So how's everyone doing?

[ronandannette]

I literally just opened this forum wanting to ”talk” to someone today. I didn’t know it was Bell “Let’s Talk” day but I’m so glad you started this post !!...

I think the last two years have just been hard for us all in one way or another. I feel like everyone I talk to is either angry or sad or exhausted. I did call my doctor to talk about counselling options as my anxiety was getting out of control and I wasn’t sleeping well… the waiting list for covered services was 8 months. So that’s a pretty good indication that we are all struggling one way or another. I feel weird sharing that , but I shouldn’t. I‘ll leave that in there so anyone else who is reading and is struggling right now knows they aren’t alone. I’ve got a great support system and I will be ok, but winter is dragging and I’m having to try very hard to stay positive sometimes. I think we all are.

Thank you for the check in ! Ok next poster … how are you?

This is so true - to an extent that's literally incomprehensible to those of us who were previously unaware. Our entire world rocked last March when our young adult son, seemingly out of nowhere, went into delusional psychosis during Reading Week. He was hospitalized and given a preliminary diagnosis of bi-polar disorder but due to overwhelming demand for the bed, he was discharged with a bag of pills and "good luck"; put on an indefinite wait-list for follow-up. We've been frantically trying to access meaningful treatment for him ever since. Although his mood has stabilized and he's safe, we fear he's currently over-medicated. It's being managed by our family doctor who admits being poorly-equipped to do so and he desperately needs the care of a psychiatrist, but they're basically unicorns here in Alberta. He is languishing; he's just so, so stuck. Unable to return to school, not able to get a job, zero finances and living a lifestyle with us basically the same as he did when he was 14 years old. We're carrying his car insurance, cell phone and now that he's aged out of our insurance, the full cost of his meds. It's a strain and a blow to his dignity, not to mention a huge struggle for all of us trying to hold healthy(ish) boundaries.

On the other side of the coin is my DSister. She lost her husband unexpectedly this fall and packed up her entire life in our hometown and moved in with us. In grief, her chronic alcoholism reached a crisis point. She agreed to seek help and being financially very flush, was admitted into a well respected private in-patient program within 24 hours of applying. $1,000/day; $50,000 due up-front. This happened two weeks ago and she seems to be doing well. We are on the edge of our seats hoping she can achieve recovery because it is a condition of her continuing to live with us. The two months she was here and drinking were so difficult for all of us it really defies description. We can't and won't live like that.

So, while I'm not depressed, I'm certainly heart-sick and so weary of situations that just don't seem to be resolving themselves. We believe in God and He's been faithful to sustain us but every day we pray it will be the last until we see a breakthrough. Grace and peace to all of you who are walking your own difficult roads.

 

[ronandannette]

I also don’t want to be a thread killer, ..

Never. Your willingness to share your heart here has helped so many, and I know that comes at a cost to you. Thank you on behalf of all of us.

 

[bababear_50]

This is so true - to an extent that's literally incomprehensible to those of us who were previously unaware. Our entire world rocked last March when our young adult son, seemingly out of nowhere, went into delusional psychosis during Reading Week. He was hospitalized and given a preliminary diagnosis of bi-polar disorder but due to overwhelming demand for the bed, he was discharged with a bag of pills and "good luck"; put on an indefinite wait-list for follow-up. We've been frantically trying to access meaningful treatment for him ever since. Although his mood has stabilized and he's safe, we fear he's currently over-medicated. It's being managed by our family doctor who admits being poorly-equipped to do so and he desperately needs the care of a psychiatrist, but they're basically unicorns here in Alberta. He is languishing; he's just so, so stuck. Unable to return to school, not able to get a job, zero finances and living a lifestyle with us basically the same as he did when he was 14 years old. We're carrying his car insurance, cell phone and now that he's aged out of our insurance, the full cost of his meds. It's a strain and a blow to his dignity, not to mention a huge struggle for all of us trying to hold healthy(ish) boundaries.

