I think I've survived, but I'm not entirely sure. You see, my employer, ORU, announced layoffs on the 13th. We lost three people from my department, leaving just two of us to take care of all the seniors. In addition to the all the transfer students I'm already managing. Then on the 15th, the other academic counselor was in a car accident. And hasn't been back to work since. And then there was one. But at least I still had my boss to ask questions of in an emergency. You do remember I just got this job in April, right? Now the boss will be out on Monday. I've had an eye twitch since the 14th. I'm thankful I still have my job. But it's hard not to envy those laid off who will be getting paid to stay home for two months.
Oh, and the girl who alternated weeks with me leading worship went away to college. So now I lead every week. Don't get me wrong, I love leading worship. LOVE IT! I'm just so very tired. And in need of a maid. And a massage. And a manicure. And a new bed.
I started a new semester - I'm taking Hermeneutics - interpreting and studying the Bible, Assessment I - a superfluous requirement for accreditation purposes, and Crisis Counseling - which I may need if things don't settle down soon. I'm really enjoying Hermeneutics, though I may become violent if he doesn't stop saying methiology instead of methodology, and tilafia instead of tilapia when he talks about going to Outback in front of us starving grad students. Haven't been to Crisis Counseling yet. It meets one weekend a month for three months, starting next weekend. Yep, we'll be singing familiar songs in worship next week!
Update on Mom - the diagnosis was some form of dementia, possibly Alzheimer's. The doctor took away her driving privileges, which was more devastating to her than the diagnosis. It was well past time. My brother is setting up power of attorney because she arranged cataract surgery on her own, opted for lens replacement which was not covered by her insurance, and was charged $4,000 to a credit card. She didn't understand that it was not covered, but the doctor's office said they explained everything and this is what she wanted. It's done now, and nothing can be undone. She has resisted any medication to treat chemical imbalance and Alzheimer's, so I don't know what the future holds for her. It must be very hard on my brother and his wife, since she lives in an apartment in their back yard.
So, all this since Christmas. Our decorations are still up. And may be for two more weeks.
2 comments:
Wow. You have a very full plate right now. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I think the very hardest thing for older people is losing their driving privileges. You see it time and time again, people driving who definitely shouldn't be. My own mil fought us tooth and nail right up till the very last days of her life, because we could not let her drive. The last time she drove, she parked her car right on someone's front lawn, left her keys in the car and the motor running, for four hours, while she went inside to play bridge. Good grief.
I'm sorry to hear about this. It's going to be very difficult for all of you. But it's nice to have you back.
Mombo,
I've been away so long. Am not at all surprised about the twitch in you eye.
Hardly know what to say about all you shared. I do think it may be as difficult for you who didn't lose your jobs, as those who did.
It is so like we psyc. people, to want to jump right in and make things alright. So I'll end by offering this: Don't take on anything new. Rest when you can. Keep doing what you do in Church, so you feel filled, and make time to pray, if you have to pencil it in your "to do" list. I am so glad you are back. There's a lot of strength and hope here, and we all need that.
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