The newest addition to my puzzle pieces of place is St.Louis. I have not lived in St. Louis, for close to 40 years. Why now, you might ask? Others have asked: Are you out of your mind? I very well may be out of my mind, but there is clearly something going on in St. Louis that is bigger than me and my usual focus on my own life.
My parents and my sister need me. Dropping in here or there for a couple of weeks at a time has proven to more of a hinderance than a help. Oh, it gives Kat a little bit of a break. We get to commiserate. But, there are big things...no, HUGE things that have to happen that need a family team...certainly more than one of us shouldering the burden for all four of us. Even with a Geriatric Care Manager, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, a Geriatrician, Physical Therapy for Dad, and living in Assisted Living; it isn't enough. I'm realistic enough to know that I'm not enough either. And, that we may never get there, but I will be MORE and different to add to the equation. It is important to me that I do my best.
So, I've looked into teaching into St. Louis which is possible. I've researched reciprocity for my social work license in Missouri, which is also doable. I'll be working to put both of these pieces in place so that I can walk in to being relatively set-up in St. Louis in Septmber, when Sammie cat and I return from Cadrieu.
There is much to look forward to on Elizabeth Avenue. Our century home is a pleasure. It will be a joy to make a litle corner of home for myself for the time I will be there. (Just NOT in the basement this time.) I am surrounded by neighbors who are friends and great supports: Mike Kelly, and Theresa and John Smythe. Maybe Theresa and John will have me over to play "Moon River" from time to time. (Hmm, maybe bringing a little sheet music from Cadrieu will be necessary.) I'm most looking forward to being able to spend more time with Kat. We've generally done pretty well with my drop-ins over the last year or so, but we're putting our plans into place for September. We shall see.
I do know that there'll be lots of retail therapy, pretzels at Auntie Annes, donuts at Krispy Creme, a dinner or two at Spiro's, and a settling in to see what our next steps are to try to move Mom and Dad forward from a very stuck and unhappy place. Four months doesn't feel like very long, but it's better than two weeks.
I opened this post with a shot of the stained glass window, touched by the movement of prisms that rests in the living room on Elizabeth. I have to believe that by harnessing the energy and light...somewhere in there between Kat, her husband Tom, and I; there will be movement.
Thanks for the support Pattie-up until Dad fell in October of 2012, they were living in that house. He went into rehab and then in February of last year he and Mom moved to Assisted Living at Hidden Lake. I'll be staying in the house while I'm there. Thanks for your kind words and support. Would love to catch up while I'm there. September is the target ETA. Thanks again-Laury
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | February 20, 2014 at 01:30 AM
Do your folks still live in that house? I lived on Hereford for 17 years and drove past the house all of the time thinking that surely it must be occupied by someone else. You will never be sorry that you returned to help out. Having lost my mother a year ago last month, I can tell you that her final year was exhausting, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I was glad I was on hand every day. Be in touch when you get back to town.
Posted by: Pattie R-T | February 20, 2014 at 01:14 AM
Thanks Laurie-believe me, I know how fortunate I am that it is even a choice that I can make. Maybe I should ask if you have any pointers for us? I know everyone is different, but sometimes there are pearls of wisdom floating around out there. Love, Laury
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | February 19, 2014 at 06:51 PM
Being a force for good...you might need to keep me away from the Krispy Cremes-Pretzels I think I can justify-Love you-Looking forward to our time this fall-Moi
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | February 19, 2014 at 06:49 PM
I'm looking forward to you being here for the final 4 of this year! Yes, I see lots of Auntie Anne's in our future! We'll be a force for good! Love, KB
Posted by: Kathleen | February 19, 2014 at 06:23 PM
Such a poignant share, Laury. It got me remembering my parents' last couple of years, and my being there. They even had a pair of stained glass windows in their house much like the one you show here! It sounds like a good choice, to return to the fold and pitch in. oxo Laurie
Posted by: Lauriepentell | February 19, 2014 at 04:02 PM