Independence Day-August 17, 2011

This weekend, the meaning of "it takes a village to raise a child" became a little more clear to me. I see my neighbors shuffling their kids, and many other area kids, to soccer practice, band practice, recitals, church, and wherever else kids go in large groups. My kid isn't to that stage yet. But, it is nice to see other people helping each other. *Insert cricket chirping sounds*

Then, there is my convoluted life. I am the telecommuting Mom of a stay-at-home toddler. (He has an in-home sitter.) So, while many people I know take their kids to a Gma's house or a daycare, I hear all the screams of joy and sadness from my office. Please keep in mind that I still cannot drive. So, the screams are quite magnified because I know I can't get away. Right now, I KNOW that I need to go to the store to get milk. I wouldn't have this thought if someone (not me) had not left an ENTIRE gallon of milk on the counter for 2 1/2 hours. How will I get there? And, like another Mommy blogger post I just read about "the village," I HATE TO ASK FOR HELP.

Yes, my seizure disorder is a burden to everyone. I get a daily reminder of the following:

1. I cannot drive ANYWHERE-this annoys people who claim to be my friends because that means they might actually have to go out of their way to do something for someone else. Therefore, I just don't get invited to things.




2. I am more tired than most people




3. My patience is limited




4. My anxiety is high




5. I have to plan EVERYTHING in advance, more than usual (grocery shopping, fun activities, Mommy time-which never happens)

There are two things that hurt the most in this situation.

1. I can't spend quality time with my boy outside of the house. He loves the park. I can't take him. He loves the beach. I can't take him. He loves the indoor bouncy house place. I can't take him. He loves a treat from Chick Fil A. I CAN'T TAKE HIM. (This also leads to Daddy not getting his much-needed Daddy time because he is babysitting us both.)




2. Friends who are "too busy" to come get me and take me someplace fun (or someplace necessary!) ,to get a pedi, a cupcake, to Target, or to a lovely restaurant to enjoy a glass of delicious red wine, so that I can feel like a normal adult. Apparently, two hours is a lifetime to most people and they cannot afford it. I will even buy the wine!

(Let me say that there have been 5 people who have helped me. 1. my neighbor and former middle school teacher. 2. a client from WORK who drove me from his business location to my hair stylist. Umm, WOW! 3. my son's nanny. 4. my friend who drove me 2 1/2 hours to another city so that I could meet with a client...and back the very same day. 5. my partner. )

My village lives in Concord, NC; Franklin, WI; Spokane, WA; Port St. Lucie, FL; Upstate NY; Richmond, VA, some beachy town that starts with a P, VA; and in my heart with the other angels in this world.