A day in the life: Last Tuesday (5/21) I took a day off work to spend more time with Mom and Tiff before they leave. It was very nice to have a weekday off where we walked the park in the morning, grocery shopped at our leisure, cooked food, and played games throughout the rest of the day. I’ve been working about 6 days a week since they’ve been here which really wore me out. I’ve noticed that the days I drink freshly juiced vegetables I have a lot more energy to tackle work, socializing with family, and whatever else comes my way. Since they’ve been here I’ve had car trouble and plumbing issues and felt a lot of financial stress in these areas. Mom and Tiff have been so gracious in buying groceries or meals out that I have been blessed for that financial strain to be gone.

I have really enjoyed my time with them, although it feels very limited due to my work schedule. Many times I have come home to my house being cleaner than I left it! I have also been grateful to come home to a house that smells wonderful due to the healthy dinners they have had hot and ready for me. I’ve been grateful for the time I have with them and I intend to take full advantage of the time I have left with them. As a major introvert, it was an adjustment to get use their presence, but I know I will miss them when they leave. I’m not much of a cook and usually go for whatever is most convenient. I am lucky that Phoenix has a lot of healthy options, so I aim to lean on those after they leave. Tiff’s affinity for cooking and natural talent in the kitchen is also inspiring. It must bring a sense of accomplishment to nourish yourself with your own hands. Her dish tonight was an improvised delicacy!

I also struggle to make myself take action, particularly around the house. Mom, however, has more of a sense of urgency and really has been instrumental in getting my place put together. Without her willingness to put in some elbow grease I’m sure I would have continued to have unpacked boxes, unfurnished rooms, and an unwelcoming atmosphere in my house for months, maybe years to come. I would do well to learn from her example. I don’t know why I have no talent for homemaking, but I greatly appreciate her turning my house into a home. My goal is to take advantage of all her hard work by keeping up with the house, tackling some of the more daunting projects this summer, and hopefully renting out my spare rooms to generate some extra income. I would feel better if I was a better steward of what I have been blessed with.

I’m so glad Mom and Tiff came here for this time of transition and refocus. As we all age and live so far apart, I have been very glad for this family time. Many of us have experienced isolation in these last few years- for me it has been very painful. Time with loved ones is a precious commodity. Take time to have real world fun and quality time with those you care about. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so I am trying to keep my priorities in mind and my actions in alignment with those priorities. I want to be healthy for two reasons, 1) so I have a better quality of life and 2) so that I can be helpful and not a burden on those I love. As this wonderful time with my family is coming to a close, it will be my responsibility to ensure I keep taking steps towards achieving those goals and look forward to trying.

The above was written by Hannah, her perspective.

Day 37 is done and day 38 is on its way. “Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance.” – Phyllis Diller