Every day is a little different from the last these days. Some days are near normal, even “good”, while others are not so much. But through it all, we are trying to maintain some sense of normalcy for our children and even for ourselves. It’s just a NEW “normal.”
One by one, members of Tom’s family have flown out to assist in the regular tasks that need doing. It’s a huge help and it is also nice for Tom to see his siblings. They have a full list of where the kids are, need to go, and when they need to be there. It’s amazing that I ever did all of this stuff on my own plus the rest of life.
In speaking with the director of my department at work, the question came up out having these folks, and others, stay with Tom and care for him while I go to work. I am sure that she *had* to ask. She wasn’t at all surprised when I said, “No, they are here to help with the other things. I take care of Tom.”
I have since committed to working 24 hours per week from home. I will use FMLA for the remaining 16 hours needed to keep the benefits going. For the most part, this is working for me. I have the freedom to work these hours however I need to with the exception of the meetings (which I am able to join via phone). I am so blessed to have a director that is so supportive.