It is not big secret that recently I was diagnosed and am recovering from a very curable form of thyroid cancer. I have had amazing support from family and friends who have helped me to weather this storm. I also am the mom of two very self- sufficient and independent adult children. They too have been a help and not a hinderance to my recovery. Yet, I couldn’t help but to think that if this scenario had happened ten years ago or more what would I do? Who would have taken care of my kids while I was undergoing treatment and while my husband traversed the country for business?
How does a parent of school or preschool aged children handle the day to day care of their family when they can barely make it from the bed to the bathroom? How can you recover and regroup yourself when their is breakfast to be prepared, shoes to be tied, homework to be completed and so on… And what if you had a child who had special needs such as Autism, physical challenges or was totally dependent on you for a host of other reasons. Then what? I know that many people are fortunate and can rely on family , friends, associates via work or places of worship to help them during times of need, such as dealing with a long term illness. But, will those same people be available, able and prepared to help your family if you have a non-communicative, highly dependent on adult supervision , non- toilet trained five year old? And if not- who will?
I feel like I am the pitcher at a ball game. Throwing out questions and awaiting answers. If you have any way to help educate others in your area who may need assistance with parenting while ill, please comment below.
Thanks for reading- Louise
