So how's everyone doing?

[mommasita]

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.

Thank you, I hesitated posting. I’ve gone through a lot, and I never post for sympathy. In fact, I hate it, so I tend to run away or not post more often than not. Kind of like real life eh. But I felt you straight from the heart, and thank you

I am sorry on the loss of your FIL, I think you are most probably right about your wife holding her grief due to her brother. I hope she can grief, it’s a huge loss a parent, and just when you think you “may” be turning a corner, one tiny thing can make us realize that grief is just grief, it has its due process.

Your Mum, @ronandannette has touched on that with wise wise words. We lost my FIL, he had Lewy body Dementia, and Alzheimers. He stayed with my younger sister in law until he broke his hip, then we had no choice but to have him get full care. So although it wasn’t my patent, I idolized him. My husband always says I lost him every day I saw him, he never knew me, and now when he passed I lost him again. I’m so sorry you are going through that , and at a distance . As mentioned, you should, if you don’t, think about talking to someone about what you are going through,
I wish you the strength to get through it all.

 

[mommasita]

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 waitView attachment 642453

I recall when you posted that about your daughter. I felt so awful. Like how can someone do that? A spouse no less. Awful. And heartbreaking. I hope she can find someone who she can be able to trust , who deserves her trust, and who treats her as the person she deserves to be. ❤

I am sorry about the loss of your Father. Deaths are never easy, Covid adds a horrible aspect to this.

P.S. I LOVE YOUR PICTURE
but aww man, I miss my cats. I need a kitten

 

[ronandannette]

I recall when you posted that about your daughter. I felt so awful. Like how can someone do that? A spouse no less. Awful. And heartbreaking. I hope she can find someone who she can be able to trust , who deserves her trust, and who treats her as the person she deserves to be. ❤

I am sorry about the loss of your Father. Deaths are never easy, Covid adds a horrible aspect to this.

P.S. I LOVE YOUR PICTURE
but aww man, I miss my cats. I need a kitten

Would you like a dog? We've become custodians for my sister's dog while she is in treatment. It's one of those fancy little cross-breeds; could pass for a cat maybe. I've never been a pet person - I'll ship him out to you; just say the word.

 

[mommasita]

Would you like a dog? We've become custodians for my sister's dog while she is in treatment. It's one of those fancy little cross-breeds; could pass for a cat maybe. I've never been a pet person - I'll ship him out to you; just say the word.

I love dogs, always had a dog, then became a cat person. But a dog is too hard when you like to get up and just go…even for a weekend.
Thanks though
That is kind of you to also keep her pet, I’m sure once she is able to realize, she will be more than grateful.

 

[ronandannette]

I love dogs, always had a dog, then became a cat person. But a dog is too hard when you like to get up and just go…even for a weekend.
Thanks though
That is kind of you to also keep her pet, I’m sure once she is able to realize, she will be more than grateful.

She is already grateful; she seems to be doing very well in treatment and knows her entire future happiness hinges on getting and staying clean. Over the years her drinking eroded so many relationships and her physical condition limited her ability to do so many things. She knows there is simply no good path forward except to recover but if she does, the future holds so much promise. We are lucky in that way - her motivation is extremely high and other than the pull of the addiction itself, there’s literally not one single upside to the drinking. We are hopeful.

 

[samsteele]

The transformation of the WDW experience has also been difficult. Most of us are DIS Board vets, repeat park visitors and had our touring plans down pat. We knew what we wanted. We knew what we loved. And WDW was an old comforting friend. But with covid, the sweeping changes began and still continue to upend our experience and plans. It also messes with our memories as some of us look back on our recent trips and have to wonder how long many of these changes were in development before covid opened the door.

Look, we all know that some change happens. But wouldn't it have been lovely if - while dealing with covid and family struggles - we all could have said, "well, at least we can count on Disney." Disney had been our safe place. Our fun place. Where no matter what we were dealing with at home, we could escape to every year and just be a kid again even for a week. It's shaken many of us. We knew that Disney was a business. What we didn't want to know was how quickly the guest experience could be gutted based on calculated decisions that loyal customers were more like addicts than valued guests. Being taken for granted. That we will always throw money at the corporation regardless. Less for more is not pretty. I'm sure many of us are mourning the loss of this old friend when we should have been able to count on WDW's support during a global tragedy. Many of us feel that WDW should have had our back and returned our support. Now, we are reevaluating whether its worth it and what our alternatives are. Talk about ripping off the bandaid. I'm trying to see the upside to this as I look seriously at Universal or returning to cruising or European bus tours. I don't think I'll ever again just say, "I'm going to Disney." Now, I'm carefully and coldly considering all travel options.

