsham...I miss it. It is safety. 24/7 support. Out here...life goes on without consideration for my illness. Time didn't stand still out here. And things did not miraculously get better. Mary Poppins didn't come and snap her fingers and make it all better.
I still have to fight, fight harder than I ever have before. But I know that. And that's a good step.
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Ah petal, don't hurt yourself thinking why P started to walk and sign in your absence, I think he did it because he HAD to at that point. When you were there all the time, he didn't need to sign to have more food. You knew. Same for walking. It's' nicer to hold mammy's hand you know?
ReplyDeleteAnd of course it's an uphill battle now, so many temptations, but as I said before, you have the support around you, you have the tools. You will get through this. Love, Fran
Forgive me for asking this, as I am rooting on your progress...but how does your hubby react to you writing about other men like you do? (Like when you write about J and your interactions when you were inside).
ReplyDeleteHoping good things for you and your recovery at home.