On the other side of the coin is my DSister. She lost her husband unexpectedly this fall and packed up her entire life in our hometown and moved in with us. In grief, her chronic alcoholism reached a crisis point. She agreed to seek help and being financially very flush, was admitted into a well respected private in-patient program within 24 hours of applying. $1,000/day; $50,000 due up-front. This happened two weeks ago and she seems to be doing well. We are on the edge of our seats hoping she can achieve recovery because it is a condition of her continuing to live with us. The two months she was here and drinking were so difficult for all of us it really defies description. We can't and won't live like that.

So, while I'm not depressed, I'm certainly heart-sick and so weary of situations that just don't seem to be resolving themselves. We believe in God and He's been faithful to sustain us but every day we pray it will be the last until we see a breakthrough. Grace and peace to all of you who are walking your own difficult roads.

Hi Hon
My sister is going through a similar situation with my nephew , he is in his early 20's. Over the past couple of years he has been in and out of our community hospital a couple of times.
I'm in Ontario so the services here are a bit easier to obtain but having a strong family support is super important.
My sister found a therapist who agreed to do family therapy (nephew has no Insurance).
My nephew has peer group meets at the local hospital ever few days. She says the peer group probably helps him the most. He is starting to talk about not being interested in school anymore (he was in College) but maybe getting a job. My sister and brother inlaw are in the same situation ,,,paying for all his needs.
I told her to contact any powers that be and maybe they can start a parents group.

My youngest son is going through a horrible marital separation right now,,, it started 6 months ago ,,,,,,,,I honestly thought
he might not make it through this.............................................., yeah my emotions have been ,,,,, just plain scared to death.
So far with a lot of therapy and love he seems to be doing ok BUT I worry all the same.
I will say that my son's 3 male friends and their wives have really stepped up to the plate and been there for my son.


This week I did something for ME ,,,, I took 3 days off work ,,,just need to refill my bucket and after 27 years in my job I don't feel a drop of guilt. Remember to take time for YOU!

Hugs Hon
Mel

 

[ronandannette]

Hi Hon
My sister is going through a similar situation with my nephew , he is in his early 20's. Over the past couple of years he has been in and out of our community hospital a couple of times.
I'm in Ontario so the services here are a bit easier to obtain but having a strong family support is super important.
My sister found a therapist who agreed to do family therapy (nephew has no Insurance).
My nephew has peer group meets at the local hospital ever few days. She says the peer group probably helps him the most. He is starting to talk about not being interested in school anymore (he was in College) but maybe getting a job. My sister and brother inlaw are in the same situation ,,,paying for all his needs.
I told her to contact any powers that be and maybe they can start a parents group.

My youngest son is going through a horrible marital separation right now,,, it started 6 months ago ,,,,,,,,I honestly thought
he might not make it through this.............................................., yeah my emotions have been ,,,,, just plain scared to death.
So far with a lot of therapy and love he seems to be doing ok BUT I worry all the same.

This week I did something for ME ,,,, I took 3 days off work ,,,just need to refill my bucket and after 27 years in my job I don't feel a drop of guilt. Remember to take time for YOU!

Hugs Hon
Mel

Thank you for your kind reply. I'm sorry to hear about your son; age-and-stage does little to really detach them from our hearts, does it? I'm headed to a Cuban AI without DH (God willing) in February. Although I'm not shy, I'm truly an introvert by temperament and the only way I recharge is when I know nobody needs, wants or expects anything from me. Yay for 7 days on my own!!