 

[pigletto]

I just have so much I want to say to each of you and I’m working so I can’t reply to everyone properly. I’m deeply moved by your stories and there’s so much more of my own I could share but I’m intensely private about some things out of a need to protect. And some of it just isn’t mine to share.

My kids both struggle with anxiety/depression. Both are doing well with awesome therapists and in one case medication. Both therapists are paid for completely out of pocket. Its not cheap, but like we’ve been saying, resources are so scarce that I’m just grateful I can find the money to pay for it. There are people going without who need it so badly.

My brother is a psychiatrist for children and the only one in his urban area .. it’s abysmal how lacking we are in services for the mentally ill.

I‘ve personally felt judgement and shame from mental health issues years ago, and I’m hopeful that this generation is changing the way we view mental health. The fact that its just now starting to be considered part of our overall health is absurd.

This thread is a very strong reminder that we just never know what someone is dealing with in their personal lives. Patience and connection and kindness are so very important in our every day dealings. You guys humble me with how strong and resilient and brave you are in the face of so much.

 

[Baldy]

I’ve attempted to respond a few times now, but talking is hard. Thanks OP for giving us a safe space to share.
To every one who shared about the struggles and passing of a young person. Thank you for sharing. You have my deepest sympathy. I’m so sorry you had to go through this.
If nothing else, please know that your stories made me feel a little less alone.
My 21 year old has been struggling with ADHD and other mental health issues for years. COVID has just added to the sense of isolation (for both of us). It’s been really hard. Every morning I hope he made it through the night and I worry for his future.
I can’t wait for the snow to melt, the sun to shine and restrictions to be lifted. Then maybe things will get just a little bit easier for all of us.

 

[Madame]

I have needed this (below) in the past couple days. It’s been…. rough…. I’ve moved schools for the 2nd time in 2 years and staff can be… territorial….

And I am just so very fragile right now & have been for the last few years (work stuff). Trying to put on my big girl pants but that’s wearing a but thin.

I read through all of your posts, and though I am not religious, I am sending you all healing thoughts

 

[bababear_50]

I have needed this (below) in the past couple days. It’s been…. rough…. I’ve moved schools for the 2nd time in 2 years and staff can be… territorial….

And I am just so very fragile right now & have been for the last few years (work stuff). Trying to put on my big girl pants but that’s wearing a but thin.

I read through all of your posts, and though I am not religious, I am sending you all healing thoughts ♥ View attachment 642641

Hugs Hon

Come work with me... I am giving everything I've collected and treasured for the past 25 years away!
Honestly hold tight and believe in yourself...education is in for a huge whirlwind change over the next few years.
Yeah certain staff can be territorial but remember that is just their insecurities showing.
HR emailed me last week just to check that I am willing to do supply next year,,,, uh thanks but no thanks.
Time to find another passion in life...... Hmmmmmm travel?
Hugs
Mel

 

[quandrea]

Not doing great over here. DH even told me today that’s he’s so sick of everything. This from a man that is an absolute rock—never worries, takes things as they come, accepts pretty much any situation and gets on with it. I think heading into our third year here coupled with the bitter, unrelenting cold is doing us in. We are back in basic lockdown here—dh is at risk for severe outcomes, even triple vaxxed. We are usually away two to three weeks in Jan/Feb. No break from work, school and the cold is wearing on us. Not complicated troubles, but we are tired.

 

[bababear_50]

Holll Weee it is freaking cold outside and I promised the kids in my class I'd make a ice suncatcher and take some pictures.
Lord my fingers are frozen.
To brighten your day take a Bundt pan and add some water & food coloring and what ever else you want ,,,put it outside and freeze,,
tie some string on it and hang it up.
I made one with heart shape buttons ,a few Valentine cookie cutters and it's outside freezing right now.
I didn't have any food coloring so I soaked an old red marker in a cup of warm water to get some dye.
Here's a better explanation

Have fun
Mel


Yeah I snuck a Mickey or two in there.

