I start my new job next Tuesday...
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 10,182
I start my new job next Tuesday...
I met with my client today and discovered I know him from his working at the local grocery store for 10 years doing their floors.
He has epilepsy, but am not sure of his other health issues (other than a bad back). He shakes a lot. He's intelligent, witty, and I think we will get along fine. His speech is impacted as it takes him more time to spit a sentence out. I figured if I could work successfully as a PCA for a Hispanic gentleman who spoke very little English that this would be a piece of cake.
AD had her first hours on her community based work assessment this morning and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately it is only for this week due to budgetary constraints on Vo-Rehab, and she has a different worker than I have. However, there is the possibility she will also be able to work for my client as he is allotted 30-40 hours a week for a PCA, and there is no way I can pull that many hours.
For now, his case worker and my employment specialist both agree it's important to let him adjust to me and get comfortable with me first. The lady who is his current PCA has been working for him for years and is moving next week.
He also has mental health issues which I can definitely empathize with.
On a different front, it's now AD's turn to deal with an addicted daughter unfortunately. Depending on the outcome of things in the next couple of weeks, granddaughter Alexandria may end up in rehab. I told AD I would be there to support her emotionally, would be glad to share my experiences as a recovering codependent, but ultimately she was going to have to make the final decisions on things. It's time for her to be a mother and not a best friend.
Any potential weekends that Alexandria might spend at my house in the near future, I will have the same boundaries for her as I have for her mother, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
I struggled with fear, sadness, and anger the first few days after the extent of Alexandria's addictions came to light, but as always, this too shall pass and those feelings did.
I continue to shore up my spiritual reserves in both Alanon and AA. I don't lose sleep over what others are/aren't doing, including my own granddaughter. I know that may seem cold to some of you, but this is what I have worked my butt off for over the past 12+ years. I have detached with love, and continue to keep my own recovery top priority. I am of little use to everyone else if I am not healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a great joy to find serenity in spite of others' addictions. I call it detaching with love.
He has epilepsy, but am not sure of his other health issues (other than a bad back). He shakes a lot. He's intelligent, witty, and I think we will get along fine. His speech is impacted as it takes him more time to spit a sentence out. I figured if I could work successfully as a PCA for a Hispanic gentleman who spoke very little English that this would be a piece of cake.
AD had her first hours on her community based work assessment this morning and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately it is only for this week due to budgetary constraints on Vo-Rehab, and she has a different worker than I have. However, there is the possibility she will also be able to work for my client as he is allotted 30-40 hours a week for a PCA, and there is no way I can pull that many hours.
For now, his case worker and my employment specialist both agree it's important to let him adjust to me and get comfortable with me first. The lady who is his current PCA has been working for him for years and is moving next week.
He also has mental health issues which I can definitely empathize with.
On a different front, it's now AD's turn to deal with an addicted daughter unfortunately. Depending on the outcome of things in the next couple of weeks, granddaughter Alexandria may end up in rehab. I told AD I would be there to support her emotionally, would be glad to share my experiences as a recovering codependent, but ultimately she was going to have to make the final decisions on things. It's time for her to be a mother and not a best friend.
Any potential weekends that Alexandria might spend at my house in the near future, I will have the same boundaries for her as I have for her mother, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
I struggled with fear, sadness, and anger the first few days after the extent of Alexandria's addictions came to light, but as always, this too shall pass and those feelings did.
I continue to shore up my spiritual reserves in both Alanon and AA. I don't lose sleep over what others are/aren't doing, including my own granddaughter. I know that may seem cold to some of you, but this is what I have worked my butt off for over the past 12+ years. I have detached with love, and continue to keep my own recovery top priority. I am of little use to everyone else if I am not healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a great joy to find serenity in spite of others' addictions. I call it detaching with love.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 10,182
Originally Posted by SpeedyJason 
What does PCA stand for? Congrats on the new job DeVon
No heavy lifting. I will be doing light housework, and possibly laundry and grocery-shopping for me.
I've worked several PCA jobs over the years and have found each one of them very rewarding!
Give that pup of yours a big hug for me! Bet he's getting big!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: not sure
Posts: 452
Congrats on a new client. Sounds very rewarding.
I'm sorry that facing addiction in a granddaughter is lurking around. Everyone ask me if I want grandchildren and do I wish I had them. My answer. "NO". I've done my share of worrying and want no one else to worry about. May sound selfish, but I've watched my mother grieve over my son, her grandson, and want no part of that!
I'm proud you are able to detach in the way you have. Sounds like you have worked very hard to get to that point. Congrats on that as well!
I'm sorry that facing addiction in a granddaughter is lurking around. Everyone ask me if I want grandchildren and do I wish I had them. My answer. "NO". I've done my share of worrying and want no one else to worry about. May sound selfish, but I've watched my mother grieve over my son, her grandson, and want no part of that!
I'm proud you are able to detach in the way you have. Sounds like you have worked very hard to get to that point. Congrats on that as well!
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