 

[Pumpkin1172]

I lost my daughter to suicide in October 2017. It’s still hard to even type it, she will be forever 18. My son, my raison d’être will be 26 in March, still at home, and that is Fine with us. He took a path that shocked us after his sister, and went into medicine, so it was late, he is in for a few more years, but he is the best person I know. I’m very proud of him!
We did go to Florida (minus my son) over Xmas and New Years. We do not celebrate anymore, and it is seems to be the only way to get through the holidays. We did not last year, and I’m not sure how we did it.
I am an emergency response dispatcher, and have my moments at work, which is WFH now. It is starting to slow down, but the past month was insanity. My husband works for himself in renovations, he was hospitalized with Covid in the first wave, still giving me PTSD, well I have PTSD from a few things.
I also love to walk, but I despise this weather and just can’t do It.
We are discussing going back to Florida in March or April

I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. We have had suicide in our family as well, and this past year have had 2 different friends also take their own lives. My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't even imagine the PTSD you must have from all the traumatic events in your life. That's a pretty large load to have on your shoulders.

This is so true - to an extent that's literally incomprehensible to those of us who were previously unaware. Our entire world rocked last March when our young adult son, seemingly out of nowhere, went into delusional psychosis during Reading Week. He was hospitalized and given a preliminary diagnosis of bi-polar disorder but due to overwhelming demand for the bed, he was discharged with a bag of pills and "good luck"; put on an indefinite wait-list for follow-up. We've been frantically trying to access meaningful treatment for him ever since. Although his mood has stabilized and he's safe, we fear he's currently over-medicated. It's being managed by our family doctor who admits being poorly-equipped to do so and he desperately needs the care of a psychiatrist, but they're basically unicorns here in Alberta. He is languishing; he's just so, so stuck. Unable to return to school, not able to get a job, zero finances and living a lifestyle with us basically the same as he did when he was 14 years old. We're carrying his car insurance, cell phone and now that he's aged out of our insurance, the full cost of his meds. It's a strain and a blow to his dignity, not to mention a huge struggle for all of us trying to hold healthy(ish) boundaries.

On the other side of the coin is my DSister. She lost her husband unexpectedly this fall and packed up her entire life in our hometown and moved in with us. In grief, her chronic alcoholism reached a crisis point. She agreed to seek help and being financially very flush, was admitted into a well respected private in-patient program within 24 hours of applying. $1,000/day; $50,000 due up-front. This happened two weeks ago and she seems to be doing well. We are on the edge of our seats hoping she can achieve recovery because it is a condition of her continuing to live with us. The two months she was here and drinking were so difficult for all of us it really defies description. We can't and won't live like that.

I can totally relate, as our dd did the same thing. That was 6 yrs ago now. It was a long road and struggle for her. She is doing good now, married with a daughter. We all check in, and watch for warning signs that things are starting to go sideways again. But for today, she is stable. She did have trouble at the beginning of covid with a newborn, and we were lucky to get the right help at the right time for her.

As for your dsister. That is another whole can of worms. I hope your sister can find the strength to keep moving forward...one day at a time.

Nothing anyone is going through is easy. All we can do is help one another through.

 

[bababear_50]

Thank you for your kind reply. I'm sorry to hear about your son; age-and-stage does little to really detach them from our hearts, does it? I'm headed to a Cuban AI without DH (God willing) in February. Although I'm not shy, I'm truly an introvert by temperament and the only way I recharge is when I know nobody needs, wants or expects anything from me. Yay for 7 days on my own!!

I hope you are able to get away and really recharge Hon.
My middle son and youngest are headed for a weekend away soon and they asked me to come along with them..... my response was *I love yah both but I NEED a break from you guys ! lol

Have an awesome time.
Hugs Mel

 

[mommasita]

Never. Your willingness to share your heart here has helped so many, and I know that comes at a cost to you. Thank you on behalf of all of us.

Thank you. I never knew you were going through so much. My heart aches for you and especially for your son. I pray that he can get a good psych Dr, one that
really help him. Discharged with a bag of pills is horrifying. I think it is so much harder now, I wish it wasn’t. For me I was fortunate that way, I walked in after my dad passed and my father in law (months after my dtr), and said I need help here and now. Today it may not be the same. I will keep you all in my prayers.