 

[Madame]

Hugs Hon
View attachment 642687
Come work with me... I am giving everything I've collected and treasured for the past 25 years away!
Honestly hold tight and believe in yourself...education is in for a huge whirlwind change over the next few years.
Yeah certain staff can be territorial but remember that is just their insecurities showing.
HR emailed me last week just to check that I am willing to do supply next year,,,, uh thanks but no thanks.
Time to find another passion in life...... Hmmmmmm travel?
Hugs
Mel

Supply after retirement…. During Covid…

I have a couple awesome little ESL groups coming up next week. Semester 2 usually flies by and I am praying Covid dies down a bit with the spring so we can finish more normally. We are all so excited to ditch these 2.5 hour periods and get back to normal 75 minute periods on Thursday . Just have to keep swimming until things settle a bit

 

[bababear_50]

Not doing great over here. DH even told me today that’s he’s so sick of everything. This from a man that is an absolute rock—never worries, takes things as they come, accepts pretty much any situation and gets on with it. I think heading into our third year here coupled with the bitter, unrelenting cold is doing us in. We are back in basic lockdown here—dh is at risk for severe outcomes, even triple vaxxed. We are usually away two to three weeks in Jan/Feb. No break from work, school and the cold is wearing on us. Not complicated troubles, but we are tired.

If I could tell you where to go on a holiday that you'd be safe right now I think I'd be there with you.
I have upper respiratory issues so the thought of Covid right now is terrifying ,,although I am trying to understand that it may be inevitable but still not quite there yet.
It doesn't help that the new Public Health guy for Ontario is just so creepy to me....sorry this is not political...he just scares me.
I made the choice to focus on DVC and sold off my cottage a few years ago..... now I am wondering if that was the right choice BUT it was the best choice at the time so I guess I can't go back.
Going forward I am not sure what to do,,,
I need some options and am trying to decide the best course going forward.
sorry .... I might just have to boot my sister out of her trailer this spring / summer.
Hold strong Hon ...HUGS
Mel

 

[bababear_50]

Supply after retirement…. During Covid…

I have a couple awesome little ESL groups coming up next week. Semester 2 usually flies by and I am praying Covid dies down a bit with the spring so we can finish more normally. We are all so excited to ditch these 2.5 hour periods and get back to normal 75 minute periods on Thursday . Just have to keep swimming until things settle a bit

Hugs
Mel

 

[ronandannette]

I just have so much I want to say to each of you and I’m working so I can’t reply to everyone properly. I’m deeply moved by your stories and there’s so much more of my own I could share but I’m intensely private about some things out of a need to protect. And some of it just isn’t mine to share.

My kids both struggle with anxiety/depression. Both are doing well with awesome therapists and in one case medication. Both therapists are paid for completely out of pocket. Its not cheap, but like we’ve been saying, resources are so scarce that I’m just grateful I can find the money to pay for it. There are people going without who need it so badly.

My brother is a psychiatrist for children and the only one in his urban area .. it’s abysmal how lacking we are in services for the mentally ill.

I‘ve personally felt judgement and shame from mental health issues years ago, and I’m hopeful that this generation is changing the way we view mental health. The fact that its just now starting to be considered part of our overall health is absurd.

This thread is a very strong reminder that we just never know what someone is dealing with in their personal lives. Patience and connection and kindness are so very important in our every day dealings. You guys humble me with how strong and resilient and brave you are in the face of so much.

Your post, and others, is just another reason that we reeeeeeely need a "heart/hug" emoji in the reactions. One tender little picture is worth a thousand words, especially when words are hard to find.

 

[gisele2]

Ok
Nothing like Elton John to get me moving this morning
LOL
Hugs Mel

I am 100 % with you, going to see him in March !!!! Was not expecting it anymore. But , hey ! Life can be good.

 

[bababear_50]

I am 100 % with you, going to see him in March !!!! Was not expecting it anymore. But , hey ! Life can be good.

So happy for you.
I know he tested positive for Covid 3 days ago and has postponed a few USA locations but hopefully he does well and is fully recovered by March. He is fully vaccinated and boosted and has only mild symptoms.
I hope you have a blast.
Hugs
Mel

 

[bababear_50]

Your post, and others, is just another reason that we reeeeeeely need a "heart/hug" emoji in the reactions. One tender little picture is worth a thousand words, especially when words are hard to find.
View attachment 642731

Maybe one of our Moderators could suggest it???
Hugs Mel

DIShug

 

[samsteele]

I promised the kids in my class I'd make a ice suncatcher and take some pictures.

You are definitely the teacher I so, so wish I had in school. I had some very bitter and tired elementary school teachers who should have hung it up years before. Some were downright mean and would crouch down in my face, and that of the other little girls, and taunt and make us cry. And these were women. It's constantly saddened me how some women can be so brutal to little girls and young women. But when I reached high school, I found some wonderfully supportive teachers who encouraged me to save for university. Good teachers make such a wonderful difference in kids' lives. Your students must know how incredibly fortunate they are to have you!