Respite

From time to time I hear the question, "How do you do it?" or the statement, "I don't know how you do it." The answer - The grace of God! That and the fact that it all just seems "normal"... well until that moment when you have dropped your special needs child off at respite care and suddenly ALL energy drains from your body and you aren't sure how you are going to keep walking down the hall let alone drive home! OH wait, now that said child is in respite, there are errands to run... do we really need to eat this week? Couldn't I skip the grocery shopping? Nope - the store has chocolate and ice cream 😂

Usually, we try to get Joshy into respite at least twice a month. Often times, especially during the school year, it ends up being just 1 night / 2 days. I am finding that 1 night / 2 days, just doesn't cut it. Yesterday when I dropped him off, I was hit hard by the energy drain - pretty sure it has something to do with him only sleeping all night about once a week... for the past 3-4 months! Thing is I honestly didn't realize I was so exhausted. After a night a actual sleep, I am still tired, with very little energy. I am also beyond thankful that I don't need to pick him up for another 31 hours & 15 minutes, but who's counting 😉

Then I stop and remember, there are caregivers out there that don't have respite care. Those who are doing the job without family support. Those who do not have day service or other options to give them any break at all. If I am this exhausted when I have support, how exhausted must those without support be? 

This brings me up short, because we are told to...

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

LORD help me to keep my eyes open for ways that I can help others carry their burdens!