I hope you get your vacation in (you should ) as it does so much good , even if it’s a temp thingl ❤

 

[mommasita]

Mel and @Pumpkin1172, I am sorry for hearing about both your children. This is a different world we live in, nobody will conVince me otherwise. I will keep all our families in my thoughts and prayers.

And Mel, good for you for taking a few days off. You more than deserve them. ❤
I hope I didn’t miss anyone, I can’t sleep so I’m ordering black silverware . Anyone have that ? I like the look, the change. I ordered sets from Amazon, but meh I’m not sure about them, so I went on Canadian tire just before the flyer ended, and they had sets from 159 to 49, so I ordered 2, will pick them up after work to see. I’m clearly bored

 

[ronandannette]

Thank you. I never knew you were going through so much. My heart aches for you and especially for your son. I pray that he can get a good psych Dr, one that
really help him. Discharged with a bag of pills is horrifying. I think it is so much harder now, I wish it wasn’t. For me I was fortunate that way, I walked in after my dad passed and my father in law (months after my dry), and said I need help here and now. Today it may not be the same. I will keep you all in my prayers.

I hope you get your vacation in (you should ) as it does so much good , even if it’s a temp thingl ❤

We are really on the thin edge of the wedge but it's all related to the overwhelming effects of Covid on the health-care system, of which mental-health care is part. And it's hard to even be angry. Time after time we've been told by various agencies that there is simply no resources available for those that aren't addicted or suicidal - everyone is triaged this way and anyone who isn't an immediate danger to themselves or someone else is wait-listed indefinitely. Knowing the extreme distress of some, it's hard to argue they shouldn't be cared for first. Death by suicide and opioid overdose (either accidental or intentional) has exponentially increased across this country in the past 22 months.

 

[mommasita]

We are really on the thin edge of the wedge but it's all related to the overwhelming effects of Covid on the health-care system, of which mental-health care is part. And it's hard to even be angry. Time after time we've been told by various agencies that there is simply no resources available for those that aren't addicted or suicidal - everyone is triaged this way and anyone who isn't an immediate danger to themselves or someone else is wait-listed indefinitely. Knowing the extreme distress of some, it's hard to argue they shouldn't be cared for first. Death by suicide and opioid overdose (either accidental or intentional) has exponentially increased across this country in the past 22 months.

I totally agree. Very hard to be angry, but every time I read or hear about someone else taking their own life, it takes another piece out of me. It’s everywhere now.
Suicide calls for us used to be quite low, now it’s 1/2 of the domestic calls. This is unacceptable. Mental health needs more than a Bell let’s talk day.

 

[hdrolfe]

I really appreciate you all sharing your stories of your adult children, I know it can't be easy. My son is only 12 but has ADHD and when he finally agreed to talk to someone it took a couple months to find a psychologist, by then he'd changed his mind. And if you know any kids with ADHD, he can't be made to do anything. So now I talk to her and try to apply things, but of course it is not nearly the same. I worry about him a lot because of all of it. Add in this disaster of a school year, and the past couple years as well, it's all a big mess. We are just trying to get by, day by day. Someday, we'll be through this and able to get back to travel and spending time with family and friends again. Hopefully sooner than later.

 

[TropicalDIS]

Great idea to start this thread, thank you. We all need someone to talk to, a place to get things off our chest, and a forum like this is as good as any.

I'm generally a very happy, laid back person. I have my issues, but I'm usually not one to discuss them, share with others, and keep it to myself. It's been an up and down 2 years since Covid started. Got married in 2019, which was amazing, best day of my life. Then in 2020, 2 months after Covid-19 started, we lost my father-in-law unexpectedly, and that really hit my wife hard. She is still struggling with it. She goes through waves of sadness, and I try my best to be there for her, and stay strong, but it isn't easy. I think part of the issue is that her brother didn't handle it well at all, and my wife had to be strong for him, so she locked away her grief for the first few months, until she was able to let it out.

