support

When I was glancing at ads in the newspaper a few days ago, I saw a listing of support groups. Al-Anon, cancer survivors, mole-on-the-nose-is-she-a-witch, and ... caregivers. I probably do not need to join that group yet, even though I care for an older man at night and a household during the day. Once in a while I do get stressed out.

Nowadays Lisa is feeling pretty good most of the time, so I am not running 24/7. Today, though, she is in bed with a fever and I don't want to leave her. She told me to just make sure to cook something that she can reheat later, but it doesn't feel right. Not when she has a fever and is dragged-out tired.

Frank has already mentioned having me cut back my time with him to every other night. So far this week that is what we have been doing. His son already paid me through the week, but I am counting that as payment for six nights of my presence rather than Sunday through Saturday. Frank wants to pay me what he can after that. I won't accept pay from him until after the six nights are exhausted.

It would be nice if Frank didn't have to pay me at all, but we always need money. Job leads keep popping up but until a job starts we do what we must. I even spoke to a recruiter while riding my bicycle today.

So, anyway, I called Frank to see if he would be OK tonight if I didn't come over. He sounded like hell on the phone; he made a sandwich for lunch but still felt dizzy. He laid down in bed and I guess I woke him. He says that one of his sons and daughters-in-law will be stopping in within an hour or so. They will be able to make sure that he is OK for the night. Excellent timing.