Cate, Kara --- I can totally relate
I have just moved in less than two months ago with my 91yo Grandmother (turning 91 in couple of weeks) to provide full-time live-in care. Being a single mother already, 'caretaker' has been one of my major roles for the last few years. My husband was a huge help in this department when I was married, as he stayed home with the kids when I went back to work after my youngest was born... and then provided most of the "entertainment" while I started and managed my first two businesses. *This* is a completely different lifestyle for me (the last 3 1/2 years)!
I have to say, though, that I am loving it
My Grandmother is a joy to be with , even in the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and my children - at 6 & 11 years old - are at an age where they are fun, cute and impressionable. My son (the 11yo) helps me bring in groceries, opens the door for me, and is fairly independent for his age... my daughter is a bouncing, bubbly go-go-go kinda girl and while keeping tabs on her is not easy, she has a very good disposition and makes me smile a lot. For me, having never really been "close" to my family before (the way I would want to be, or had envisioned) - this phase seems to be a major highlight in my life.
However... I have my days -- you know, when I'm pulling my hair out
This past week my daughter made some new friends... all over the neighborhood, and every time I turned around she had disappeared on me again LOL - I kept having to hunt her down from yard to yard
At the same time, my Grandmother decided we had all gone on vacation somewhere, and she couldnt figure out why we left home to come to a place just like it - and when in the world could we go home
She kept saying "I'm too old to be this far away from home"
Ahhhh *take a deep breath* The day doesnt hold enough hours to entertain everyone, take care of everyone's needs, and work the hours it takes to be the primary source of income for a family of four...
Anyway - just wanted to say that I can relate to this thread
But... I bet that we all look back later in life and
think of this as the prime of our life.
The more difficult the challenge, the more sweet the rewards... right?
(keeps me going!)