We bought our first home last year, which is/was very exciting, and it's nice to have so much more space. We did move further away from my parents, which has been tough because my mom has alzheimers/dementia. She had it before Covid, but it has gotten so much worse in the last 2 years. She's still happy and physically fine, but can no longer hold a conversation, and her short-term memory is essentially non-existent. It breaks my heart every day, because she used to be a social butterfly, and just the nicest person in the world. She can't remember things she used to enjoy, trips we took, and for me to be unable to have a conversation with my mom, it really upsets me. It is also a lot of stress on my Dad. He doesn't complain, but it cannot be easy, and he is not getting any younger either. My Dad does have someone coming in once a week, so he can have a bit of a break, and go out for a walk or to the shops on his own. Maybe she would have been this bad anyways, but I really believe that being cooped up inside, being unable to do so many of the things my parents used to do, has sped up her decline. I'm sure other people here have been through it, but it's painful to see someone who you used to rely on for support, love, and inspiration, start to go downhill, and they have to rely on you or other people to make it through the week. Not fun whatsoever.

Thanks again for this thread, and my heart goes out to each and everyone who posted. I have read all your posts, and I feel for all of you, and I hope, in some way, things improve. Have a good day everybody.

 

[TropicalDIS]

Hi there , I struggled with responding, but here goes.
First off, to everyone struggling with any type of depression, be it large or small, if you ever find yourself in a place where you feel you need to seek help, please seek it. This is the Canadian suicide Prevention line 833-456-4566, any language, 24/7. if you need to, call 911.
It hurts the heart to read about so many hurting right now, but I’m glad to read those who have, and are in the process of receiving help.
I lost my daughter to suicide in October 2017. It’s still hard to even type it, she will be forever 18. My son, my raison d’être will be 26 in March, still at home, and that is Fine with us. He took a path that shocked us after his sister, and went into medicine, so it was late, he is in for a few more years, but he is the best person I know. I’m very proud of him!
We did go to Florida (minus my son) over Xmas and New Years. We do not celebrate anymore, and it is seems to be the only way to get through the holidays. We did not last year, and I’m not sure how we did it.
I am an emergency response dispatcher, and have my moments at work, which is WFH now. It is starting to slow down, but the past month was insanity. My husband works for himself in renovations, he was hospitalized with Covid in the first wave, still giving me PTSD, well I have PTSD from a few things.
I also love to walk, but I despise this weather and just can’t do It.
We are discussing going back to Florida in March or April

Hi Mommasita,

It hurts to read your post, and I am so sorry for what you have gone through. It isn't fair. That is great to read about your son doing so well, and you have every reason to be proud of him.

Your job can't be an easy one, so kudos to you for doing that. I hope your husband is doing okay now.

I also hate this weather. I was sick of the cold and the snow weeks ago.

I hope you get back to Florida in March or April, as it will be good to get away, and get some warmer weather in.

Take care of yourself.

 

[ronandannette]

Great idea to start this thread, thank you. We all need someone to talk to, a place to get things off our chest, and a forum like this is as good as any.

I'm generally a very happy, laid back person. I have my issues, but I'm usually not one to discuss them, share with others, and keep it to myself. It's been an up and down 2 years since Covid started. Got married in 2019, which was amazing, best day of my life. Then in 2020, 2 months after Covid-19 started, we lost my father-in-law unexpectedly, and that really hit my wife hard. She is still struggling with it. She goes through waves of sadness, and I try my best to be there for her, and stay strong, but it isn't easy. I think part of the issue is that her brother didn't handle it well at all, and my wife had to be strong for him, so she locked away her grief for the first few months, until she was able to let it out.

