I have been in tears off and on most of the afternoon. My daughter started summer basketball practice this week. It's just 2 hours a day in the morning for 2 to three days a week with some weeks off this summer. The problem is it's killing me to get her there because of my other daughter. As I've shared, my younger daughter is disabled and fully dependent on me for all her care. I have never wanted my younger daughter's needs to prevent my older daughter from having a life, but everything just seems to be hitting this summer. My younger daughter is now 8 and almost as big as me (I'm just 5'2, she takes after her 6ft daddy). I have to get up early, bathe my daughter (a huge undertaking), dress her, feed her, carry her to the car. I also have to pack diapers, change of clothes, feeding equip (she has a feeding tube). We then "hang out" for 2 hours for basketball practice. I just don't have the physical strenghth to get both of my daughters to basketball practice. I don't want to tell her she can't play. She is trying so hard and seems to enjoy being on the team.
I keep praying that God gives me the strength to get my daughter places. Honestly, I am having trouble taking my daughter with special needs anywhere. I don't want to be stuck at home, I want her to have a life, go to church, see friends, etc, but my ability to travel with her is fading. Right now my older daughter is so patient and loving to her sister. I don't want her to resent her. I appreciate your prayers. I'm having a rough time today. Thanks

I'm sorry for what you're going through and I pray God will see an easier way for you to do things with both daughters [hug] . I have a cousin who is much like your daughter but Steve is 40 years old. When I stayed at home fulltime and my aunt needed to go somewhere I would go and sit with Steve and then when I needed to go somewhere I woud take the kids to her house and she would sit with them. Maybe there is someone you know from church, a friend or a family member who would be willing to swap babysitting with you...or maybe there is another child that is going to the basketball practice that your daughter could ride with.

Best of luck!

Have you looked into respite care? It would give you a few hours or so a week. Some insurances will pick it up or sometimes the service is for a minimal fee or based on your income. Check with local hospitals or your doctor about the service. But it gives fulltime caregivers a short time to themself or run errands or whatever but gives your loved one the care of a health professional. Blessings to you that you find some rest and peace. ~Kerri

Praying for you.

You gals are too sweet! Thanks for the encouragment and prayers. I had a meltdown today, but I am feeling better this evening. My daughter is such a huge blessing, I hate to complain about her care. She is a joy and I'm so thankful for her, but her care does overwhelm me sometimes.

We do qualify for some respite care, 4 hours a week. That will start next week. It will probably be awhile before I actually feel comfortable leaving the house because I don't know the respite worker, but she is an LPN and I've heard positive things about her. I will probably just clean, work in the garden, or bake or something while she is here.

I have been praying for a wheelchair van for over a year now. I actually stopped and looked at them the last time we were in near a dealer. They didn't have any used ones and the new ones started at 30,000. That's way over our car budget.

We do have a bath seat I am so thankful for. I haven't really looked into the "hoist" system, I assume we can't afford it, but I might start exploring and maybe God will open a door. I have to admit sometimes I covet some of those homes they build for families with special kiddos on "Extreme Home Makeover" but those families are in way more difficult situations then we are.
Thanks again for the prayers. I am going to go to bed truly try to rest in our Lord. Good advice :wink:

Praying for you hon! [hug]

This is a little late but I just wanted to let you know how strong I think you are. God has chosen you to take care of your special daughter and he will give you strength as you need it. I am glad you are going to do respite care, because sometimes you need to re-energize so you can keep giving. God bless you.

This is a little late but I just wanted to let you know how strong I think you are. God has chosen you to take care of your special daughter and he will give you strength as you need it. I am glad you are going to do respite care, because sometimes you need to re-energize so you can keep giving. God bless you.


I so much agree!!!! God bless you and your precious children!! I admire you for your strength. :)

:hugs:

I had no idea abuot your situation. :shock: I can't even imagine how hard it must be. God has blessed your little girl with one awesome mom! :) I got your name when we started that prayer list at the beginning of the year. I have been praying for you daily. I will be sure to ask our Father for the most assistance that He can provide for you, to bless you with a wheel chair and lift and respite care you are comfortable with. A great big hug! God sees you. He knows your sacrifices. You are building up treasures in heaven!

Jesus,

Please touch my dear sister. We are capable of anything that You empower us to do. We can be in the the very depths of despair and be brought into glorious light with one touch from You. Please see my dear sister and touch her now. Give her that joy inexpressable. Give her that peace that passes understanding. Help her to to be a true expression of someone whose joy of the Lord is their strength, as it seems already she is! Open doors for her to receive more assistance that she needs, that she can afford. Bless her and keep her and make Your face to shine upon her. Lift Your countenance upon her Jesus, and give her peace! I thank You that You do see her, that You remember that she is dust, that You are sufficient to provide for all of her needs, that when she is weak then she is strong because Your power is made perfect in her weakness. I ask for wisdom and grace and strength for my sister, knowing that You can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or imagine. Thank You, Lord. In Your precious name. Amen.

Thanks so much for the prayers! You all are a blessing to me!

I'm so sorry for what you're going through! I have no advice but I hope things work out for you!

Praying Thing's Get Better Real Soon [amen]