After a nice break of almost three weeks, it was back to work yesterday. The students don't return until today, as we had professional development yesterday. For me, that just meant going up to one of the district office buildings downtown and sitting through two hours of a payroll "refresher" course with the other secretaries/bookkeepers. I didn't get anything of value out of it, but the newer people may have. Afterwards I stopped and got a sandwich for lunch and then headed to my school to spend the rest of the afternoon organizing our supply room and catching up on emails. Pretty dull, but a gentle reentry to work. It's going to be good to see some of my favorite little kids this morning when they return.
Thanks for all the comments on my last post. Gregg's sharp pain in his ribs completely subsided after one day. I was extra worried about it all because that's the side where he had radiation in his (only) lung last winter, and he said it hurt to take a deep breath. I'm relieved he seems to be okay, but I'll be reminding him to talk to his doctor about it at his next appointment. I worry about him and his health all the time. Just typing this out makes me tearful. I realized yesterday that it was the 14th anniversary of his surgery to remove his left lung. God, that was a scary time. And the chemotherapy afterwards was hell for him, but I'm so thankful that all these years later he's still here and mostly healthy and okay. Yesterday I wondered why I was so tearful and sad all day, but then I remembered the date. Also, New Year's Day was the second anniversary of my dad dying and I think that had something to do with it too. I've been thinking more about him lately and missing him, and of course this was my first holiday of being fully no contact with my mom. I feel like an orphan, as silly as that is for a 50-year-old woman. And to top it all off, today is the anniversary of January 6th. I don't talk about it too much here, but our political situation causes me so much stress and anxiety. Every day is a new horror.
So, I'll be glad to get back to normal today, and I'm glad the holiday season is behind me. It's definitely NOT "the most wonderful time of the year" to me.
28 comments:
You've been through a lot, and I'm glad your husband is doing better now, but yes, that's scary stuff.
Jennifer, I am so, so glad to read that Gregg's pain has completely gone!! Still, as you say, it is something he should mention when he next sees his doctor.
With all these sad and worrying anniversaries so close together, it is no wonder that you've been feeling that way. Hopefully, getting back into the routine of your work and meeting your favourite kids (and maybe some colleagues you like) again will re-establish the balance somewhat.
My Dad has been gone more than 3 years now, and not a day passes where I don't think of him, and sometimes miss him terribly.
Gregg's fall and subsequent pain in his rib area really does parallel my recent experience. I'm healing up well now, even the wrist that I must have fallen on.
It's sad how much time is spent in work-related areas which is completely unnecessary. And frustrating.
And of course you're having a teary time of it right now. I find that the body remembers anniversaries, even when we think we've forgotten. Be tender towards yourself.
It's a rough time of year for you, but you got through it and you'll do it again.
A new year beginning is not always to be welcomed or celebrated and you have more reason than many to feel low. I hope things will improve now and your husband continues in good health.
Hope the rest of the school year goes smoothly for you, Jennifer. Glad to hear Gregg is better. You stay healthy too!
Of course you worry about Gregg. You love him and you want him to be with you. My parents were terrible, yet I have moments when I miss them. Every Memorial Day I miss my dad so much. I didn't realize you'd gone no contact with your mom, but I understand. I went no contact with my sisters a couple of years ago. It's hard in some ways, but I'm better off without them. So I get the being an orphan thing, and I'm almost 67! We all love you Jennifer, so try to imagine getting a big bloggy hug. We all need a hug on Jan 6, of all days. I'll never forget how frightened I was.
Love,
Janie
I can understand your fear. I am sorry.
I wonder how many adults (or even children) truly think it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Glad Gregg is OK now!
There's a lot to be said for routine in anyone's life, but especially after your stressful times lately I can see how it's valuable to you! I'm also glad to get back to work, sort of, which gives me pause as I inch toward retirement...
Glad to hear Greg is doing better. I think this is going to be a blah year or bitter, or both. LOL!!!!
I am SO GLAD your husband is feeling better. Man, you've had it rough, though, this past year. You go ahead and feel whatever you have to feel. And hey, I had to go no contact with my family of origin - it leaves a hole, and I feel it still. A person does get used to it over time, though...one of the good things about the passing years. Listen. Happy New Years ANYWAY DAMMIT!
Another year of work begins as the money for that work starts to pour into the Barlow coffers like The Niagara Falls. Glad to hear that Gregg is okay after the scary episode.
We have a good friend who's son died on Christmas Day (motor bike accident). So Christmas has been ruined for them ever since. Such things are bad enough when they happen on an 'ordinary' day, but on Christmas day or New Year's day makes it even worse. Best wishes.
I worry about him a lot.
I know how much you miss your beloved dad, Meike. I'm glad you have your sister and mom to share that grief with. You have a lovely family--and soon you'll have a husband, too! :)
I've said for years that the holidays are an unlucky time for me. I hate it, but it's true. It's always a relief when they're in the rear view mirror.
That's true, Bob. Thank you.
Thank you. I'm glad to put 2025 behind me. It was a rough year for me, and for a lot of other people as well. Here's hoping 2026 will be better.
Thanks! We have a lot of terrible flu going around, so I'm doing my best to stay healthy.
I've only talked about the situation with my mom on the blog a couple of times. It's been really hard, but I'm doing okay. Things were unsustainable as they were. A lifetime of abuse and mistreatment from her just came to a head and I'm done. It's sad, but necessary. It still hurts, though.
I know you can, Debby. Thank you.
For so many people, it's a tough time of year. I know I'm not alone in that. Thank you, dear Mitchell.
Oh, retirement for you is going to be wonderful! I just know you'll never be bored. Your life is going to be all the richer!
Well, as far as politics go it's gotten off to a terrible start. We have to keep on keeping on, though.
THANK YOU!! :) I'm always so pleased when you leave a comment. Happy New Year to you too!
Niagara Falls! I wish! :)
Oh, that's so terrible. To lose a child on any day, but particularly Christmas, is just too horrible for words.
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