We bought our first home last year, which is/was very exciting, and it's nice to have so much more space. We did move further away from my parents, which has been tough because my mom has alzheimers/dementia. She had it before Covid, but it has gotten so much worse in the last 2 years. She's still happy and physically fine, but can no longer hold a conversation, and her short-term memory is essentially non-existent. It breaks my heart every day, because she used to be a social butterfly, and just the nicest person in the world. She can't remember things she used to enjoy, trips we took, and for me to be unable to have a conversation with my mom, it really upsets me. It is also a lot of stress on my Dad. He doesn't complain, but it cannot be easy, and he is not getting any younger either. My Dad does have someone coming in once a week, so he can have a bit of a break, and go out for a walk or to the shops on his own. Maybe she would have been this bad anyways, but I really believe that being cooped up inside, being unable to do so many of the things my parents used to do, has sped up her decline. I'm sure other people here have been through it, but it's painful to see someone who you used to rely on for support, love, and inspiration, start to go downhill, and they have to rely on you or other people to make it through the week. Not fun whatsoever.

Thanks again for this thread, and my heart goes out to each and everyone who posted. I have read all your posts, and I feel for all of you, and I hope, in some way, things improve. Have a good day everybody.

So many things you are contending with - I hear your weary heart. Your wife is grieving a loss; perhaps the first major loss of a loved one in her life and it comes as a shock to most people that it is simply not a straight-line process. It comes in unpredictable waves and will continue to do so, literally forever. It’s a difficult thing to watch someone we love be in pain, wanting so badly to help but there really is no fix, beyond your patient presence and comfort in the moment.

And you are in your own grieving process for your Mom, who is mostly gone but yet still here and any of us who have gone through it know it’s exquisitely painful. The process may also be much longer than you can fathom so please make sure you have someone you can talk to about it, vent and express yourself to, and consult professional sources to inform you and prepare you for what’s happening. There will be many thoughts and feeling that are so dark you surprise yourself - that’s normal. Allow yourself to feel your feelings without reproach and take it day-by-day.

Grace and peace.

 

[TropicalDIS]

So many things you are contending with - I hear your weary heart. Your wife is grieving a loss; perhaps the first major loss of a loved one in her life and it comes as a shock to most people that it is simply not a straight-line process. It comes in unpredictable waves and will continue to do so, literally forever. It’s a difficult thing to watch someone we love be in pain, wanting so badly to help but there really is no fix, beyond your patient presence and comfort in the moment.

And you are in your own grieving process for your Mom, who is mostly gone but yet still here and any of us who have gone through it know it’s exquisitely painful. The process may also be much longer than you can fathom so please make sure you have someone you can talk to about it, vent and express yourself to, and consult professional sources to inform you and prepare you for what’s happening. There will be many thoughts and feeling that are so dark you surprise yourself - that’s normal. Allow yourself to feel your feelings without reproach and take it day-by-day.

Grace and peace.

Thank you very much for this reply. So much kindness in there. It is very much appreciated.

 

[TropicalDIS]

This is so true - to an extent that's literally incomprehensible to those of us who were previously unaware. Our entire world rocked last March when our young adult son, seemingly out of nowhere, went into delusional psychosis during Reading Week. He was hospitalized and given a preliminary diagnosis of bi-polar disorder but due to overwhelming demand for the bed, he was discharged with a bag of pills and "good luck"; put on an indefinite wait-list for follow-up. We've been frantically trying to access meaningful treatment for him ever since. Although his mood has stabilized and he's safe, we fear he's currently over-medicated. It's being managed by our family doctor who admits being poorly-equipped to do so and he desperately needs the care of a psychiatrist, but they're basically unicorns here in Alberta. He is languishing; he's just so, so stuck. Unable to return to school, not able to get a job, zero finances and living a lifestyle with us basically the same as he did when he was 14 years old. We're carrying his car insurance, cell phone and now that he's aged out of our insurance, the full cost of his meds. It's a strain and a blow to his dignity, not to mention a huge struggle for all of us trying to hold healthy(ish) boundaries.

