These days, my heart goes out to all parents who have a sick child. Honestly, dealing with 3,000 appointments and return calls must be pretty tough—thank you! I have a healthy child, just a little unique, and honestly, the countless appointments that come with receiving a service offer are quite a challenge. I have so many return calls to make, and I’m constantly juggling my schedule to make room for every appointment.
There are days when we have two or three service providers coming to the house, a follow-up appointment with the pediatrician, three 8-page questionnaires to fill out… and that’s just for Antoine. I tell myself it’s okay because I was so eager to get these services, but I’m honestly on the verge of hiring a secretary—I’m not kidding! And that doesn’t even include my own appointments, appointments for my newborn, my oldest daughter’s activities, errands, and all the other hassles of family life.
I tip my hat to all the moms who also have to work on top of all this—I have absolutely no idea how you do it. I literally have no social life left, and forget about time as a couple. My husband and I only get our “date nights” when we go to our CRDi meetings together. People often tell me to take my time, to ask for a break. It’s true—you’re right—but it’s very hard when we’ve been waiting for help for over two years and you don’t really have control over the appointments. Often, if you don’t take what’s available, you miss your chance.
What I find hardest about all this is especially when the people around me make me feel bad for not being more available, for not answering the phone, or for not seeing their posts on social media. Believe me, I’d love to do that just as much as you do! If I hadn’t already quit my job, I certainly would have had to in this situation. Luckily, I’ve found the perfect fit—one that lets me work when I want, where I want, and, most importantly, find fulfillment in something other than motherhood and crazy schedules. But I know this isn’t the reality for all moms.
Anyway, if you’re a mom going through a different situation, I want to tell you: don’t give up—it’s just a rough patch, and eventually everything will fall into place and settle down. In the meantime, let’s put on our “Super Mom” capes and do our best to still find moments when we allow ourselves to wear them.
P.S. A heartfelt thank you to my loved ones who are there for me and who understand when I have to cancel at the last minute or can’t keep a commitment—you’re amazing, and I’m so blessed to have you!
Alexe
Star Mom