Finally Heading South for Winter
After 6 1/2 busier than expected months of taking care of my Aunt (with dementia), I’m finally heading south for winter to spend time with my daughter in south Florida.
I left northwest Illinois this morning…
Leaving felt different this time. I’m excited to see my daughter when I get there in December. I’m also looking forward to unwinding from an almost non-stop busy summer. But I can’t put my finger on why leaving feels so much different this time.
Sometimes you just have to let the feelings be what they are and not worry about the details.
I made a 3 hour drive to central Illinois…
I’ll be here for a couple days.
This is a favorite, small, privately owned campground that I usually stay at on my way to south Florida in the fall and on my way back to northwest Illinois in the spring.
My Aunt is in good hands…
Whether I’m there in-person or not, the Caregiver service I employ is a great help. If need be, I also have other connections and plans in place.
When I’m there in person, I get her doctor appointments, banking, and her more personal things taken care of.
When I’m away for the winter, I handle things via modern technology.
I feel the stress washing away…
I’ve been at the campground for a couple hours now and I can feel the stress fizzling away.
My Aunts doctor said she only has mild dementia but, I suppose, it’s taking more of a toll on me than I care to admit.
She wants to stay home as long as possible. I promised I’d do what I could to make that happen. For my own sanity, I may need to consider adding more Caregiver hours.
But first, a little time to myself is in order!
Connie🌹