On the other side of the coin is my DSister. She lost her husband unexpectedly this fall and packed up her entire life in our hometown and moved in with us. In grief, her chronic alcoholism reached a crisis point. She agreed to seek help and being financially very flush, was admitted into a well respected private in-patient program within 24 hours of applying. $1,000/day; $50,000 due up-front. This happened two weeks ago and she seems to be doing well. We are on the edge of our seats hoping she can achieve recovery because it is a condition of her continuing to live with us. The two months she was here and drinking were so difficult for all of us it really defies description. We can't and won't live like that.

So, while I'm not depressed, I'm certainly heart-sick and so weary of situations that just don't seem to be resolving themselves. We believe in God and He's been faithful to sustain us but every day we pray it will be the last until we see a breakthrough. Grace and peace to all of you who are walking your own difficult roads.

I'm sorry that my reply to your troubles will not be as good as your reply to my own, but I wanted to post something.

Thank you for sharing all this, it can't be easy. There is a lot going on, most of it inside your own home ,and that's tough, as you and your spouse have your own lives to live as well, and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. I am sorry to hear about your son. I do hope that your does get into see someone better qualified than your family doctor and that it isn't too much longer of a wait.

Can't be easy with your Sister either. She has just gone through a tremendous, unexpected loss, and I'm sure her entire world just collapsed around her. Good of you to take her in, but as well to be firm that this program she is in must work for her to continue to live with you. As I said earlier, you have your own life to live as well.

I understand being hear-sick, and weary, and just hope that as the winter passes (sooner rather than later I hope), and we get to spring, that things improve for you, and you start to see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.

All the best.

 

[AdamsMum]

The depth and sincerity of response to this thread has really touched my heart. It isn't until you reach out to people that you realize the very real struggles that others are having. I wish all of you well, and hope you all have positive resolutions in the future. I for one am very grateful for all I have in my life that's good, and the good in my life is considerable.
Best wishes to all of you.

 

[samsteele]

I'm doing pretty well. I've had some big challenges in my work/career over the past years and some health scares in years past so all of that has helped me put many things in perspective (if only for my little self) and to find some balance and look to the future. I'm also very fortunate that I like the winter, don't hate the cold, and live in a small house where I have a little yard and can get outside for fresh air and a walk. Even if, like the OP, I have to crawl along or put on my ice grips to make the block.

In many ways, I'm glad that I didn't know how long the pandemic would last. Like so many, I thought a few weeks, maybe a few months at worst, and life would be back to normal. Would have been very, very difficult for me in those first few weeks to wrap my brain around years of pandemic struggle and change.

Like so many on the Boards, I loved planning my annual vacation to WDW and enjoyed the planning and process as much as the actual trip. With so many changes in the parks since covid began, and those changes constantly evolving, I had dropped any idea of planning out a future trip. But I'm finding that to be as much of a struggle and a loss as not physically getting to go. Think I'll spend some time in the next few weeks planning 'on paper' 1) a WDW fall trip and 2) a Universal fall trip. I'm keen to compare and contrast the two esp price and what is there that still appeals to me. I'm packing away what was esp at WDW and focusing on what is there or is likely to still be there for a future trip. I'm coming around to the idea that planning isn't a waste of time, despite the almost daily changes at WDW, but is 1) a mental and emotional boost and 2) will always have some practical trip elements that will be useful for future travel. While I'm hopeful for an Orlando fall trip, I'm not certain it will happen. But if it doesn't happen this year, it will happen the next and I've made my peace with that. So don't be afraid to plan and dream of a return trip!

 

[bababear_50]

I'm doing pretty well. I've had some big challenges in my work/career over the past years and some health scares in years past so all of that has helped me put many things in perspective (if only for my little self) and to find some balance and look to the future. I'm also very fortunate that I like the winter, don't hate the cold, and live in a small house where I have a little yard and can get outside for fresh air and a walk. Even if, like the OP, I have to crawl along or put on my ice grips to make the block.

