I need a hug!

So, it’s another day and another beautiful opportunity to write this blog. I was surprised and flattered by how many people visited and liked my last post. Thank you for showing up and taking the time to read my ramblings!

It has been a tough few days here in Stepfamily Land. Hubby injured his hand earlier this week and needed stitches! So he is one-handedly trying to get through each day and needing help from me to dress and eat. It is a reminder of just how lucky those of us who have 2 fully-working hands are. We use 2 hands for countless day-to-day tasks: eating with a knife and fork, tying our shoelaces, putting socks on our feet, doing up our trousers, playing the piano… Praise the Lord for hands lol! Yesterday his hand swelled up so we had to undo the bandage and re-tie it more loosely.  Here’s hoping he has a better day today!

My step-daughter has now been off school for a month with depression. Let’s just let that sink in. A whole month out of school with all its opportunities for learning, socialising and having fun. A whole month of me having her at home while I work at our family business. The spectrum of my emotions during this time has included rage at her passivity in life, frustration at her refusal to get out of bed some days, anxiety about her future if she continues to miss school, compassion for her, love for her…it has been quite the rollercoaster! One of the hardest things for me to deal with is how much of my own ‘stuff’ her depression has brought up. I had a difficult adolesence (I wonder if anyone emerges from this turbulent time unscathed?). I struggled with depression, bullying, moving house, my brothers leaving home, my parents changing jobs to BOTH become priests (now if that’s not social suicide / a conversation-stopper/bullying opportunity when you’re 15, I don’t know what is!) The thing is, for the most part, I have made peace with my past, I really have. But something about Rose’s depression has brought some of my worst 15 year old memories back and left me feeling a bit raw, vulnerable and in need of healing.

So, that’s me today. Continuing to walk this journey of life with all its ups and downs, twists and turns. Sending hugs to all my stepmum readers out there and anyone else who needs it today. 😀🌈😃❤️😍😊🌈🌈