24-HOURS HOME ALONE
I just had 24 hours to myself. And it was the best 24-hour period that I’ve had in a very, very long time.
I had less than one day’s notice that I would have 24 hours to myself. My Mother was going to spend the day and night at the shore with one of her friends.
Since I knew that I would have time alone, I was tempted to make a plan. I was tempted but I did not do so. Instead, I busied myself getting my Mom ready to go. I had to make sure that she would have enough Depends, medication, clothes, and OTC meds that she would need for the stay.
I did not focus on deciding what I would do in the day ahead. I knew that if I didn’t give it too much thought, I would not be disappointed and I would enjoy my time alone.
And so, I did.
She left, and I spent the first hour chatting with my Brother, Cousin and Friends about my Mother. It was around the 55-minute mark when I realized that these conversations defeated the purpose of my having time to myself. I made a conscious effort at that point, not to give my Mother another thought. At least not for the next 23 hours.
And so, I did not.
I made the decision to “go with the flow” and take things as they came or didn’t come.
My Cousin called and asked if I wanted to get together. It was a beautiful summer day—hot but not humid. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I was determined to have a blissful summer day.
And so, I did.
We went to an Oyster Bar, sat outside watching the tourists go by while enjoying local oysters and refreshing Prosecco cocktails. The warmth of the sun, the drinks and appetizers were just what I needed. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Upon returning home to an empty house, I was excited to spend a relaxing evening home alone.
I was tempted to Write—work on a Caregiver’s Conscience Blog/Podcast but decided to watch a movie uninterrupted instead.
Before tuning in to a Classic Movie, I made a phone call to a couple of people who normally hear a sad tone in my voice in order that they may hear the joy that I was presently feeling. But we didn’t speak long, just long enough for them to hear the gladness in my heart.
I enjoyed a glass of wine while watching a TCM movie and a classic Columbo episode. It doesn’t sound exciting, but it was. At that moment, there was nothing that I would rather have been doing. It was perfect.
I decided not to interrupt the relaxing vibe by writing (especially about Caregiving) at that moment. I planned to fall asleep early, sleep late and write in the morning.
And that’s exactly what I did.
I woke up after having and remembering a comforting dream. It was such a good dream, I tried to return to sleep and re-enter the dream at the point at which I had awakened. I was so happy that I didn’t have any chores to do, I could feel myself grinning from ear to ear.
I ate leftover Chinese food for breakfast and began to write.
I was determined to produce the “Home Alone 2” Podcast while I was still home alone.
And so, I did.
I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I work on “A Caregiver’s Conscience.” Because I have come to know that “telling the others,” is important.
When my Mother returned, I was still flying high on a “Home Alone” cloud.
It was a feeling that I hadn’t felt since I’ve been a Caregiver.
Me, Myself and I thoroughly enjoyed being HOME ALONE!
If you are a Caregiver, you can imagine how much the 24 hours alone meant to me.
If you know a Caregiver, 24 hours is one of the best gifts that you can give.
Tell the Others.
DINAH WASHINGTON – “WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES”
https://youtu.be/upJ3OgMRiUA?si=NJkBj-_zfSSiP9Ki
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE PODCAST – the CAREGIVER IS HOME ALONE
https://youtu.be/ociVpG1c0SY?si=A4tkfQIDqZ2EVahV
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE – THE BLOG
I am so happy for you! What I would give to have 24 hours to myself…
Thank U. It was awesome! I hope that one day soon you do get 24 hours for yourself. U deserve it too! Don’t stop believing…