In many ways, I'm glad that I didn't know how long the pandemic would last. Like so many, I thought a few weeks, maybe a few months at worst, and life would be back to normal. Would have been very, very difficult for me in those first few weeks to wrap my brain around years of pandemic struggle and change.

Like so many on the Boards, I loved planning my annual vacation to WDW and enjoyed the planning and process as much as the actual trip. With so many changes in the parks since covid began, and those changes constantly evolving, I had dropped any idea of planning out a future trip. But I'm finding that to be as much of a struggle and a loss as not physically getting to go. Think I'll spend some time in the next few weeks planning 'on paper' 1) a WDW fall trip and 2) a Universal fall trip. I'm keen to compare and contrast the two esp price and what is there that still appeals to me. I'm packing away what was esp at WDW and focusing on what is there or is likely to still be there for a future trip. I'm coming around to the idea that planning isn't a waste of time, despite the almost daily changes at WDW, but is 1) a mental and emotional boost and 2) will always have some practical trip elements that will be useful for future travel. While I'm hopeful for an Orlando fall trip, I'm not certain it will happen. But if it doesn't happen this year, it will happen the next and I've made my peace with that. So don't be afraid to plan and dream of a return trip!

I'm with you here,,
I am doing some resort videos and menu checks for both Disney & Universal.
I have narrowed it down to 4 resorts and am kind of stalking the Airmiles Travel site.
It definitely makes the winter months move along faster.
Keep dreaming & planning. We will get back there.

Hugs Mel

 

[Donald - my hero]

this entire thread is the true essence of Bell Let's Talk Day! I've never been quiet about that fact that I deal with a mental illness, I openly discuss it in conversation the same way I talk about the other parts of my life. I'm many things but I consider my willingness to lay myself bare over what's usually shrouded in shame, spoken of in only whispers behind closed doors and referred to in negative terms in the media as my gift to others who struggle. By continuing to share our stories we are allowing others to see that they aren't alone.

I love how there haven't been any posts that are full of the trite suggestions "think happy thoughts" or the one that cuts me deep "but others have worse problems than you". Everyone is openly sharing personal heartache and that's so encouraging for me to know we've found a safe haven with each other.

for those who've mentioned troubles with your adult children I hear you, i understand you and sadly walk that road Hand in hand with you. When ontario entered the tight shut down in April 2021 our daughter's wife put the knife down she was using to prepare supper, turned around and walked out, ending a 6 year marriage and 10 year relationship. So in the middle of a lockdown we had to find a divorce lawyer, sell a house they had just bought, find new place for our daughter to live and try to keep her alive! That's an ongoing battle that we've fought for most of her life, she's been dealt a crap hand. She's getting better but really struggling without her person.

for those dealing with the other end of the life spectrum, I'm on that road as well! My dad was admitted to a long term care facility just before Covid hit and he wasn't happy about that at all! He's been ill for a decade but I was blindsided with a call last Monday that he had died, we'll never truly know why but I discovered he had tested positive and the funeral parlour had been contacted 6 weeks ago because he was really failing quickly. I was the secondary contact but obviously out of the loop with everyone, sigh. Eventually I'll get a chance to grieve but currently helping our kids deal with the fact that my family didn't give them the choice to say goodbye. My mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the summer and that coupled with the isolation from COVID-19 has led to confusing conversations and a ton of anger on her part. It's hard to watch a vibrant woman slip and become bitter.

I'm beyond fortunate to have married my best friend, he has stood by my side for over 40 years now and we've only grown closer over the past 2 + years. I also have a wonderful psychiatrist I can still see virtually every week and I'm aware of how blessed I am to have that care. But life is still very hard and bleak right now. My self care involves my pandemic cat who has learned to help me settle (last week my fitbit thought I'd fallen asleep when she crawled onto my chest and wouldn't let me move ), sitting in front of one of our only windows most days and a bunch of just being still. Dishes and laundry will wait