I understand the panic that comes with things like this but I'll echo others and say slow down, breathe and ask for help.
And start with your own family. When I have been down on my butt with an injured knee (last year) or out with the pain from the car accidents, my girls stepped right in. They are far younger than James is. He should be able to help make simple meals at this point (those baked potatoes and mac-n-cheese you mentioned). And there's no reason he (and all the boys) shouldn't be doing regular chores to help Mom & Dad out with the housework. It needed fall by the wayside because Pat's injured and you have to work. Even an only partially completed job due to lack of experience and knowledge is better than one not done at all.
Secondly, you don't have to rely on McDonald's. Do you have a freezer? Stock it with healthy TV dinners. It at least gives more variety and better nutrition than McDonald's. And I've seen many people offer food (of which I am hereby one) so that you can add that to the freezer/fridge/cupboard so you can all eat well.
Thirdly, reread sarahh's post. What she said is absolutely true. You, your injured wife and your children come first in this case. Yes, the job is mega-important and you are invaluable to them. But sometimes you have to step back and look at the family priority and say, "Nope, this one is really important, I need to get this done".
And no, Pat wasn't trying to do your NASA job for you when you were gone. But being a single parent isn't easy when there's no one to break you or give you emotional support. She's still present in the home and able to direct the boys to some degree. This is a doable thing. If nothing else, you'll gain a greater appreciation for single working parents who don't have that support, eh?
I'll try to fit in making something to send down with simplykimberly when she heads that way. This week is full up with two jobs, swim lessons, Abbie's ritual and a Lammas ritual, plus the landlady comes by on Saturday before the ritual so I need to make sure things are in good shape around here. But you've been there for me when you could so I'll be sure to send something along for all of you.
And if she has to have surgery, trust me, the community *will* pick up slack for you if you ask. It may not always seem like enough, but any help is good help.
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Date: 2005-08-03 06:10 pm (UTC)And start with your own family. When I have been down on my butt with an injured knee (last year) or out with the pain from the car accidents, my girls stepped right in. They are far younger than James is. He should be able to help make simple meals at this point (those baked potatoes and mac-n-cheese you mentioned). And there's no reason he (and all the boys) shouldn't be doing regular chores to help Mom & Dad out with the housework. It needed fall by the wayside because Pat's injured and you have to work. Even an only partially completed job due to lack of experience and knowledge is better than one not done at all.
Secondly, you don't have to rely on McDonald's. Do you have a freezer? Stock it with healthy TV dinners. It at least gives more variety and better nutrition than McDonald's. And I've seen many people offer food (of which I am hereby one) so that you can add that to the freezer/fridge/cupboard so you can all eat well.
Thirdly, reread
And no, Pat wasn't trying to do your NASA job for you when you were gone. But being a single parent isn't easy when there's no one to break you or give you emotional support. She's still present in the home and able to direct the boys to some degree. This is a doable thing. If nothing else, you'll gain a greater appreciation for single working parents who don't have that support, eh?
I'll try to fit in making something to send down with
And if she has to have surgery, trust me, the community *will* pick up slack for you if you ask. It may not always seem like enough, but any help is good help.
*hugs*